Vietnam visa for Indians: How to apply and what you need to know

Vietnam— the lush green beauty, is truly a vision behold which most of us wish to explore. But before embarking on any international trip, it’s important to understand the visa requirement for travelling. This visa is not just a formality; it determines the purpose of your visit—be it for leisure, business, or education. Familiarising yourself with the different visa options will empower you to choose the one that aligns with your travel goals. So, let’s delve into the specific types of Vietnam visas for Indian citizens, ensuring your entry into this intriguing country is seamless and well-prepared.

Types of Vietnam visa for Indians

Here’s the list of types of Vietnam visa for Indians:

Tourist visa (DL)

The tourist visa is ideal for Indians visiting Vietnam for leisure purposes.

Duration: Typically, valid for 30 days, though 90-day tourist visas are available in some cases.

Single or multiple entries: You can choose between a single-entry visa (one-time entry) or a multiple-entry visa (allowing re-entry during the visa's validity).

Application process:

• E-visa: Apply online via the official Vietnam immigration website. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and allows for a single entry.

• Embassy visa: Apply at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate for both single-entry and multiple-entry visas. You can get longer durations through this option.

Processing time: E-visas take 3-5 working days, while embassy visas can take up to a week.

Business visa (DN)

A business visa is required for Indians traveling to Vietnam for business-related activities like meetings, conferences, or professional purposes.

Duration: Can be issued for 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, or 1 year, based on your needs.

Single or multiple entries: Available as either single-entry or multiple-entry visas.

Application process:

• Invitation letter: You must obtain an invitation letter from a Vietnam-based company or organisation to apply for a business visa.

• E-visa (business): Business e-visas are available through the government’s e-visa portal for shorter stays.

• Embassy visa: For longer stays or multiple entries, apply at the embassy or consulate.

Processing time: Typically takes around 7 working days.

Work visa (LD)

This visa is required if you're planning to work in Vietnam.

Duration: Initially valid for 1 or 2 years, with the possibility of extension.

Single or multiple entries: Work visas are usually multiple-entry, allowing you to travel in and out of Vietnam freely.

Requirements:

A work permit issued by the Vietnamese government is necessary.

A labour contract from a Vietnamese employer is also required.

Application process:

The employer in Vietnam must sponsor your visa.

Apply for the work visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in India.

Processing time: Usually takes about 7-10 working days.

Student visa (DH)

For Indian students planning to study in Vietnam, a student visa is required.

Duration: Issued for 3 to 6 months initially and can be extended depending on the academic program.

Single or multiple entries: Generally, student visas are multiple-entry, so you can travel back and forth.

Requirements:

• A letter of acceptance from a recognized Vietnamese educational institution.

• Proof of financial support for the duration of the program.

Application process:

• Get admitted to a Vietnamese educational institution.

• After receiving the admission letter, apply for a student visa through the embassy or consulate.

Processing time: Takes around 7-10 working days.

Diplomatic and official visa (NG1-NG4)

This visa is for Indian government officials, diplomats, or those travelling on official government business.

Duration: Varies depending on the duration of the official assignment.

Single or multiple entries: Both options are available, depending on the nature of the visit.

Application process:

• Submit your application through diplomatic channels.

• An official letter from the Indian government is required.

Processing time: Diplomatic visas are processed faster and typically take 3-5 working days.

Investor visa (DT)

The investor visa is for Indian citizens investing in Vietnamese businesses or establishing a business presence in the country.

Duration: Investor visas are valid for 1 to 5 years.

Single or multiple entries: You can apply for either single-entry or multiple-entry visas.

Requirements:

• Proof of investment in a Vietnamese company or business.

• A sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese entity confirming your investment.

Application process: Apply through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate with the necessary financial documents.

Processing time: Typically takes 7-10 working days.

Transit visa

A transit visa is for Indian citizens passing through Vietnam on their way to another destination.

Duration: Generally valid for 5 days.

Single or multiple entries: Transit visas are usually single-entry.

Application process:

• You must have a confirmed onward ticket to apply for a transit visa.

• Apply at the Vietnamese embassy or obtain the visa upon arrival in Vietnam.

Processing time: Transit visas are usually processed quickly, often within 3 working days.

Visa on arrival (VOA)

Visa on arrival is available to Indian citizens arriving in Vietnam by air.

