Vietnam has quickly become one of the most sought-after travel destinations for Indian travellers, and it is easy to understand why. From the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and the ancient lantern-lit streets of Hoi An to the buzzing street food markets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam delivers an unforgettable experience at a fraction of the cost of European or American travel. But before you pack your bags and book your flights, you need to sort your Vietnam visa for Indians. The great news is that getting a Vietnam e-Visa in 2026 is simpler, faster, and more affordable than ever before. In this complete guide, we cover everything an Indian traveller needs to know — visa types, current fees, required documents, step-by-step application on the official portal, common rejection reasons, and expert tips to ensure your Vietnam visa is approved without any hassle.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam for most types of travel. Vietnam is not a fully visa-free country for Indians. However, there is one important exception: Phu Quoc Island, where Indian citizens can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, provided they arrive directly at Phu Quoc International Airport or the island’s seaport and remain on the island throughout their stay.
For all other destinations in Vietnam — including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Nha Trang, and more — Indian travellers need a valid Vietnam visa or e-Visa before arrival.
The most popular and convenient option for most Indian tourists is the Vietnam e-Visa, which can be applied for entirely online through the official government portal. No embassy visit, no agent fees, no complicated process.
Types of Vietnam Visa for Indians
Here are the main visa options available to Indian passport holders:
- Vietnam e-Visa (Most Popular): The official online electronic visa introduced for Indian citizens. Available as single-entry (30 days) or multiple-entry (90 days). Applied at evisa.gov.vn.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): Requires a pre-arranged Visa Approval Letter obtained through a licensed Vietnamese travel agency before travel. Only valid for arrival by air at major international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and a few others. Not available at land or sea borders.
- Embassy Visa (Sticker Visa): Applied at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in India (New Delhi or Chennai). Required for long-stay visas, work visas, and study visas.
- Business Visa (DN): For Indians travelling for business meetings, conferences, or work assignments in Vietnam.
- Student Visa (DH): For Indians enrolled in Vietnamese educational institutions.
- Phu Quoc Visa-Free: 30-day visa-free stay exclusively for Phu Quoc Island for Indian citizens.
For the vast majority of Indian tourists, the Vietnam e-Visa is the best and most straightforward option — affordable, fast, and completely online.
Vietnam e-Visa Fees for Indians 2026
Here is a clear breakdown of current Vietnam visa fees for Indian citizens:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (Approx. INR) | Validity | Stay Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Visa (Single Entry) | USD 25 | Rs. 2,100 | 90 days from issue | Up to 90 days |
| e-Visa (Multiple Entry) | USD 50 | Rs. 4,200 | 90 days from issue | Up to 90 days |
| Visa on Arrival (Stamping Fee) | USD 25 (single) / USD 50 (multiple) | Rs. 2,100 / Rs. 4,200 | As per approval letter | As stamped |
| Embassy Sticker Visa | USD 50 to USD 100 | Rs. 4,200 to Rs. 8,400 | Varies | As stamped |
| Phu Quoc Visa-Free | Free | Free | 30 days | 30 days on island only |
Note: Fees are paid online in USD during the e-Visa application process. The INR equivalent is approximate and depends on the exchange rate at the time of payment. There are no additional hidden charges on the official evisa.gov.vn portal.
Vietnam e-Visa: Special Note on Phu Quoc
If your Vietnam trip is focused on beach relaxation and island life, Phu Quoc Island offers a rare visa-free exception for Indian travellers. Indian citizens can stay on Phu Quoc Island for up to 30 days without any visa — completely free — provided they:
- Arrive directly at Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) or at the island’s seaport
- Remain on Phu Quoc Island throughout their stay (they cannot travel to mainland Vietnam or other islands without a separate visa)
- Hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
This is a fantastic option for Indian travellers who want a relaxing beach holiday in Vietnam without the hassle of applying for a visa. However, if you plan to explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, or any other destination in Vietnam, you will need a valid e-Visa or other visa.
