Visa Requirements for Vietnam for Indian Citizens (November 2026)

Vietnam has become one of the most popular short-haul destinations for Indian travellers. Direct flights from major Indian cities, good value and a long list of sights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City make it an easy choice. Indian citizens do need a visa, but the e-visa system makes the process quick and fully online.

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. Indian passport holders are not on Vietnam's visa exemption list, so you need a visa for tourism, business or family visits. The main exception is Phu Quoc island, which allows visa-free stays of up to 30 days for most nationalities, including Indians, if you fly there directly without passing through mainland immigration.

The Vietnam e-visa

Vietnam's e-visa is open to citizens of all countries. Key features:

• Valid for up to 90 days
• Available as single-entry or multiple-entry
• Can be used for tourism, business and visiting relatives
• Accepted at major airports, land borders and seaports

The official fee is around US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry. Many unofficial websites charge far more, so apply only through Vietnam's official immigration portal.

Documents you will need

• A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with blank pages
• A clear scan of your passport photo page
• A recent passport-style photo with a plain background
• Your planned entry and exit dates and the port of entry
• Your address in Vietnam, such as a hotel
• A card for online payment

Processing time

Most e-visas are processed in about three to five working days. Delays happen around Vietnamese public holidays such as Tet, so apply at least two weeks before you travel. Check every detail carefully before submitting. A single mistake in your name or passport number can lead to refusal at the border, and correcting errors is not always possible.

Arriving in Vietnam

Print your approved e-visa and keep a digital copy. At immigration, show your passport and e-visa. Officers may ask about your hotel and return ticket, so keep those handy. Make sure you enter through the port named on your e-visa, as this is sometimes checked.

Business and long stays

The e-visa covers short business trips such as meetings and trade fairs. If you plan to work in Vietnam, you need a work permit and the correct visa category, usually arranged through your employer.

Common questions

Can I get a visa on arrival in Vietnam?

Visa on arrival requires pre-approval through a sponsor and is now rarely needed. The e-visa is simpler for most Indian travellers.

Can I extend my e-visa?

Extensions are possible in some cases through a sponsor, but it is usually easier to apply for the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa from the start.

Mistakes that cause problems at the border

Most travel problems linked to Vietnam for Indian Citizens come from small oversights rather than refusals. Airlines deny boarding more often than immigration officers do, usually because a passport is too close to expiry, an online authorisation was never approved, or the traveller cannot show an onward ticket. Another common issue is mixing up stay limits, especially when a trip covers several countries with different rules. Before you leave, write down your permitted length of stay, the date you must exit, and the documents each border may ask to see. Keep digital and printed copies, since phones die and airport Wi-Fi fails at the worst moments.

Final tips

Apply early, use only the official portal, and double-check every detail. With your e-visa sorted, entry into Vietnam is usually quick. Confirm the latest fees and rules on the official site before you apply.