Vietnam on arrival visa for Indians: Everything you need to know

1. Key information about Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians

1.1. Requirements

Does Vietnam have visa on arrival for Indians? Yes. Indian travelers can get a Vietnam visa on arrival at major international airports. This option lets you enter Vietnam without applying at an embassy in advance.

• Eligible travelers for Vietnam visa on arrival:
  • Citizens from countries that do not have visa exemptions for Vietnam
  • Travelers who cannot get a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate
  • Travelers who need a visa quickly for urgent entry
  • Travelers visiting Vietnam for tourism, business, family, or trade
• Required documents:
  • Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages
  • Visa approval letter issued by Vietnam Immigration
  • Passport-sized photo (4×6 cm, white background)
  • Visa fee in USD, usually 25-50 USD
• Airports of arrival:
  • Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
  • Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
  • Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
  • Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
  • Lien Khuong Airport (Da Lat)
  • Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
  • Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc)

Indian citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa in certain cases:

• Holding a valid residence card or temporary residence card under Vietnamese law
• Entering special economic zones or border economic areas approved by the government
• Visiting coastal economic zones with international airports, defined geographic boundaries, and separate from mainland areas
• Under international treaties that Vietnam is part of
• Being the spouse or child of a Vietnamese citizen or a Vietnamese citizen living abroad with valid travel documents
• When Vietnam grants unilateral visa exemptions based on diplomatic relations, national security, and economic or social policies

1.2. Application process

Indian travelers applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival must first obtain a Vietnam visa approval letter. This letter is required before boarding the plane, and applicants must provide a confirmed round-trip ticket to receive it. 

Authorized companies submit the application to the Vietnam Immigration Department, which issues the approval letter for use at the airport. Tourist visas are typically processed within 1-2 working hours, while business visas may take 2-7 working days. These times do not include weekends or public holidays.

Once the visa approval letter is received, travelers should print it and prepare other required documents. At the airport, travelers go to the visa on arrival counter and present the Vietnam visa approval letter along with the other documents. 

Immigration officers will review the application, and the traveler pays the visa stamping fee. It takes about 15 minutes to over an hour for the visa to be stamped. Then, the passport will be returned along with a receipt.

1.3. Fees

The Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians includes two main fees: 

• Service fee: Paid online to an authorized visa service provider for the approval letter. Costs vary by visa type and provider; pre-pandemic, rates were $2-10 USD, but post-pandemic, Vietnam visa on arrival for Indian price can reach around $50 USD for a single-entry visa.
• Vietnam visa on arrival for Indian cost for stamping: Paid in cash at the airport in Vietnam to have the visa stamped in your passport. A single-entry visa costs 25 USD, while a multiple-entry visa valid up to three months costs 50 USD.

>>> Learn more: Vietnam travel from India: Things every first-timer should not miss

2. How long can Indians stay in Vietnam with a visa on arrival?

There are four main types of visas on arrival for Indians in Vietnam, and the type you choose determines how long you can stay:

• 1-month single-entry visa: Valid for 30 days, expires upon exit.
• 1-month multiple-entry visa: Enter and exit freely within 30 days.
• 3-month single-entry visa: One entry for 90 days.
• 3-month multiple-entry visa: 90 days with multiple entries and exits.

>>> Explore: Vietnam 7-day itinerary from India: The BEST guide for your dream trip

3. How can Indians extend their visa on arrival in Vietnam?

Here is the process to extend a Vietnam on-arrival visa for Indians and the requirements travelers need to meet.

• Eligibility requirements:
  • Legal stay: Travelers must be staying legally in Vietnam with a valid visa. Overstaying without proper handling can disqualify you from extension and may result in fines.
  • Valid reason: Accepted reasons include continuing tourism, extending a business trip, waiting for a work permit, or personal emergencies such as illness or family care. Supporting documents like a travel itinerary, an invitation letter, a medical confirmation, or business proof are required.
  • Authorized sponsor: You must have a legal sponsor in Vietnam. This can be a licensed travel company for tourist visas, a Vietnamese business for business or commercial visas, or an individual/organization connected to your stay. If no sponsor is available, a legal or visa service provider can assist.
  • No legal violations: Travelers cannot extend their visa if they have violated Vietnamese law, are on a banned list, or have pending penalties related to residency, work, or public order.
  • Passport validity: The passport must be valid for at least 30-60 days beyond the requested extension period.
• Types of visas that can be extended:
  • Tourist visa: Extendable 15-30 days with a licensed travel company as sponsor. Cannot convert to a work or investment visa.
  • Business visa: Extendable 1-3 months per request with a business sponsor. Travelers signing a labor contract must obtain a work permit and change to a work visa.
  • Commercial visa: Extendable 1-3 months with a Vietnamese partner or company invitation. Proof of genuine business activity is required.
  • Short-term work visa: Can be temporarily extended while waiting for a work permit. After approval, a new visa or temporary residence card is required.
• Required documents:
  • Original passport with sufficient validity
  • Completed visa extension form (NA5)
  • Original visa approval letter or a copy of the current visa on arrival
  • Sponsor documents 
  • Temporary residence confirmation from the local police
  • Supporting documents proving the reason for extension 
  • Copy of the sponsor’s business license or travel license
  • State fee for extension, typically 25-50 USD depending on visa type and extension duration
• Submission process: Submit directly at the Immigration Department offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, or apply through an authorized legal or visa service provider acting on your behalf.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa extension: What you need to prepare and how to apply

FAQs about Vietnam visa on arrival for Indian citizens

Is a Vietnam visa on arrival available for Indian citizens?

Yes. Indian passport holders can apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival if they enter the country by air through major international airports.

Can Indians get a visa on arrival if entering by land or sea?

No. Visa on arrival is only valid for travelers arriving by air. If entering Vietnam via land or sea, you must apply for an e-visa or obtain a visa from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in advance.

Is a Vietnam visa on arrival better than e-visa?

For most Indian travelers, an e-visa for Vietnam is easier because it can be applied for directly through the official Vietnamese government portal. Visa on arrival is more useful for urgent travel or if you plan a longer stay in Vietnam.

Can Indian tourists to Phu Quoc apply for a visa on arrival?

It is not necessary to obtain a Phu Quoc visa. Since July 1, 2020, foreign nationals entering and staying on Phu Quoc for up to 30 days do not need a visa. This also applies to travelers who transit through an international airport in Vietnam before heading to Phu Quoc.

A Vietnam on arrival visa for Indians makes traveling to Vietnam easier with proper planning. By understanding the requirements, application process, fees, duration, and extension options, Indian travelers can ensure a smooth entry and enjoy their stay without unexpected issues.

With your Vietnam on arrival visa for Indians ready, your Vietnam travel can begin. Vietnam offers endless wonders, including the breathtaking Ha Long, the historic charm of Hoi An, the sunny beaches of Nha Trang, the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc Island, and many more. 

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