Cradled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is home to some of the world’s largest caves, national parks, and various landscapes, from the dense Mekong Delta in the south to the tumultuous mountains of the north. Vietnam is a land of contrasts where ancient traditions and architecture harmonise with quickly growing modernity. Vietnam is popular for its tourist attractions ranging from terraced rice fields of the Mekong Delta to emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands of Halong Bay. It offers a journey through history and time through the iconic streets of Hanoi and the culturally enriched hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.  

Vietnam is the perfect blend of history and culture offering warm hospitality and a culinary feast at every corner. All these factors combined make Vietnam a popular tourist destination. And if you have been planning to travel to the Land of the Ascending Dragon, we have got you covered. Here is everything you must know about Vietnam Visa for Indians. 

What is a Vietnam Visa for Indians?

In recent years Vietnam has emerged as a popular travel destination for Indians for plenty of reasons including its proximity to India and rapid increase in the number of direct flights to Vietnam. However, to enter the country for tourism or business opportunities, Indians need visa approval from the embassy or consulate of Vietnam in India.

To summarise, a Vietnam visa is an official document issued by the Vietnam Embassy in India when applied through the Embassy or Consulate. If applied online, an electronic visa is issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. 

Types of Visas for Vietnam 

Tourist Visa 

It is the most popular category of visa as Vietnam is evolving as a popular tourist attraction for Indians. Tourist visas are generally issued in case the applicant wants to explore the country, visit family and friends, etc. 

Business Visa 

It is usually needed if the applicant is visiting Vietnam for official business purposes. The business visa can be valid for a single entry or multiple entries with a validity of up to 1 year.

Visa on Arrival 

Indians travelling to Vietnam might opt for the visa-on-arrival option if their trip is for longer than 30 days. There are certain other benefits of a Vietnam visa on arrival such as multiple entries on the same visa, longer validity, etc. 

Vietnam Visa Requirements

The applicants have to meet certain requirements to qualify for the Vietnam Visa. Here are all the requirements; 

• Valid Passport – It is the most basic requirement. A valid passport with a minimum 6-month validity from the date of entry into Japan is necessary. 

• Photograph – Recent passport-sized colour photograph with a white background.   

• Travel Itinerary – An itinerary with clear travel plans around Vietnam is a must-have document.   

• Completed Visa Application Form – A completed and signed application is one of the important Vietnam visa requirements. 

• Proof of Accommodation – Providing proof of accommodation in the form of hotel reservations, a local address or any other documentation that shows where you are staying is an important requirement.

• Proof of sufficient funds – Proving financial capability to cover your expenses during your stay in Vietnam is a compulsory step. It can be done through income tax returns, salary slips, etc.

• Confirmed Returned Air tickets – It shows the intention to leave Vietnam once the visa expires. 

• Letter of Approval – The candidates will need to provide a letter of approval issued by the consulate or Embassy of Vietnam in India. It is required only in the case of a Vietnam visa on arrival. 

Process of Vietnam Visa for Indians

The steps involved in the process of the Vietnam travel visa can be lengthy and complicated requiring time and effort on the applicant’s behalf. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for a Vietnam visa for Indians. 

These are the steps to follow while applying for a Vietnam visa online.

Step 1:

The candidates need to visit the online Vietnam visa portal, register an account and fill out the application containing personal information, travel details and so on. 

Step 2:

You will have to upload the necessary documents at this point so it is a good practice to have all the required documents ready. 

Step 3:

Review your application for any possible mistakes or discrepancies and submit it once satisfied. 

Step 4:

In the next step, you can pay the required fee for a Vietnam visa. 

Step 5:

Download the PDF file once the visa is issued. You can also carry print-outs of the same with you. 

Here are the steps to follow while applying for a Vietnam visa in person.

Step 1:

The first step entails collecting an application form available at the office of the Vietnam Embassy, you may also find a copy available for print on their website. Complete the application form with all the required details. 

Step 2:

Attach all the required documents along with the completed visa application form to fulfil the Vietnam visa requirements.

Step 3:

The applicants are required to submit the completed form with all the required documents at the Vietnam Embassy in Delhi or the Vietnam Consulate General in Mumbai.  

Step 4:

The next step involves paying the required fee depending on the type of visa. 

Step 5:

In the final scratch of the process of a Vietnam travel visa, the application is processed and after the waiting period, a suitable visa is issued. 

After a nominal waiting period reserved for processing the visa application, the Embassy of Vietnam in Delhi will issue a visa. Usually, the visa is applicable for 90 days with single or multiple entries permitted based on the applicant’s requirement. The visa and the passport have to be collected from the destination country’s embassy, in this case, Vietnam. 

Applying for a Vietnam visa is a fairly simple process with a high level of success for Indian applicants. Vietnam also provides multiple different types of visas and other immigration services like visa on arrival, multiple entry visas, etc to make the country more accessible. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can Indians enter Vietnam without a visa?

As of May 2024, Indian citizens are required to acquire visas to enter Vietnam. Certain steps fast-track the process but there is no visa-free entry for Indians. 

2. Are Indian citizens allowed to apply for visa-on-arrival at the airport?

Unfortunately, no. A Letter of Approval from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in India has to be obtained by the applicant before travelling. This will enable them to successfully immigrate with visa-on-arrival at the airport of entry into Vietnam. 

3. How long in advance should I apply for an approval letter/visa?

You can apply for a visa or an approval letter at your convenience. However, to be on the safer side, it is suggested that you apply for the required documents a month or two in advance to avoid any last-minute changes. 

4. What is the cost of a tourist visa to Vietnam?

The visa cost depends on a combination of factors such as the duration of the stay, whether you want a single-entry visa or multiple-entry, etc. For an exact quote, please visit the official website of the Vietnam Embassy in India. You can also inquire in person.  

5. Will I get a refund if my Vietnam visa application is rejected?

No, the application fee for a Vietnam visa is non-refundable.