Vietnam has grown to be a very popular destination among Indian travellers. It is at once a feast for the eyes with its great scenery, a treat for the mind with its rich culture and a delight for the palate with its wonderful food.
The rise in Indian visitors to Vietnam in recent years has been dramatic, with a 363% increase in arrivals from 2019 to 2024.
This surge is attributed to new direct flight routes from 2022, improved visa access, and India’s growing outbound travel capacity and economic growth.
If you are headed to this beautiful Southeast Asian country for a trip, you must familiarise yourself with the Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians to make your journey smoother. This guide is your key to a trouble-free Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians.
Visa Type | Purpose | Stay/Validity | How to Apply | Special Notes |
E-Visa | Tourism, business, studies, and family visits | Up to 90 days (single/multiple entry) | Online (evisa.gov.vn) | Most common and recommended; can extend to Vietnam |
Visa on Arrival (VoA) | Tourism, business | Up to 30 days (single/multiple entry) | Pre-approval letter online, then at the airport | Available at select airports; must get pre-approval |
Embassy/Consulate Visa | Tourism, business, longer stays, other purposes | Depends on visa type (30 days to 1 year possible) | Apply at the embassy/consulate | For special cases, long stays, or if an e-visa is not available |
What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Indians?
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VoA) for Indian passport holders is given out at designated Vietnamese airports. But you must get an approval letter online before you leave.
The Vietnam VoA is perfect for:
- Tourism visits up to 30 days
- Business trips under 30 days
- Travellers entering Vietnam by air only
This service is exclusively available at Vietnam's international airports and cannot be used for land or sea border crossings.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival as an Indian, make sure you meet these requirements:
- An Indian passport with a minimum of 6 months' validity from the entry date
- Entry by air through designated international airports only
- Approval letter obtained online before departure (mandatory)
- All documents are printed and carried physically
The Vietnam visa on arrival is not issued at land entry points. Also, it cannot be issued without the submission of the Approval Letter. It is a pre-approved document without which you cannot obtain the Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians.
Fees and Validity Details
Understanding the cost structure helps you budget effectively:
Visa Stamping Fee at Airport:
- Single entry: USD 25 (cash only)
- Multiple entry: USD 50 (cash only)
Online Approval Letter Fee:
- Varies by service provider (USD 15-25)
- Payment made online during the application
Validity: 30 days from entry date, with extension options available through local immigration offices
Remember to carry exact USD amounts in cash, as Vietnamese airports don't always provide change for visa fees.
Required Documents for Indians
Mandatory Documents:
- Valid Indian passport (6+ months validity)
- Printed visa approval letter
- Completed entry/exit form
- Two passport-size photographs (4x6 cm, white background)
- Visa stamping fee in USD cash
- Flight tickets (recommended)
Photo Requirements: 4x6 cm size, plain white background, recent photograph taken within 6 months.
Need Help with Your Vietnam Visa Documents?
Our visa experts will review your approval letter, photo, and documents, so you don’t face issues on arrival.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Getting your Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians is simple when you follow the steps correctly. Here’s a clear walkthrough to make your travel stress-free:
- Apply Online for the Approval Letter
- Start by filling out a short online form with your travel and passport details. This approval letter is mandatory for all Indian travellers. Visa2Fly can assist you with this process to ensure everything is embassy-compliant and error-free.
- Receive the Letter via Email
- Once processed, you’ll get the official visa approval letter in your inbox, usually within 2–3 working days. Make sure to check all details carefully.
- Print the Letter & Fill Out Entry Form
- Take a printed copy of the approval letter with you. You’ll also need to fill out the Vietnamese Entry/Exit form (Form NA1), which Visa2Fly can help you complete in advance.
- Arrive at the Vietnam International Airport
- Ensure you land at one of the designated airports that accept a visa on arrival, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Nha Trang.
- Submit Documents at the VoA Counter
- At the airport, head to the “Visa on Arrival” counter and submit your printed approval letter, entry/exit form, passport, and passport-sized photos.
- Pay the Stamping Fee in USD
- You’ll be asked to pay a stamping fee in US Dollars, typically USD 25 for a single entry. It’s best to carry the exact amount in cash.
- Receive Your Visa Stamp & Enter Vietnam
- Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. You’re now ready to clear immigration and start exploring Vietnam!
Designated Entry Points
Vietnam VoA is available at these international airports:
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)
- Da Nang Airport (Da Nang)
- Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang)
VoA is not available at land borders or seaports.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Travelling without obtaining an approval letter first
- Wrong photo specifications (incorrect size or background)
- Not carrying sufficient USD cash for fees
- Landing at non-designated airports
- Attempting VoA at land borders
Pro Tips: Check passport validity dates, carry extra photos, print multiple copies of the approval letter, and arrive with extra time for processing.
How Visa2Fly Can Help
Visa2Fly simplifies your Vietnam visa on arrival experience:
- Pre-travel document checklist
- 24/7 WhatsApp customer support
- Entry/exit form guidance
- Emergency travel assistance
Choose Visa2Fly for experienced service, fast processing, clear communication, and competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I get a Vietnam VoA without an approval letter?
No, Indians must apply online and obtain the approval letter before flying.
Q2. Is the visa stamping fee refundable?
No, once paid, the stamping fee is non-refundable even if entry is denied.
Q3. Can I get a VoA at land borders?
No, a Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians is exclusively available at designated international airports.
Q4. Can children get VoA?
Yes, every traveller, including minors, must have a separate approval letter and visa.
Q5. Can I use Indian Rupees for the visa stamping fee?
No, only US Dollars are accepted when issuing a Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians. Carry exact change in cash.
Conclusion
Getting a Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians is a simple process once you know what is required of you.
The most important thing is to get your approval letter before you go and to bring all your documents in the right format.
Preparation is key from the time you check your passport’s expiration date to having the right amount of USD with you.
At Visa2Fly, we have the resources to support you at the start of your Vietnamese adventure, which begins at arrival.
Ready to hit the beautiful locations in Vietnam? We’re on it for your visa application, and at Visa2Fly, we’ll take care of the paperwork so you can plan your ideal Vietnamese vacation.