Navigating Vietnam: A Guide to Visas for Indian Tourists

Vietnam, a captivating blend of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture, beckons travelers from across the globe. For Indian tourists, planning a trip to this Southeast Asian gem involves understanding the visa requirements and navigating the application process. This essay will provide a comprehensive guide to Vietnam visas for Indian citizens, covering visa types, terms and conditions, and answering frequently asked questions.

Briefs about Vietnam visa for Indians

• All Indian passport holders MUST have a valid visa to visit Vietnam
• A Vietnam visa should be applied for at least 7 working days in advance (excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays of Vietnam)
• Vietnam e visa online is highly recommended for Indians thanks to its convenience and easy application. Visa on arrival is recommended for air travelers needing an emergency tourist visa, or a business visa.
• A Vietnam evisa is good for up to 90 days (including entry and exit dates), single or multiple entry.
• To speed up the Vietnam arrival procedure at airport, Vietnam arrival Fast-track service is highly recommended.
• A Vietnam visa for Indians can be applied for by themself at the Immigration website.

Visa Types for Indian Tourists

There are two primary visa options for Indian citizens traveling to Vietnam:

E-visa

The electronic visa (e-visa) is a convenient and increasingly popular option. From 15th August 2023, Vietnam grants e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories with 90-day stay duration and valid for multiple entry.

Preparations

In order to get an eVisa for Vietnam, Indian citizens need to guarantee the following things:

• Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months of your entry into Vietnam and should have at least 2 black pages.
• You have a soft copy of your full passport personal detail page (in jpeg format)
• You have a soft copy of your portrait (in jpeg format).
• You have a credit card/debit card to make payment.

Steps

• Complete our secure online visa application form and pay the fees: Single entry visa $25 and Multiple entry visa $50.
• Get the evisa letter to be delivered to your registered email within your requested processing time.
• Download your evisa letter and show it to the Vietnam Immigration Officer to complete the entry into Vietnam.

Notes

Here is the list of border gates that allowed foreigners enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa.

• 13 international airports: Noi Bai (Ha Noi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Nang, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Phu Bai (Thua Thien Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Cat (Binh Dinh), Lien Khuong (Lam Dong).
• 16 land border gates: Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang).
• 13 sea border gates: Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang).

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

This option grants a single-entry visa valid for 15 days. It is available upon arrival at designated international airports in Vietnam, and can be extended for an additional 15 days within the country.

Eligibility

Indian citizens holding valid passports with at least 6 months of validity are eligible.

Steps

• Pre-Approval: It’s highly recommended to obtain pre-approval for a VOA through a travel agency or online service. This step is not mandatory, but it can expedite the process at the airport.
• Arrival at Designated Airport: Upon arrival at one of the designated international airports in Vietnam (like Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City), proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter.
• Submit Documents: Present your passport (with at least 6 months of validity), a completed visa application form (available at the airport), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of health insurance.
• Pay the Fee: The cost for a visa approval letter for Indian passport holders is as follows: $35 for a one-month, single-entry or multiple-entry visa, $45 for a three-month, single-entry visa, $65 for a three-month, multiple-entry visa.
• Receive Visa: After your documents are reviewed, you’ll receive your visa stamped in your passport.

Visa Terms and Conditions

• Eligibility: Indian citizens holding valid passports with at least 6 months of validity are eligible for both e-visas and VOAs.
• Purpose of Visit: The visa application must specify the purpose of visit, whether it’s for tourism, business, or other purposes.
• Visa Fees: There are associated fees for both e-visas and VOAs. The exact fee varies depending on the processing time and can be paid online or upon arrival.
• Required Documents: The application process typically requires a valid passport, a visa application form, and a recent passport-sized photograph.
• Health Insurance: Most visa applications require proof of health insurance, which should cover medical expenses in Vietnam.
• Travel Itinerary: Providing a detailed travel itinerary, including dates of arrival and departure, intended destinations, and accommodation details, is recommended.
• Visa Extension: If you need to extend your stay beyond the initial visa duration, apply for an extension at the Immigration Department within Vietnam before your visa expires.

FAQs About Vietnam Visas for Indian Tourists

• Q: Can I apply for a visa online?
  • A: Yes, Indian citizens can apply for an e-visa online through the official Vietnamese government website.
• Q: What are the requirements for an e-visa?
  • A: You will need a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of health insurance. The e-visa application form will require you to provide your travel information, including intended dates of stay and destinations.
• Q: How long does it take to process an e-visa?
  • A: The processing time for an e-visa can vary, but generally takes 3-5 working days.
• Q: Can I apply for a visa on arrival?
  • A: Yes, a visa on arrival is available at designated airports in Vietnam. You will need a valid passport, a visa application form, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of health insurance.
• Q: How do I apply for a visa on arrival?
  • A: Upon arrival at the airport, you will be directed to a visa-on-arrival counter where you will need to submit your documents and pay the visa fee.
• Q: Can I extend my visa in Vietnam?
  • A: Yes, a visa on arrival can be extended for an additional 15 days within Vietnam. You will need to apply for the extension at the Immigration Department.
• Q: What happens if my visa expires before I leave Vietnam?
  • A: If your visa expires before you leave Vietnam, you will be subject to fines and possible deportation.
• Q: Is it possible to travel to Vietnam without a visa?
  • A: For short stays, some nationalities can enter Vietnam visa-free, but this does not apply to Indian citizens.
• Q: Is there a specific website where I can find more information about Vietnam visas?
  • A: The official website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides comprehensive information about visa requirements, procedures.

Conclusion

Traveling to Vietnam with an e-visa or a visa on arrival is relatively straightforward. However, it is essential to carefully review the visa requirements and adhere to the application process to avoid any complications. Plan ahead, gather the necessary documents, and ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months. With proper planning and preparation, you can embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the captivating beauty and rich culture of Vietnam.