Documents Required for Vietnam Visa for Indians
Here is the complete checklist of documents you need to apply for a Vietnam visa or e-Visa:
For Vietnam e-Visa (Online Application):
- Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned arrival date in Vietnam
- Passport must have at least 2 blank visa pages
- Digital passport photo: 4×6 cm, white background (not grey — this is a very common mistake that causes rejection), no glasses, clear face, taken within the last 6 months
- Scanned copy of your passport bio page (photo page) in JPG or JPEG format
- Planned travel dates and exact entry and exit ports in Vietnam
- Valid email address to receive your approved e-Visa
- Valid debit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard) for online payment of USD 25 or USD 50
For Vietnam Visa on Arrival:
- Pre-arranged Visa Approval Letter from a licensed Vietnamese travel agency (obtained before travel)
- Valid Indian passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
- 2 passport photographs (4×6 cm, white background)
- USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry) stamping fee in cash at the airport
- Completed entry form (available at the VOA desk on arrival)
For Embassy Sticker Visa (Indian Embassy):
- Valid Indian passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
- Completed visa application form
- 2 recent passport photographs
- Confirmed return flight tickets
- Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Income proof (salary slips or ITR)
- Invitation letter (for business visas)
How to Apply for Vietnam e-Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
The Vietnam e-Visa is the recommended route for most Indian tourists in 2026. Here is how to apply on the official government portal:
- Go to the official portal: Visit evisa.gov.vn — this is Vietnam’s official government e-Visa portal. Do not use any third-party sites, which may charge extra fees.
- Select your nationality: Choose India (IN) as your nationality from the drop-down list.
- Choose visa type: Select E-Visa and choose between single-entry or multiple-entry based on your travel plans. For a straightforward holiday, single-entry at USD 25 is sufficient.
- Fill in your travel details: Enter your intended entry date, exit date, and most importantly — your exact entry and exit ports (e.g., Noi Bai Airport for Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat Airport for Ho Chi Minh City). You MUST enter through the port specified on your e-Visa, so plan carefully.
- Upload your documents: Upload a recent passport photo (white background, JPG format) and a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Ensure both meet the technical requirements — wrong background colour is the most common rejection cause for Indian applicants.
- Fill in personal details: Enter your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issue date, and expiry date exactly as they appear in your Indian passport. Double-check every detail.
- Review your application: Before submitting, carefully review all information. A mismatch in any detail can cause entry issues even if your e-Visa is approved.
- Pay the fee online: Pay USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry) using a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. Indian cards generally work well on this portal.
- Wait for approval: Processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days. You will receive your approved e-Visa via email.
- Download and save your e-Visa: Download the e-Visa document (PDF) and save both a digital copy and a printed copy. Carry the printout with you — some Vietnamese border officials require it.
Pro Tip: Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before your travel date to allow enough time for processing and any corrections if needed. Do not leave it to the last minute.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival: How It Works for Indians
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is another option available for Indian citizens, but it is slightly more complex than the e-Visa. Here is how it works:
You must first obtain a Visa Approval Letter from a licensed Vietnamese travel agency or visa service provider before you fly to Vietnam. This letter is obtained online in advance — it is not truly a “visa on arrival” in the sense that you can just show up. Once you have the approval letter, you present it at the VOA counter at the Vietnamese airport, complete the entry form, pay the stamping fee (USD 25 single entry or USD 50 multiple entry) in cash, and receive your visa sticker.
Important: VOA is only valid at international airports — Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), and a few others. It is NOT available at land border crossings or seaports. Given that the e-Visa is now equally affordable and much more straightforward, most Indian travellers prefer the e-Visa route over VOA.
Vietnam Visa Processing Time for Indians
- Vietnam e-Visa: 3 to 7 working days (some applicants report approval within 24 to 48 hours)
- Visa on Arrival (Approval Letter): 1 to 3 working days to receive the approval letter from the agency
- Embassy Sticker Visa: 5 to 10 working days from the date of application
- Business or Student Visa: 10 to 15 working days
Apply well in advance — especially during peak travel seasons (October to April) when processing times may be slightly longer due to higher application volumes.
Common Vietnam Visa Rejection Reasons for Indians
Understanding why Vietnam visa applications get rejected is crucial to getting yours right. Here are the top rejection reasons specifically affecting Indian applicants:
- Wrong photo background colour: This is the single biggest rejection cause for Indian applicants — approximately 40% of rejections happen because of a grey photo background. Vietnam’s e-Visa portal specifically requires a pure white background. Indian photography studios typically use grey by default. Always use a photo with a pure white background, and use a free tool like remove.bg to convert your background before uploading if needed.
- Low-quality passport scan: The passport bio page scan must be clear, in colour, and high-resolution. Blurry or shadow-obscured scans are rejected automatically.
- Wrong entry or exit port: You must enter and exit Vietnam through the exact ports specified on your e-Visa. Applying for entry at Hanoi but arriving at Ho Chi Minh City will void your visa immediately. Plan your itinerary carefully before submitting.
- Passport validity below 6 months: Your Indian passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your planned arrival date in Vietnam.
