Do Indian passport holders need a visa? How much does a Vietnam visa cost? How long does Vietnam visa approval take for Indians? These are some of the common questions that may arise when you are planning a holiday to Vietnam. For Indian travelers, understanding the visa requirements is an important part of preparing for the trip.

Vietnam's electronic visa system makes the application process accessible online, allowing eligible Indian travelers to apply before leaving for their holiday. However, getting the application details right is important, particularly when your flights, hotels, and sightseeing arrangements depend on fixed travel dates.

Vietnam offers e-visas for single or multiple entries, with a maximum validity of 90 days. The application requires a valid passport, a digital photograph, and accurate travel and personal information. The visa fee depends on the number of entries and approval is subject to the Vietnamese immigration authorities.

This blog explains the Vietnam visa requirements for Indians, including eligibility, documents, fees, the application process, processing time, validity, entry requirements, and mistakes to avoid. It also covers how IPR Holidays can help you plan the rest of your Vietnam trip.

Why Do Indian Travellers Need to Check Vietnam Visa Rules?

Indian citizens travelling to Vietnam for tourism generally need a visa, and the e-visa is a convenient option for eligible visitors. Applying online allows you to submit your documents, pay the government fee, and check the application result without making a separate visit to an embassy for a standard e-visa application.

The visa requirements matter because an application problem can affect your departure plans. Incorrect passport information, unsuitable photographs, or an application submitted too close to your travel date can create avoidable delays. The government visa fee is also non-refundable if the application is refused.

There is another detail worth remembering: a visa approval does not automatically guarantee admission into Vietnam. Travellers must carry the required documents and meet the applicable entry conditions when they arrive.

Before confirming your travel arrangements, check the latest requirements on Vietnam's official e-visa portal. It is the primary source for application instructions, fees, status checks, and the conditions applicable to e-visa holders.

Types of Vietnam Visas Available to Indians

The visa you need depends on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay and entry requirements. The following are the types of Vietnamese visa available to Indian nationals: 

Vietnam Tourist e-Visa: The tourist e-visa is the main option for eligible Indian travellers planning a holiday. It can be issued for single or multiple entries and has a maximum validity of 90 days. The actual validity dates appear on the approved visa, so do not assume every applicant receives the full 90-day period.

Vietnam Business Visa: Indian citizens visiting Vietnam for business meetings, commercial activities, or other professional purposes may require a business visa appropriate to their activities. The documentation and authorization can differ according to the purpose of the visit. Travellers undertaking employment or other regulated activities should check the relevant visa conditions before departure.

Other Visa Categories: Vietnam also has categories for purposes such as employment, study, investment, and family visits. These may involve additional eligibility requirements, sponsorship, or supporting documents. A tourist e-visa should not be treated as permission to undertake activities outside its authorized purpose.

Visa on Arrival: Visa on arrival should not be confused with a tourist e-visa. Travellers cannot assume they can simply arrive at a Vietnamese airport and obtain permission to enter without the necessary prior arrangements. Check the official rules for your specific situation before choosing this route.

For a conventional holiday, the e-visa is generally the most straightforward starting point for eligible Indian passport holders. If your plans involve work, study or another specialized purpose, check the applicable category instead.

Vietnam Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Before beginning your application, check that you meet the basic eligibility conditions.

• You must be outside Vietnam when applying through the individual e-visa route.
• You must hold a valid passport or eligible international travel document.
• You must not fall under the categories of travellers prohibited from entering Vietnam under its immigration laws.
• You must obtain the appropriate visa and use the permitted entry and exit checkpoints.

The Vietnam Immigration Department sets out these conditions on their official website. Indian travellers should also check their passport expiry date. The Embassy of Vietnam in India advises that the passport must remain valid for at least six months after the intended arrival date. If your passport is close to expiry, resolve the issue before applying or booking non-refundable travel arrangements.

