Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Indians: Updated Guide
Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians allows travelers to receive a visa at major international airports. However, before travelling, applicants must first obtain a pre-approved visa letter from an authorized visa service. This option is useful for those who cannot visit a Vietnamese embassy or need a faster solution.
Therefore, if you are planning your trip at short notice or live far from an embassy, visa on arrival can be a practical choice.
1. Key information about Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians
1.1. Requirements
Yes, Vietnam offers visa on arrival for Indian passport holders when they enter the country by air through selected international airports. With this option, you do not need to visit an embassy before your trip.
Eligible travelers include:
Citizens whose country does not have a visa exemption with Vietnam
Travelers who cannot apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate
Visitors who need a visa urgently
People traveling to Vietnam for tourism, business, family visits, or trade
Required documents:
A valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages
A Vietnam visa approval letter issued by Immigration authorities
One passport-sized photo (4 × 6 cm, white background)
Cash for the visa stamping fee (usually 25–50 USD)
Airports that support visa on arrival in Vietnam:
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
Lien Khuong Airport (Da Lat)
Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc)
Get your Vietnam visa on arrival for Indian nationals easily at major international airports (Source: Collected)
In addition, some Indian citizens may enter Vietnam without a visa in specific cases. For example, this applies to:
People holding a valid Vietnamese residence card
Travelers entering special economic zones
Visitors under approved international agreements
Spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens
Cases approved by the Vietnamese government for diplomatic or economic reasons
1.2. Application process
First, Indian travelers must apply online for a Vietnam visa approval letter through an authorized company. Without this letter, you will not be allowed to board your flight.
Next, the service provider submits your details to the Vietnam Immigration Department. In most cases, tourist visas are processed within 1–2 working days, while business visas take 2–7 working days.
After receiving the approval letter, you should:
Print the letter
Prepare your photo, passport, and cash for fees
Bring all documents with you to the airport
Upon arrival in Vietnam, go to the “Visa on Arrival” counter. Then, submit your documents and pay the stamping fee. Usually, the process takes 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of arrivals at that time.
As a result, you will receive your stamped visa and can officially enter Vietnam.
Learn the step-by-step visa on arrival for Vietnam for Indian travelers, which starts with the Vietnam visa on arrival approval letter (Source: Collected)
1.3. Fees
There are two main fees for Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians:
1. Service fee (paid online):
This fee is paid to the visa service company for arranging your approval letter. It depends on visa type and processing speed. Normally, the price is around 30–50 USD.
2. Stamping fee (paid at the airport):
This is paid in cash when your visa is stamped:
Single-entry visa: 25 USD
Multiple-entry visa (up to 3 months): 50 USD
Therefore, you should prepare enough USD in advance to avoid any issues at the airport.
2. How long can Indians stay in Vietnam with a visa on arrival?
The length of stay depends on the visa type you choose:
1-month single-entry visa – stay up to 30 days, one entry only
1-month multiple-entry visa – travel in and out within 30 days
3-month single-entry visa – one entry, valid for 90 days
3-month multiple-entry visa – multiple entries within 90 days
As a result, you should choose your visa type based on your travel plan and the number of times you intend to enter Vietnam.
How long you can stay with a visa on arrival for Indians in Vietnam depends on your visa type (Source: Collected)
3. How can Indians extend their visa on arrival in Vietnam?
In some cases, Indian travelers may want to stay longer in Vietnam. Fortunately, visa extension is possible if you meet certain conditions.
3.1. Eligibility requirements
To apply for a visa extension, you must:
Stay legally in Vietnam with a valid visa
Have a valid reason, such as extended tourism, business, or medical need
Have an authorized sponsor (travel agency, business partner, or individual)
Have no legal violations in Vietnam
Hold a passport valid for at least 30–60 more days
Otherwise, your application may be rejected.
It is possible to extend your Vietnam on arrival visa for Indians by fulfilling the legal requirements (Source: Collected)
3.2. Types of visas that can be extended
Tourist visa: Extend 15–30 days with a licensed travel sponsor
Business visa: Extend 1–3 months with a company sponsor
Commercial visa: Extend 1–3 months with business documents
Short-term work visa: Temporary extension while waiting for a work permit
However, tourist visas cannot be converted into work or investment visas.
3.3. Required documents
To apply for the extension, you will need:
Original passport
Completed NA5 application form
Copy of your current visa or approval letter
Sponsor documents
Temporary residence confirmation (police form)
Proof of extension reason
Sponsor’s business or travel license
Extension fee (usually 25–50 USD)
You can submit the application at the Immigration Office in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang. Alternatively, you can use an authorized visa service to handle it for you.
4.FAQs about Vietnam visa on arrival for Indian citizens
4.1 Is visa on arrival available for Indians?
Yes, Indian passport holders can use visa on arrival when entering Vietnam by air.
4.2 Can Indians get visa on arrival by land or sea?
No. This option is only valid for air travel. For land or sea entry, you must apply for an e-visa or an embassy visa.
4.3 Is visa on arrival better than an e-visa?
In many cases, an e-visa is easier. However, visa on arrival is useful for urgent travel or longer stays.
4.4 Do Indian tourists need a visa for Phu Quoc?
No. Foreign travelers can stay in Phu Quoc for up to 30 days without a visa, including Indian citizens.
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