Vietnam Visa For Indians (and other nationals)

Quick answer: Indians and almost all other nationals need a visa for Vietnam. A visa on arrival is only possible when you fly into one of the three international airports, and you must first get a visa approval letter online, which takes 2–3 days. If you arrive by land or sea, you must get your visa before you arrive.

Last updated: 23 December 2017.

Who Needs a Vietnam Visa?

A visa is required for almost all citizens to enter Vietnam, including Indians. The exception is nationalities included in the Vietnam visa exemption list approved by the Vietnamese Government. The exemption is granted to the following:

• Citizens of Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos – up to 30 days.
• Citizens of the Philippines – up to 21 days.
• Citizens of Sweden, Japan, Denmark, South Korea, Norway, Finland and Russia – up to 15 days.
• Citizens of Brunei and Myanmar – up to 14 days.
• Citizens of France holding valid official or diplomatic passports – up to 90 days.
• Citizens of Chile holding valid official or diplomatic passports – up to 90 days.
• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies – up to 60 days.

Phu Quoc Island Exemption

If you enter through an international border gate to travel to Phu Quoc Island for a stay of less than 30 days, you do not need a visa. However, your passport must be valid for at least 45 days.

If, after arriving on Phu Quoc, you want to travel to other cities in Vietnam or stay on the island for more than 30 days, the immigration department will issue a visa on the spot.

How the Vietnam Visa on Arrival Works

To enter Vietnam, you must obtain a visa approval letter. You show it at the check-in desk of your airline and again at the immigration counter once you land in Vietnam.

The “Vietnam Visa approval letter” is a document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It is regarded as an official permit that allows you to board your flight to Vietnam and get a visa stamped on arrival at the airport.

Prices vary from $21 to $34 (plus a $25 stamping fee at the airport), depending on the type of visa, the number of people applying, the processing time and any extra services you choose.

How to Get a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

Getting an approval letter is hassle-free. Just search for “Vietnam Visa” on Google and you will be flooded with websites of agencies offering the service, most of them at a standard price.

Once on an agency’s website, check if your country is entitled to a visa on arrival. If it is, fill in the online application accurately with the following details:

• Full name (exactly as in your passport)
• Date of birth (DOB)
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Proposed arrival date
• Proposed exit date
• Purpose of visit

Then pay the fee via PayPal or credit card. A confirmation email is sent once your payment is received, and normally within 2–3 working days you will receive an approval letter stamped by the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Are All Vietnam Visa Agencies Legit?

There are over a hundred agencies offering this service, and choosing one was the biggest dilemma I had when applying. Yes, there are some shady-looking agency websites offering similar services.

I have been to Vietnam twice and I chose VietnamVisa.com; the process was convenient.

Kindly use the above affiliate link to get your approval letter from Vietnam-Visa.com; you won’t pay anything extra. The profit is shared between backpackways and Vietnam Visa, which helps me maintain this site.

Good to Know Before You Travel

• Arrival date: You cannot enter Vietnam before the arrival date on your approval letter, but a later entry is allowed. If you want to enter earlier, you need to apply for a new approval letter.
• Exit date: An earlier exit is allowed but a later one is not. To stay beyond your visa expiry date, you must apply for an extension.
• Air travel only: Visa on arrival applies to air travel only, since visas can only be stamped at the airport. If arriving by land or sea, contact an Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa.
• Port of entry: Changing your port of entry is no problem. The approval letter works at all three international airports – Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang Airport in Danang City – regardless of which one you listed in your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. India is not on the visa exemption list, so Indian citizens need a visa, such as a visa on arrival with an approval letter when flying in.

How long does a Vietnam visa approval letter take?

Normally 2–3 working days after payment.

How much does a Vietnam visa on arrival cost?

Agency fees range from $21 to $34, plus a $25 stamping fee at the airport.

Can I use a visa on arrival when crossing by land?

No. Visa on arrival only works at the three international airports; for land or sea arrivals, apply through an Embassy or Consulate.

Conclusion

Getting a Vietnam visa for Indians and most other nationals is simple if you fly in: apply for an approval letter online a few days ahead, carry it to check-in and immigration, and pay the stamping fee on arrival. Just double-check your dates and, if travelling overland, arrange your visa in advance.