Documents Required for a Vietnam Visa for Indians

Preparing the required documents before opening the application form can save time and reduce the chance of errors. For an individual e-visa application, the main uploads are an image of the passport information page and a recent portrait photograph. Here’s an overview of the major components that must be kept ready while applying for a Vietnam Visa:

1. Valid Indian passport: Keep your passport ready and check its expiry date. The biographical page should be clear and complete, including your photograph, passport number, personal details, and machine-readable lines.
2. Digital passport photograph: The Embassy's published instructions specify a 4 × 6 cm portrait photograph with a white background, facing forward without glasses. Follow the current technical specifications shown on the official application portal when preparing the image.
3. Passport information page scan: Upload a clear image of the complete passport information page. Avoid glare, shadows, cropped edges, and blurred text that could make your details difficult to identify.
4. Travel details: Keep your intended arrival date, departure date, accommodation information, and flight itinerary available while filling out the form. Enter the details requested by the application accurately. Additional supporting documents may be required depending on the visa category or your circumstances.
5. Payment method and registration details: Prepare a suitable payment method for the online government fee. After submitting your application, save the registration code and payment confirmation. You will need the registration code and other requested information to retrieve the application result.

If children are travelling with you, check the visa and passport requirements applicable to each child. Do not assume that a parent's visa approval covers other family members.

Vietnam Visa Fees for Indian Travellers

Vietnam's official e-visa fees depend on whether you need single-entry or multiple-entry permission.

Single-entry e-visa: Approximately INR 2,375 

This option is generally suitable for a holiday where you enter Vietnam once and leave the country at the end of your trip.

Multiple-entry e-visa: Approximately INR 4,750 

Important: These INR amounts are estimates based on the exchange rate on 20 October 2026. The final amount charged in Indian rupees may vary depending on the payment provider's exchange rate and applicable transaction fees. Vietnam's official e-visa application fee is non-refundable if the application is rejected. 

This option may be appropriate if your itinerary involves leaving Vietnam for another country and returning during the visa's validity period. The fees are payable through the official online payment facility. The amount charged in Indian rupees can vary with the exchange rate and any applicable charges imposed by your payment provider.

The government fee is non-refundable if the application is refused. It is also separate from any service charge you may pay a travel agency or visa assistance provider. You can check the latest fees on the official Vietnam e-visa portal before making payment. Avoid relying on outdated fee tables or assuming that a travel package automatically includes the government visa fee.

How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa Online

Indian travellers can apply for an e-visa through the official Vietnamese government portal. The process involves completing the form, uploading the required images, paying the fee and checking the application result. Here are the steps involved: 

Step 1: Visit the official portal: Open evisa.gov.vn and select the option for foreigners applying for an e-visa from outside Vietnam. Check the website address before entering personal information or paying a fee.

Step 2: Complete the application form: Enter your personal details, nationality, passport information, and other requested information. Write your full name in the same order as it appears in the machine-readable section at the bottom of your passport's biographical page, following the Embassy's guidance.

Step 3: Upload your documents: Upload the passport information page and portrait photograph in the required formats. Check that both images are clear, complete, and meet the portal's specifications.

Step 4: Select your visa details: Choose single or multiple entry according to your itinerary. Enter your intended validity dates, proposed entry and exit points, and other requested travel information. Check your route before submitting the form.

Step 5: Review the information: Read through the completed application carefully. Pay particular attention to your name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and travel dates. Correct any errors before proceeding.

Step 6: Pay the government fee: Complete the payment through the facility provided by the official portal. Save your registration code and payment confirmation for future reference.

Step 7: Check your application status: Use the official status-checking facility to retrieve the result with your registration code, email address, and date of birth, as requested. Payment does not mean that the visa has been approved.

Step 8: Download and print the approved visa: Once the visa is issued, download the document and check every detail against your passport. Print a copy and keep a digital backup. The Embassy advises travellers to carry a physical copy when arriving in Vietnam.

Completing these steps carefully gives you a record of the application and time to address any problem before departure.

Vietnam e-Visa Processing Time and Validity

The official Vietnam e-visa application instructions state a processing period of approximately three working days after the completed application and fee are received. However, the Embassy of Vietnam in India publishes a broader estimate of 5 to 30 working days. Actual processing can vary, so the shorter estimate should not be treated as a guaranteed approval deadline.

Apply well ahead of your departure, especially if you are travelling during a busy holiday period or have fixed flight and hotel bookings. Visa validity is separate from processing time. An e-visa can be issued for a maximum of 90 days, with single or multiple entries permitted according to the approved document. Your actual start and end dates will appear on the issued visa.You can enter Vietnam only during the validity period stated on your approved visa, and not before it begins or after it expires. Your permitted stay must fall within the visa's validity.

To check your application status, visit the official e-visa status page. Keep your registration code safe, since the Embassy's published guidance states that it is required to check and print the result.

