If you are planning a trip to Vietnam from India, the very first thing you need to sort out is your visa. Vietnam is one of the most affordable and exciting international destinations for Indian travelers, but the visa process can be confusing if you do not know the current rules. I have put together this detailed guide covering everything about Vietnam visa for Indians in 2026, including the e-visa process, visa on arrival, embassy visa, fees, and some practical tips that will save you time and money.
Last Updated: April 2026
Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Yes, Indian passport holders need a valid visa to enter Vietnam. Unlike citizens of some ASEAN countries, Indians do not have visa-free access to mainland Vietnam. The only exception is Phu Quoc Island, where Indians can stay visa-free for up to 30 days under specific conditions (more on that below). For any visit to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, or any other mainland destination, you will need a visa before you board your flight.
What Are the Different Types of Vietnam Visa for Indians?
There are three main ways for Indian citizens to get a Vietnam visa in 2026. Each has its own advantages, and the best option depends on your travel style, timeline, and budget. Here is a quick comparison before we get into the details.
| Visa Type | Fee (Single Entry) | Fee (Multiple Entry) | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (Online) | USD 25 (~INR 2,200) | USD 50 (~INR 4,400) | 3-5 working days | Most travelers, easiest option |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | USD 25 stamping fee | USD 50 stamping fee | 2-5 working days (approval letter) | Air travelers, group trips |
| Embassy/Sticker Visa | Varies (USD 40-80) | Varies by duration | 3-5 working days | Land/sea entry, long stays |
How to Apply for Vietnam E-Visa for Indians? (Step-by-Step)
The e-visa is by far the most convenient and recommended option for Indian travelers visiting Vietnam. Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam has made e-visas available to citizens of all countries, including India. The validity has also been extended to 90 days with both single-entry and multiple-entry options. This is a big improvement over the old 30-day single-entry e-visa.
Here is the step-by-step process to apply for a Vietnam e-visa.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official Vietnam e-visa website at evisa.gov.vn. This is the only legitimate government portal. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra fees for the same service.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
You will need to enter your personal details including full name (exactly as on passport), date of birth, nationality (Indian), passport number, intended date of entry, and the port of entry (airport, land border, or seaport). Double-check every field because mistakes in the application can lead to rejection, and the fee is non-refundable.
Step 3: Upload Documents
You need two uploads: a passport photo (4×6 cm, white background, no glasses, looking straight) and a scan of your passport data page. Make sure the images are clear and meet the size requirements. Blurry or incorrect photos are a common reason for delays.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
The e-visa fee is USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry (approximately INR 2,200 and INR 4,400 respectively, as of 2026). Payment is accepted via credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Keep in mind that this fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Processing usually takes 3 to 5 working days. During peak seasons (December to February) or around Vietnamese public holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year), it can take up to 7 days. I would recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your travel date to be safe.
Step 6: Download and Print
Once approved, you will receive your e-visa via email. Download the PDF, take a printout, and carry it with you. Airlines will check for your visa before allowing you to board. I would also suggest keeping a digital copy on your phone as a backup.
What Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival and How Does It Work?
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is the second option available to Indian travelers, but it works differently from what most people assume. You cannot simply show up at a Vietnamese airport and get a visa. You need a pre-approved Visa Approval Letter before you travel. Here is how the process works.
Before you fly: Apply through a licensed Vietnamese visa agency online. Provide your passport details, travel dates, and the airport where you will arrive. The agency submits your application to the Vietnam Immigration Department, and you receive the approval letter by email within 2 to 5 working days (urgent processing is available for 4 to 8 hours at a higher fee).
At the airport: After landing, go to the “Visa on Arrival” counter before immigration. Present your approval letter, passport (valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages), two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm), the completed NA1 form, and the stamping fee in cash. The stamping fee is USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry. The counter accepts US dollars, and some accept Vietnamese Dong as well.
Important: Visa on Arrival is available only at international airports. The four airports that issue VOA are Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, and Cam Ranh (Nha Trang). If you are entering Vietnam by land or sea, VOA is not an option.
Honestly, with the e-visa now valid for 90 days and available for multiple entries, I would recommend the e-visa over VOA for most Indian travelers. The e-visa is simpler, cheaper (no agency fee), and you skip the airport queue entirely. The only scenario where VOA might make sense is for urgent last-minute travel when you do not have 3-5 days for e-visa processing.