- Incorrect personal details: Any mismatch between your application form and your passport — name spelling, date of birth, passport number — can cause rejection or denial of entry.
- Date mismatch: The travel dates on your e-Visa application must align exactly with your actual travel plans. Even a one-day difference can cause problems at the immigration counter.
- Using a third-party portal: Applying through an unofficial third-party website increases the risk of errors, data theft, and overpayment.
Expert Tips to Get Your Vietnam Visa Approved
- Always apply on the official evisa.gov.vn portal: This is the only legitimate Vietnamese government e-Visa website. Avoid third-party intermediaries.
- Use a pure white background photo: Do not use your standard passport photo from an Indian studio without checking the background colour. Convert it to pure white if needed using free online tools.
- Specify your exact entry and exit ports: Think through your entire Vietnam itinerary before applying and specify the ports you will actually use.
- Apply early: Submit your application at least 2 to 3 weeks before travel to allow ample processing time and room for corrections.
- Double-check all personal details: Compare every field in your application with your passport before submitting.
- Carry both digital and printed copies of your e-Visa: Have it on your phone and carry a printout in your travel documents folder.
- Book real accommodations and flights: If you are applying for a longer-stay visa through the embassy, showing confirmed hotel bookings and return tickets significantly strengthens your application.
- Keep your finances in order: If applying for an embassy visa, show regular income and bank savings. Prior international travel history also helps.
Apply for Your Vietnam Visa with VisaForTrip
At VisaForTrip, we help Indian travellers navigate the Vietnam visa process quickly and correctly — from document review to complete application support. Whether you are applying for an e-Visa, need a VOA approval letter, or want expert guidance on the full process, our team has you covered.
Prefer to talk to an expert first? Chat with our WhatsApp visa consultant — free consultation, fast response, zero stress.
Also explore our guides on Thailand Visa for Indians, Singapore Visa for Indians, and Malaysia Visa for Indians for more Southeast Asia travel planning.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vietnam Visa for Indians
1. Is Vietnam visa free for Indians?
Vietnam is not fully visa-free for Indian citizens. However, Phu Quoc Island offers a 30-day visa-free exception for Indians who arrive directly at Phu Quoc Airport or seaport and remain on the island. For all other Vietnamese destinations including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, and Da Nang, a valid visa or e-Visa is required.
2. How much does Vietnam visa cost for Indians in 2026?
The Vietnam e-Visa for Indians costs USD 25 (approximately Rs. 2,100) for a single-entry visa and USD 50 (approximately Rs. 4,200) for a multiple-entry visa. These are the official government fees paid on evisa.gov.vn. There are no additional charges on the official portal.
3. How do I apply for Vietnam e-Visa as an Indian citizen?
Apply directly on the official Vietnamese government portal at evisa.gov.vn. Select India as your nationality, choose single or multiple entry, fill in your travel details and personal information (matching your passport exactly), upload a passport photo with white background and a passport bio page scan, then pay USD 25 or USD 50 online. Processing takes 3 to 7 working days and your approved e-Visa will be sent by email.
4. How long can Indians stay in Vietnam on an e-Visa?
The Vietnam e-Visa allows Indian citizens to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days. The e-Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Vietnam within this validity window. The single-entry e-Visa allows one entry and exit, while the multiple-entry e-Visa allows unlimited entries and exits within the 90-day validity.
5. How long does Vietnam e-Visa processing take for Indians?
Vietnam e-Visa processing for Indians typically takes 3 to 7 working days. Some applicants receive approval within 24 to 48 hours. Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before your travel date to allow time for processing and any corrections if your application needs revision.
6. Can I get Vietnam visa on arrival as an Indian citizen?
Yes, Indian citizens can use Visa on Arrival (VOA) but only at major international airports in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang). VOA is not available at land or sea borders. You must first obtain a Visa Approval Letter from a licensed Vietnamese travel agency before flying. At the airport, you pay the stamping fee (USD 25 single, USD 50 multiple) in cash and receive your visa sticker. Most Indian travellers now prefer the e-Visa as it is equally affordable and more convenient.
7. Why was my Vietnam visa rejected and what should I do?
Common reasons for Vietnam visa rejection for Indian applicants include: grey photo background (must be pure white), low-quality passport scan, incorrect personal details, wrong entry or exit port, or passport with less than 6 months validity. If rejected, correct all issues identified, use a fresh white-background photo, double-check all details against your passport, and reapply. There is no mandatory waiting period after rejection — but take your time to fix all errors before submitting again.