Vietnam Entry Requirements After Visa Approval

Once your visa is approved, review your travel documents before leaving India:

• Passport: Carry the same valid passport used for your application.
• Printed e-visa: Keep a physical copy of the approved visa with your travel documents.
• Entry and exit points: Check that your intended checkpoints are on Vietnam's current list of designated international border gates.
• Flight itinerary: Keep your return or onward ticket details accessible.
• Accommodation details: Have your hotel confirmation and first night's accommodation address available.
• Travel funds: Be prepared to explain how you will cover your expenses if requested by the authorities.

Vietnam's official portal publishes the border gates through which e-visa holders may enter and exit. Check the current list against your itinerary, particularly if you plan to arrive by land or sea rather than by air. Airline staff may check your visa before boarding. If you notice a mismatch in your passport number, name or validity dates, seek guidance through the official visa support channels before travelling.

Common Vietnam Visa Mistakes Indian Travellers Should Avoid

A few avoidable mistakes can cause unnecessary problems during the application process.

Incorrect passport information: A misspelled name or wrong passport number can create a mismatch between your visa and travel document. Copy the information carefully from your passport. Below are some common mistakes that Vietnam visa applications often have: 

Unclear document uploads: Blurry scans and photographs that do not meet the stated requirements may prevent your application from being accepted. Review the images before submitting them.

Wrong entry type: A single-entry visa may not suit a trip that involves leaving Vietnam and returning. Check your full itinerary before selecting the visa category.

Incorrect travel dates: Make sure the approved validity period covers your planned stay. If your travel dates change, check whether the visa remains suitable for the revised itinerary.

Applying too late: The official processing estimate is not a guarantee. Apply early enough to account for possible delays and corrections.

Using unofficial websites without checking charges: Third-party providers may charge additional service fees. Check the government fee on the official portal and understand what any additional service includes.

Assuming payment means approval: Save the registration code and retrieve the actual result. A payment receipt is not a substitute for an approved visa.

Forgetting to print the visa: Keep a printed copy ready alongside your passport, as advised by the Embassy.

Practical Tips for Planning a Vietnam Holiday

Visa preparation is only one part of getting ready for a trip. Your destination choices, flight connections and local transport arrangements also deserve attention. Here are some of the practical tips we recommend to all travalers getting ready to holiday in Vietnam: 

Plan your route realistically: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc offer different experiences. Choose destinations based on the number of days available rather than trying to cover the whole country in one visit.

Check your flight connections: Review the arrival airport and the distance to your first destination. If your itinerary includes a domestic connection, confirm the transfer time and whether you need to clear immigration during the journey.

Keep digital and printed records: Store copies of your passport, visa, flight tickets, hotel bookings, and travel insurance details. Keep your registration code until the visa process and trip are complete.

Review package inclusions: Confirm whether the selected package covers accommodation, breakfast, airport transfers, sightseeing, entrance fees, local transport and visa assistance. International airfare may be charged separately.

Consider travel insurance: Review medical cover, exclusions, baggage protection, and cancellation conditions before buying a policy.

Check the latest entry rules before departure: Use the official immigration portal and Embassy guidance rather than relying entirely on older blog posts or social media discussions.

Why Choose IPR Holidays for Your Vietnam Trip?

Planning an international holiday involves several arrangements beyond the visa. Flights, hotel reservations, local transportation, and sightseeing all affect the trip, and managing each booking separately can take time. 

IPR Holidays offers Vietnam tour packages from Kerala covering destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. Its published package information lists hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, private air-conditioned transportation, sightseeing, entrance fees, English-speaking guides, airport transfers, and visa assistance, according to the selected itinerary. International airfare is not included in the package described on its website, so review the specific inclusions before booking.

Our team can assist with flight and hotel arrangements, visa guidance, local transportation, sightseeing and the other travel services listed in your selected package. This gives you a single point of contact for coordinating the major arrangements before departure.

IPR Holidays operates under International Pilgrimage Revolution Pvt. Ltd., which the Government of India lists in its NIDHI+ tourism directory as an inbound tour operator. We are also associated with IATO, IATA, Kerala Tourism, Incredible India, TAAI and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. 

With more than 13 years in the travel industry, IPR Holidays can help with Vietnam tour packages, flight and hotel arrangements, visa guidance, transportation and sightseeing, according to your selected itinerary. Explore the available Vietnam tour packages from Kerala and contact us to discuss your travel dates, preferred destinations and budget for your upcoming trip.