How to Get Vietnam Visa from the Embassy in India?
The third option is applying for a traditional sticker visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulates in Mumbai and Kolkata. This is the only option if you are entering Vietnam by land (from Cambodia, Laos, or China) or by sea.
Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi:
Address: EP-7A, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Phone: +91 11 2687 9868 (ext.17 for general, ext.38 for consular)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Document Submission: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Collection: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
You will need to submit your passport, a completed application form, passport photos, and the visa fee. Processing takes 3 to 5 working days. The advantage of the embassy visa is that you get the visa stamp on your passport before you fly, which gives peace of mind. The disadvantage is that you need to visit in person or send your passport by courier, which is inconvenient if you live far from Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata.
What About Phu Quoc Island Visa-Free Entry?
There is one exception to the visa requirement. Indian citizens can visit Phu Quoc Island without a visa for up to 30 days, but there are strict conditions.
You must fly or sail directly to Phu Quoc International Airport or Seaport from outside Vietnam (not from a mainland Vietnamese city). You must stay only on Phu Quoc Island during your visit. You must depart directly from Phu Quoc to another country. If you want to visit any mainland destination like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City during the same trip, you will need a full visa.
This is a great option if you are looking for a beach holiday and do not plan to explore the mainland. Phu Quoc has some beautiful beaches, snorkeling spots, and night markets. But for most Indian travelers who want to see Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, you will still need to get a visa.
What Documents Do You Need for Vietnam Visa?
Regardless of which visa type you choose, here is the complete list of documents you should have ready.
- Indian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
- At least 2 blank visa pages in your passport
- Passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background, no glasses, facing forward)
- Confirmed travel itinerary (flight tickets, hotel bookings)
- Visa fee in the required format (online payment for e-visa, cash USD for VOA)
- Travel insurance (not mandatory but highly recommended)
One thing I always tell fellow travelers: keep multiple copies of everything. Take printouts of your e-visa, save digital copies on your phone and email, and carry extra passport photos. In case of any issues at the airport, having backup documents can save you a lot of stress.
How Much Does a Vietnam Trip Cost for Indians in 2026?
Since you are already planning the visa, let me give you a quick budget breakdown so you know what to expect. Vietnam is genuinely one of the most pocket-friendly international destinations for Indians.
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Return flights (Delhi/Mumbai) | INR 15,000-20,000 | INR 25,000-35,000 |
| Visa (e-visa, single entry) | INR 2,200 | INR 4,400 (multiple entry) |
| Accommodation (per night) | INR 500-1,500 (hostel/guesthouse) | INR 2,500-5,000 (3-star hotel) |
| Food (per day) | INR 400-600 (street food) | INR 800-1,500 (restaurants) |
| Local transport (per day) | INR 200-400 (bus/grab bike) | INR 500-1,000 (taxi/grab car) |
| Activities & sightseeing | INR 500-1,000/day | INR 1,500-3,000/day |
| Total (7 days) | INR 35,000-50,000 | INR 65,000-95,000 |
These are approximate figures as of early 2026. Flight prices vary significantly depending on the season and how far in advance you book. July and September tend to be the cheapest months for flights from India to Vietnam.
How to Reach Vietnam from India?
Getting to Vietnam from India has become much easier in recent years with multiple direct flight options.
Direct flights: Air India, VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and IndiGo operate direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The flight duration is approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. Air India operates around 9 direct flights per week from Delhi, while VietJet and Vietnam Airlines each operate about 7 flights per week.
Connecting flights: If you are flying from other Indian cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad, you will likely get connecting flights via Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. These are usually cheaper but add 3-5 hours to your travel time.
Pro tip: Book your flights 2-3 months in advance for the best deals. VietJet frequently runs flash sales with one-way fares as low as INR 4,000-5,000 from Delhi. Keep an eye on their website and subscribe to fare alerts.
What Are Some Practical Tips for Indians Traveling to Vietnam?
Based on research and feedback from the DwD community members who have traveled to Vietnam, here are some practical tips that will make your trip smoother.
- Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 INR is roughly 280-290 VND (as of 2026). Carry USD for visa stamping fee and exchange the rest at authorized counters in Vietnam. Airport exchange rates are poor, so exchange only a small amount at the airport and find a better rate in the city.
