How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa from India: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Indian passport holders traveling to Vietnam must obtain a visa before departure. Vietnam offers multiple visa types depending on the purpose and duration of your stay, and Indians can apply through the Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi, VFS Global centers, or via the e-visa portal. This guide covers everything you need to know: visa categories, eligibility, documents, fees, application steps, processing times, and common pitfalls.

Last updated: May 2025. Visa policies and fees may change; always verify current requirements on the official Vietnam e-visa portal or embassy website before applying.

Visa Types for Indian Passport Holders

Vietnam offers three primary visa pathways for Indian tourists and business travelers:

1. Vietnam E-Visa

The e-visa is the most convenient option for short stays. Key features:

Validity: 90 days (single or multiple entry)
Stay duration: Up to 90 days
Processing time: 3 business days
Fee: USD 25 (~₹2,100 as of the latest update)
Eligibility: Tourism, business, transit, family visits
Entry points: All international airports, land borders, and seaports

Indian citizens can apply online through the official e-visa portal. The approved e-visa is sent via email; print a copy to present at Vietnamese immigration.

2. Visa on Arrival (with Pre-Approval Letter)

Though called “visa on arrival,” this route requires a pre-approval letter arranged through a Vietnamese travel agency or visa service provider before you fly. Upon landing at select airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc), you collect a visa stamp.

Validity: 15, 30, or 90 days (single or multiple entry)
Fee: Pre-approval letter ~₹500–1,500 (agency fee) + stamping fee USD 25 (single) or USD 50 (multiple entry), paid in cash at the airport
Processing time: 2–3 business days for the letter
Limitation: Valid only at international airports, not land borders

This option is popular but less reliable than the e-visa since it involves third-party agencies and airport queues.

3. Embassy or Consulate Visa

For long-term stays, study, work, or stays exceeding 90 days, you must apply at the Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi or through VFS Global centers in India.

Validity: 1 month to 12 months (single or multiple entry)
Fee: Varies by duration; 1-month single-entry ~₹2,500–3,000
Processing time: 5–7 business days (standard); 1–2 days (express, additional fee)
Suitable for: Business, employment, family visits, or tourism exceeding 90 days

Document Checklist

Regardless of visa type, prepare these documents:

For E-Visa

Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date, with at least 2 blank pages
Digital passport photo: Recent color photo, JPEG/PNG format, max 1 MB
Passport bio-data page scan: Clear, color scan in PDF or JPEG
Entry/exit dates and port: Specify your arrival airport or border crossing
Contact details: Email and phone number
Payment method: Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay)

For Embassy/VFS Visa

Passport: Original, valid for 6+ months, with 2 blank pages
Passport-size photos: 2 recent color photos (4×6 cm, white background)
Visa application form: Download from the embassy website or VFS portal, filled accurately
Flight itinerary: Round-trip reservation or confirmed tickets
Hotel booking: Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay
Covering letter: For business visas, a letter from your employer or inviting Vietnamese company
Bank statements: Last 3–6 months, showing sufficient funds (~₹50,000+ recommended)
Travel insurance: Not mandatory but recommended

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for E-Visa (Recommended for Most Travelers)

Visit the official portal: Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Fill the online form: Enter personal details, passport information, entry/exit dates, and point of entry
Upload documents: Passport scan and photo (ensure clarity and correct file size)
Pay the fee: USD 25 via credit/debit card
Note your registration code: Save the code sent to your email to track your application
Check status: Use the code to check progress after 3 business days
Download and print e-visa: Once approved, download the PDF and print at least 2 copies

Common mistakes:

Uploading unclear passport scans or oversized photos
Entering incorrect passport numbers or entry dates
Forgetting to print the e-visa; Vietnamese immigration will not accept digital versions on phones

Applying via VFS Global or Embassy

Book an appointment: Visit the VFS Global website and book a slot at the nearest center (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad)
Prepare documents: Print and fill the visa application form; gather all required documents
Visit the center: Submit your passport, application, and supporting documents
Pay the fee: At the VFS center (cash, card, or demand draft). Embassy visa fees + VFS service charge (~₹1,000–1,500)
Collect biometrics: Fingerprints and photo (if required)
Track your application: Use the reference number provided
Collect passport: Return to the center or opt for courier delivery (additional fee ~₹400–600)

Processing time: 5–7 business days for standard; 1–2 days for express (add ~₹1,500–2,000).

