We Indians love exploring the best places to travel in the world that offer great value for money, and with eVisa for Vietnam for Indians, this could be your next perfect destination.
From the skyscrapers of Ho Chi Min to the bustling streets of Hanoi, the eternal charm of Hoi An to the serene beauty of Halong Bay, and the timeless grandeur of Hue, Vietnam has everything to attract and captivate the attention of travelers from all across the world. Not just the breathtaking landscapes, but also the Vietnam e-Visa process attracts millions of tourists every year.
Why Vietnam?
With each destination having its own allure, there are countless places to explore in Vietnam. The country has vibrant cities surrounded by natural wonders that will definitely amaze you with their sheer beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Not just the scenic landscapes and vibrant night-life, but also the easy process for Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians makes it a must visit. So, if you are planning your next vacation, Vietnam can offer you ample of adventures, exploration, relaxation, and serendipity.
Also, if you are looking for an offbeat place to visit in India? Ranikhet could be a perfect destination with its Kumaon range and picturesque views.
There are multiple exotic places to explore in Vietnam, however, today in this blog we will talk about the frequently asked question- “how to apply for Vietnam e visa or Visa on arrival” and how much it costs for Indians?
So, hold tight as I will take you to the visa process for Vietnam!
Table of Content
Different Types of Vietnam Visas: Which One Suits Your Travel Needs?
If you are planning to embark on an adventurous vacation to this beautiful Asian country, you must have an Indian passport which is valid for atleast six months from the day you are planning to travel. Also, we will get to the list of documents that are required to apply for Vietnam visa on arrival for Indian as well as e-visa.
Although Vietnam offers several types of visas for different purposes and lengths of stay, the most common are the Tourist Visa (DL) and the Business Visa (DN).
a). Tourist Visa (DL)- This type of visa is typically valid for 30 days and comes with a single-entry as well as multiple-entry visa. So, Indian travellers can apply for either visa depending upon the duration of the stay. Travelers can apply for Vietnam e visa as well as visa-on-arrival. Both the options are convenient and are available to citizens of 80 countries, including India.
b). Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA) is valid only if you are arriving at one of their international airports by air. You can obtain VOA at certain airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Min, Da Nang) after applying online for an approval letter.
How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Travelers?
When I planned to visit the country with a list consisting of places to explore in Vietnam in one hand and my passport in other, we applied for the e-visa just a week before our traveling dates. Our entry port was Ho-Chi Min and so we were seeking e-Visa for the same city.
Though, many websites mention that the visa will reach your email box in 3-4 working days, that is really not the case. It took around 7 days and fluctuations of our blood pressure along with the restless nights and a visit to the embassy for the Vietnam e-visa to reach our inbox.
And truth to be told, we actually had paid for visa for Hanoi (just in case) this one does not work out. So, we paid extra cash due to our negligence.
So, whether you are applying for Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians or e-Visa, always take some extra time in your hand.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Visit the official Vietnam e-Visa website and check if your nationality is eligible. Citizens from 80 countries, including India, can apply for an e-Visa.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of entry.
- Digital Passport Photo: A recent passport-sized photograph (in .jpg format).
- Passport Scanned Copy: A scanned image of the passport’s information page (in .jpg format).
- Travel Information: Details of your entry point, dates of travel, and where you plan to stay in Vietnam.
Step 3: Access the Official Vietnam e-Visa Portal
- Go to the official Vietnamese government website for e-Visa applications: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Step 4: Fill in the Application Form
- On the e-Visa portal, complete the online application form by entering your personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
- Upload your passport photo and the scanned copy of your passport information page as required.
Step 5: Pay the e-Visa Fee
- Once the form is filled out, you will be directed to pay the non-refundable fee (around USD 25). Payment can be made using credit or debit cards.
- Vietnam visa cost for Indian for 1 month single entry is 4500 INR (standard, takes 5-7 working days) and 7,772 INR (urgent processing, 2 working days) and 1 month but multiple entry is 7500 INR and 9,818 INR respectively.
- The cost of Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians is 25USD.
Step 6: Submit the Application
- After paying the fee, submit your application. You’ll receive an application code and confirmation of submission. Keep the code safe as you’ll need it to check your application status.
Step 7: Wait for Approval
- The processing time for the Vietnam e-Visa is generally 3-4 business days. You can check the status of your application using your application code on the official website.
- For visa on arrival you will receive the approval letter after 2-3 business days. Carry the approval letter along with complete entry and exit forms, original passport, 1 passport size photograph to get visa stamp at the airport.
Step 8: Download and Print the e-Visa
- Once your e-Visa is approved, download it from the portal and print a physical copy. Make sure all details on the e-Visa match your passport information.
Step 9: Present Your e-Visa Upon Arrival
- Upon arrival in Vietnam at your designated entry point, present your printed e-Visa along with your passport at the immigration checkpoint.
Your e-Visa is valid for 30 days and can be used for single entry only. It allows entry at 33 international checkpoints, including airports and land border crossings. Make sure you check your visa validity dates before travel to avoid overstaying.
Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival & E-Visa: Entries & Validity
The validity periods for the Vietnam e-Visa and Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) differ in terms of duration and entry type:
1. Vietnam e-Visa:
- Validity: The e-Visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
- Entry Type: It allows for single-entry only, meaning if you leave Vietnam, you will need to apply for a new visa to re-enter.
- Extension: You can extend the e-Visa, but it requires working with a travel agency or contacting the immigration department in Vietnam.
2. Visa-on-Arrival (VOA):
- Validity: The VOA is available for both single-entry and multiple-entry options, with durations of:
- 30 days
- 90 days
- Entry Type:
- Single-entry: You can stay for the designated number of days, but if you exit Vietnam, you’ll need a new visa to re-enter.
- Multiple-entry: You can leave and re-enter Vietnam multiple times within the visa’s validity period.
VOA is only available for air travellers arriving at specific airports in Vietnam.
Start planning couple of weeks before and apply for Vietnam e-visa 8-9 days if you don’t want to end up biting your nails or scoffing up more money like us. It is better to have extra time in hand as you can plan out and make lists of all the beautiful places to explore in Vietnam while waiting for the visa approval.
Have you been to Vietnam? Share your experience with us in the comment below!