Indian citizens need a visa to enter mainland Vietnam. The good news: since August 2023 the process is fully online, and the e-visa is valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry.
Your three options
| Option | Cost (govt.) | Processing | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa (official portal) | US$25 single / US$50 multiple | 3–5 working days | Recommended for almost everyone |
| Visa on arrival | Stamping fee in USD cash + agency approval-letter fee | Approval letter before travel, stamp at airport | Only for genuine last-minute travel |
| Embassy sticker visa | Varies | Varies | Rarely needed for tourists |
The 'visa on arrival' myth
Many Indian travellers search for visa on arrival, but for Indian passports it is not a walk-up visa. You still need a pre-approved letter issued before you fly, then queue at the airport counter and pay the stamping fee in US dollars cash. Without the letter, airlines can deny boarding. The e-visa is cheaper, simpler and avoids the queue.
Documents you need
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with blank pages
- A passport-style photo (white background) and a clear scan of your passport bio page
- Your entry and exit airports and planned dates
- Your first hotel address in Vietnam
- A card for online payment (the fee is non-refundable)
How to apply, step by step
- Go to the official Vietnam e-visa portal (evisa.gov.vn). Avoid look-alike sites that charge extra.
- Upload your photo and passport scan, then fill in your travel details carefully. Your name must match your passport exactly.
- Pay the government fee online and note your registration code.
- Check status after 3 working days and download the e-visa PDF. Print two copies.
What about Phu Quoc?
Phu Quoc island has its own visa-free rule for visitors flying in directly from abroad, for stays of up to 30 days on the island only. If your trip touches any other part of Vietnam, or your flight connects through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you need the e-visa. We advise getting one anyway for flexibility.
Let us handle it
Every TrulyAsia1 package includes e-visa assistance: we check your documents, fill in the form with you and track approval. Send us your travel dates and we'll take it from there.
Visa rules change. This guide reflects the rules as of October 2026; we confirm the latest requirements with every booking.