Visa Fees in INR (As of Latest Update)

| Visa Type | Validity | Fee (Approx.) | |-----------|----------|---------------| | E-visa (single entry) | 90 days | ₹2,100 | | E-visa (multiple entry) | 90 days | ₹2,100 | | Embassy 1-month single | 30 days | ₹2,500–3,000 | | Embassy 1-month multiple | 30 days | ₹4,000–4,500 | | Embassy 3-month single | 90 days | ₹5,000–5,500 | | Embassy 3-month multiple | 90 days | ₹7,000–8,000 | | VFS service charge | — | ₹1,000–1,500 |

Exchange rates fluctuate; USD fees are converted at the prevailing rate. Always confirm on the official portal or with VFS.

Timelines and When to Apply

E-visa: Apply at least 5–7 days before departure (3 days processing + buffer)
Embassy/VFS visa: Apply 2–3 weeks in advance (7 days processing + courier)
Peak season (November–March): Add 2–3 extra days; tourism demand is high

Avoid applying during Vietnamese public holidays (Lunar New Year in late January/February), as embassies and processing centers close.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

Passport validity under 6 months: Renew your passport before applying
Incorrect or mismatched information: Double-check passport number, name spelling, and dates
Blurry or non-compliant photo/scan: Use high-resolution images; follow size and format guidelines
Insufficient funds: Show bank statements with a healthy balance
Incomplete application form: Fill all mandatory fields; don’t leave sections blank
Criminal record or prior visa violations: Vietnam conducts background checks; prior overstays or bans will lead to rejection
Suspicious travel history: Frequent short-term visits may raise red flags

If rejected, the fee is non-refundable. Reapply only after addressing the stated reason.

Entry and Exit Requirements

At Vietnamese immigration:

Present your printed e-visa or visa stamp, passport, and onward/return ticket
Fill in an arrival/departure card (distributed on the flight or at immigration)
Immigration officers may ask about your accommodation and return plans; keep hotel bookings and itinerary handy
Ensure your visa type matches your purpose (e.g., tourism vs. business)

Overstaying: Fines range from USD 25 for 1–15 days to USD 500+ for over 60 days, plus potential bans. Exit on or before your visa expiry.

Who Should Apply for Which Visa?

Short leisure or business trip (up to 90 days): E-visa
Last-minute travel and landing at Hanoi/HCMC airports: Visa on arrival with pre-approval letter
Long-term stay, work, or study: Embassy visa
Multiple short trips within a year: Embassy 3-month or 6-month multiple-entry visa

Vietnam is a growing destination for Indian travelers, with Marriott appointing a dedicated vice president for the Vietnam market and more direct flights from Indian cities. If you’re planning a multi-country Southeast Asia trip, check our guide on how Indians should carry money abroad—prepaid forex cards and UPI options can save you significantly on transaction fees.

Tips for a Smooth Application

Use the official e-visa portal only: Avoid third-party websites that charge inflated fees
Keep digital and physical copies: Email yourself the e-visa PDF and carry two printed copies
Apply with correct entry dates: E-visas are date-specific; entering before or after your declared dates can cause issues
Check entry point eligibility: Not all land borders accept e-visas; verify on the official portal
Travel insurance: While not mandatory, insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations is wise
Contact the embassy for clarifications: The Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi can answer specific queries; don’t rely solely on forums

Vietnam’s visa process for Indians is straightforward if you prepare thoroughly. E-visas handle the vast majority of tourist and short business trips, while embassy visas cater to longer or specialized stays. With the right documents, accurate information, and timely application, your Vietnam visa approval is a formality—leaving you free to plan temple visits in Hanoi, cruises in Ha Long Bay, or motorbike routes through the northern highlands.