Why Indian Travelers Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam

Vietnam has become one of the most loved destinations among Indian travelers. From the calm waters of Ha Long Bay to the historic streets of Hoi An, Vietnam offers beauty, culture, and adventure at every step. Whether it’s for a honeymoon, a solo backpacking trip, or a family vacation, Vietnam suits every kind of traveler. But before you start planning your itinerary, one question you must answer is: do Indians need visa for Vietnam? The short answer is yes. Indian citizens do require a visa to enter Vietnam. But thankfully, the process is now much simpler than it used to be. With digital application methods and quick approvals, traveling to Vietnam has become more convenient for Indians. Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Vietnam visa as an Indian citizen.

Why Indian Travelers Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam

While Vietnam offers visa-free access to citizens of several countries, India is not currently on that list. This means if you hold an Indian passport, you must apply for a visa before traveling to Vietnam. However, this should not discourage you because the visa application process has been made smooth and fast. The Vietnamese government has worked on improving tourism by introducing flexible visa policies, such as e-visas and visas on arrival. These options make it easy for Indian travelers to explore Vietnam without needing to visit an embassy in person. So, although a visa is required, it’s not something that should hold you back from booking your dream trip.

E-Visa: The Most Convenient Option for Indian Tourists

One of the easiest ways to get a visa to Vietnam as an Indian is through the e-visa system. Vietnam started offering e-visas to Indian nationals in recent years, and this online process is now widely used. All you need is an internet connection, a scanned copy of your passport, and a passport-sized photo. You visit the official Vietnam e-visa website, fill out the application form, upload your documents, and pay a small processing fee. Within three to five working days, you will receive your visa by email if your application is approved. This e-visa is valid for 30 days and allows single entry into the country.

The great thing about the e-visa is that you don’t have to deal with middlemen or agencies, unless you prefer assistance. It's a direct process managed by the Vietnamese immigration system, and it reduces a lot of paperwork. Plus, you can use the e-visa to enter Vietnam through many of its international airports, land borders, and seaports. If you’re entering the country through cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, the e-visa will work perfectly for you.

Visa on Arrival: Another Flexible Option for Air Travelers

Another common and trusted method of getting a visa is the Visa on Arrival system. Although this name may sound like you get the visa when you land, there’s a bit more to it. Before you board your flight, you need to apply online for a visa approval letter through a travel agency or a visa service provider. Once you receive this letter via email, you print it out and take it with you to Vietnam. At the airport, you head to the Visa on Arrival counter, present your documents, and pay a stamping fee. After that, the visa is placed in your passport.

This method is particularly useful if you are entering Vietnam through major international airports and you need a visa for a longer stay or for multiple entries. However, it’s important to note that the visa on arrival is only valid for air travel. If you’re planning to enter Vietnam by land or sea, you’ll need to apply for a different kind of visa, such as the e-visa or a traditional visa from the embassy.

Embassy Visa: Traditional, But Less Common Today

While online visa options have become more popular, some travelers still prefer the traditional route of applying for a visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in India. This method might be suitable for those planning a longer stay, applying for work or study purposes, or simply looking for peace of mind with a stamped visa in hand before departure. The process includes submitting your documents, such as your passport, application form, photos, and travel details, along with paying the visa fee. The embassy usually takes around five working days to process the application.

While this method works just fine, it does require you to travel to the nearest Vietnamese embassy or send your documents by courier. For most tourists and short-term visitors, the e-visa or visa on arrival is more practical and faster.

Costs and Validity of Vietnam Visa for Indian Travelers

The cost of a Vietnam visa for Indian citizens depends on the type of visa you choose. An e-visa typically costs around 25 USD, which is very affordable for most travelers. Visa on arrival may have two charges—one for the approval letter, usually paid to the online agency, and the other is the stamping fee paid at the airport, which starts at 25 USD for a single-entry visa. Multiple-entry and longer-stay visas will cost more. Despite the fees, most travelers find these options quite reasonable considering the ease and flexibility they offer.

As for validity, the e-visa is good for 30 days and single entry, which is perfect for most short holidays. Visa on arrival allows more options, such as multiple entries and extended stays, depending on what you apply for. Always check the expiration date and entry rules of your visa before making travel plans to avoid any last-minute issues.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Visa Process Hold You Back

So, to clearly answer the question—do Indians need visa for Vietnam? Yes, they do. But getting a visa for Vietnam is no longer a complicated or stressful process. With modern options like the e-visa and visa on arrival, Indian travelers can now visit Vietnam without long waits or embassy visits. These options are designed to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for international tourists, especially from countries like India where outbound tourism is growing fast.

As long as you plan ahead, prepare your documents, and apply through official or trusted platforms, getting a Vietnam visa is straightforward. Whether you’re drawn to the peaceful mountains of Sapa, the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City, or the historical charm of Hue, Vietnam is a country that warmly welcomes Indian tourists. So go ahead and start planning your trip—because the only thing standing between you and Vietnam’s beauty is a simple visa application.