- SIM card: Get a local SIM at the airport. Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone offer tourist SIMs with data for about INR 200-400 for 15-30 days. This is much cheaper than international roaming.
- Food for vegetarians: Vietnamese cuisine is heavily meat-based, but vegetarian options exist. Look for “chay” restaurants (Buddhist vegetarian). In tourist areas like Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, Indian restaurants serve familiar food at INR 700-1,000 per meal.
- Grab app: Download Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) before you arrive. It works in all major Vietnamese cities and is the safest way to get around. Metered taxis in Vietnam are notorious for scams, so Grab is your best friend.
- Best time to visit: Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) is best from October to April. Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is pleasant from November to April. Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang) is best from February to May. The shoulder months of March to May and September to November offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Travel insurance: While not mandatory for the visa, I strongly recommend getting travel insurance. A basic international travel insurance policy costs INR 500-1,000 for a week and covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
- Bargaining: Bargaining is expected at markets and street vendors. Start at 40-50% of the quoted price and work your way up. This is similar to how markets work in India, so you will feel right at home.
- Cross your street carefully: This might sound funny, but traffic in Vietnamese cities is chaotic, even by Indian standards. Motorbikes rarely stop at crossings. The trick is to walk at a steady pace and let the traffic flow around you. Do not stop suddenly or run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indians get visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Yes, but not directly. Indians need a pre-approved Visa Approval Letter from a licensed agency before arriving. At the airport, you present this letter with your passport, photos, and pay a stamping fee of USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry) in cash. The e-visa is a simpler alternative that I would recommend over VOA for most travelers.
How long does Vietnam e-visa take for Indians?
The standard processing time is 3 to 5 working days. During peak travel seasons or Vietnamese holidays, it can take up to 7 days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to be safe. The application is done online at evisa.gov.vn.
What is the Vietnam e-visa fee for Indian passport holders?
The e-visa costs USD 25 (approximately INR 2,200) for single entry and USD 50 (approximately INR 4,400) for multiple entry, as of 2026. This fee is non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
Can Indians visit Vietnam without a visa?
Only for Phu Quoc Island, and with strict conditions. You must fly or arrive by sea directly from outside Vietnam, stay only on Phu Quoc, and depart directly from Phu Quoc to another country. The visa-free stay is limited to 30 days. For mainland Vietnam, a visa is always required.
Is Vietnam safe for Indian travelers?
Vietnam is generally safe for Indian tourists. Petty theft and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas, so keep your belongings secure. Use Grab for transportation instead of random taxis. The locals are friendly and used to Indian tourists. Vegetarian food is available in most tourist areas, though not as widely as in India.
How much does a 7-day Vietnam trip cost from India?
A budget trip to Vietnam for 7 days costs approximately INR 35,000-50,000 per person including flights, visa, accommodation in hostels, street food, and basic activities. A mid-range trip with 3-star hotels and restaurants costs INR 65,000-95,000 per person. Flights from Delhi or Mumbai start from INR 15,000 return during off-peak months.
Which is better for Indians, Vietnam e-visa or visa on arrival?
The e-visa is better for most Indian travelers. It is cheaper (no agency fee), faster to process, valid for 90 days with multiple entries, and you skip the airport queue entirely. Visa on arrival requires a third-party agency, costs more due to agency fees, and means waiting in line at the airport. The only advantage of VOA is for urgent last-minute travel.
Do I need a return ticket to get a Vietnam visa?
While the e-visa application does not require a return ticket, airlines may ask for proof of onward travel before boarding. Immigration officers at Vietnamese airports also occasionally ask for return or onward flight details. I would recommend having a confirmed return ticket or at least an onward booking to avoid any hassle.
Vietnam is one of those destinations that offers incredible value for Indian travelers. The food is amazing, the landscapes are diverse, and the culture is fascinating. The visa process might seem complicated at first, but with the e-visa system, it is actually quite straightforward. Apply online, get your approval in a few days, and you are good to go.
If you have any questions about Vietnam visa or travel planning, feel free to drop a comment below or reach out on the Discover With Dheeraj community page. Several members have recently traveled to Vietnam and can share their first-hand experiences. Happy travels, my friend. 🙂
