Vietnam dropped the visa-on-arrival requirement for Indians in 2023 and replaced it with a straightforward online e-Visa. The process takes about 15 minutes, costs $25 (roughly ₹2,100), and lets you in for up to 90 days. Here is exactly how to do it right, so your application isn’t rejected for a preventable reason.
Quick Verdict Apply directly on the Vietnamese government portal for the lowest fee. Use iVisa if you want guided support, a faster review, or are applying within 72 hours of travel. The e-Visa works at all major airports including Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), and Da Nang (DAD), plus most land border crossings.
What Is the Vietnam e-Visa?
The Vietnam e-Visa (Electronic Visa) is a single-document authorisation issued digitally and linked to your passport. You do not need a physical sticker — the visa data is uploaded to Vietnam’s immigration system, and officers verify it electronically on arrival.
Key facts for 2026:
- Validity: 90 days from the date of issue (not date of entry)
- Stay: Up to 90 days per entry
- Entry type: Single or multiple entry (same fee)
- Fee: $25 USD (approximately ₹2,100 at current rates)
- Processing time: 3 working days (plan for 5–7 to be safe)
- Valid at: All international airports, seaports, and 13 land border crossings
Can Indians Get the Vietnam e-Visa?
Yes. Indian passport holders are fully eligible for the Vietnam e-Visa. There are no special conditions — as long as your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date, you can apply.
Previously, Indians needed either a visa on arrival (requiring a letter of approval) or a consulate visa. Both are now largely superseded by the e-Visa, which is simpler and cheaper.
Vietnam e-Visa Cost for Indians in 2026
| Application route | Fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam govt portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) | $25 USD (≈₹2,100) | 3 working days |
| iVisa assisted application | $25 + service fee (from ~$30 total) | Standard 3 days or rush 1-day |
| Embassy / consulate (traditional visa) | ₹2,800–₹5,000 | 5–10 working days |
The government portal fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected or you make an error. That is the main reason people use a service like iVisa — they review your documents before submission and refile if something goes wrong.
Documents Required
Prepare these before starting the application:
- Passport scan — the photo page, valid for at least 6 months from planned entry
- Passport-size photo — white background, recent, face clearly visible (JPEG, under 2 MB)
- Entry and exit dates — you do not need a flight booking, just planned dates
- Accommodation address in Vietnam — first hotel name and city suffices
- Credit or debit card — Visa, Mastercard, or American Express for the $25 fee
That is the complete list. No bank statements, employment letters, or invitation letters required.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Step 1: Go to the official portal
Navigate to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Click “For Foreigners” → “Grant e-Visa.”
Alternatively, start through iVisa if you want document pre-check and dedicated support.
Step 2: Fill the application form Enter your passport details exactly as they appear. The name must match your passport precisely — even a middle-name mismatch can cause rejection at immigration.
Step 3: Upload your photo and passport scan Photo requirements are strict: white background, no glasses, face taking up 70–80% of the frame, no shadows. A passport-style selfie taken against a white wall works if your phone camera is decent.
Step 4: Select entry/exit ports Choose the airports or land crossings you plan to use. You can select multiple ports; you are not locked into using just one.
Step 5: Pay the $25 fee Card payment only. Save your transaction reference.
Step 6: Wait 3 working days You will receive an email with a PDF — download and print it (or save it offline on your phone). Show it to immigration officers on arrival.
Common rejection reasons:
- Passport expiry within 6 months of entry date
- Name on the form does not match passport exactly
- Blurry or non-white-background photo
- Typo in passport number
Vietnam e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Should Indians Choose?
Visa on arrival (VOA) technically still exists but requires a pre-arranged letter from a travel agency, costs more when you factor in the stamp fee ($25–$50 USD at the airport), and can lead to long queues. The e-Visa is cheaper, faster, and has no queue risk. Choose the e-Visa every time.
After Your Visa: What to Sort Before You Fly
Flights from India to Vietnam: Return fares from Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL) to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) run ₹18,000–₹35,000 in economy with IndiGo, Vietjet, or Air Asia. Search current fares on our flight tool →
Travel insurance: Vietnam’s private hospital costs can surprise travellers — a one-week policy covering hospitalisation runs ₹800–₹2,000 depending on the provider. Compare options at our insurance tool or go direct with World Nomads, which covers adventure activities like motorbiking in Hoi An.
eSIM for Vietnam: Skip the airport SIM queue. An Airalo eSIM for Vietnam starts from ₹450 for 1 GB/7 days. You activate it before departure so you have data the moment you land.
More visa-free and easy-entry destinations: Vietnam is one of dozens of countries Indians can now enter visa-free or with a simple e-Visa. See the full visa-free countries list for Indians →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my Vietnam e-Visa inside Vietnam? Not currently. The e-Visa cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you need to exit and re-enter (border run to Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand is the common route).
Is the e-Visa valid for a return visit in the same year? Yes, if you apply for multiple-entry. Single-entry e-Visas are one use only, and you need a new application and fee for the second trip.
Can I apply from any Indian city? Yes — the application is entirely online. There is no consulate visit required, whether you are in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, or a Tier-2 city.
What if my application is rejected? The $25 fee is non-refundable. Reapply with corrected information. Using iVisa reduces rejection risk since they pre-check your documents.
How far in advance should I apply? At least 7–10 days before departure, allowing a buffer if processing takes longer than the stated 3 working days or if you need to correct an error and reapply.
Planning a Vietnam trip? Use our AI trip planner to build a day-by-day itinerary with budget estimates in INR for your trip from Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore.
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