Duration: Usually valid for 30 or 90 days.

Single or multiple entries: Both single-entry and multiple-entry options are available.

Requirements:

• You must obtain a pre-approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency or visa service.

• On arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports (Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City), you will be issued the visa.

Application process:

• Apply online for the pre-approval letter via a visa service provider.

• Present the pre-approval letter and necessary documents (passport, photos, and stamping fee) at the immigration counter upon arrival.

Processing time: Pre-approval letters take 2-3 working days to be issued, and the VOA is granted on arrival.

How to apply for a Vietnam visa?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply for a Vietnam visa:

Applying for a Vietnam e-visa

The Vietnam e-visa is the easiest and most convenient way for Indian citizens to apply for a Vietnam visa. The e-visa is valid for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days.

Steps to Apply for an e-visa:

1. Visit the official e-visa website:

Go to the official Vietnam immigration department website (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/).

2. Fill out the application form:

• Provide personal details such as your full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.

• Upload a passport-sized photo (white background) and a scanned copy of your passport’s personal information page.

• Fill in your entry and exit points, as well as your travel dates.

3. Pay the visa fee:

The non-refundable fee is USD 25 (approx. INR 2,075) and can be paid using a debit/credit card or through PayPal.

4. Wait for the e-visa approval:

• Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.

• Once approved, you will receive an electronic visa (PDF) via email. You can also check the status on the e-visa website using your registration code and email address.

5. Print the e-visa:

Print your e-visa and bring it with you when entering Vietnam.

6. Arrival in Vietnam:

Present your e-visa, passport, and immigration documents at the immigration counter. The officer will stamp your passport, and you can proceed with your stay.

Visa on arrival (VOA)

Visa on arrival (VOA) is an option if you’re flying into Vietnam. It’s valid for both tourist and business purposes, allowing for single-entry or multiple-entry visas with a duration of 30 days or 90 days. VOA is only available at airports and cannot be used for land or sea border crossings.

Steps to Apply for visa on arrival:

1. Apply for an approval letter:

• You must obtain a visa approval letter in advance from an authorised Vietnamese travel agency or visa service provider. The approval letter allows you to pick up your visa at the airport on arrival.

• Several trusted websites can provide the approval letter, such as VietnamVisa.govt.vn or other reputable agencies. Fees typically range from USD 25 to USD 50 for single or multiple entries.

2. Receive the approval letter via email:

After submitting your application and paying the service fee, the approval letter will be emailed to you within 2-3 working days.

3. Prepare necessary documents:

• Print your approval letter.

• Prepare two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, with white background).

• Bring cash to pay the stamping fee (in USD or VND). The fee is USD 25 for single-entry and USD 50 for multiple-entry.

4. Arrive at the airport in Vietnam:

Upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports (Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City), head to the “visa on arrival” counter before the immigration check.

5. Submit documents:

• Present your approval letter, passport, passport photos, and the stamping fee at the counter.

• Wait for the visa to be processed (usually 15-30 minutes).

6. Receive your visa and enter Vietnam:

After your visa is issued, it will be stamped into your passport. You can now proceed through immigration.

Applying for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate

Indian citizens can also apply for a visa directly at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in India. This method allows for more visa options, such as longer stays and multiple-entry visas.

Steps to apply at the embassy or consulate:

1. Visit the nearest embassy or consulate:

The Vietnamese embassy is located in New Delhi, and the consulates are located in major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. You can also visit the embassy’s website for more information on the application process.

2. Complete the visa application form:

• Obtain the visa application form from the embassy or consulate. Alternatively, you can download it from their official website.

• Fill in your personal information, travel details, and the type of visa you are applying for (tourist, business, work, etc.).

3. Submit required documents:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

• Visa application form: Completed and signed.

• Passport-sized photos: Two recent photos (4x6 cm) with a white background.

• Proof of travel: This may include your flight itinerary, hotel bookings, or invitation letters for business or work visas.

4. Pay the visa fee:

Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa (single or multiple entries, and length of stay). Payment can be made in cash or via other payment methods accepted by the embassy.

5. Wait for processing:

Visa processing usually takes 5-7 working days, depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications.

6. Collect your visa:

Once your visa is ready, you can collect it in person or arrange for it to be mailed to you, depending on the embassy’s service.

Business and work visa application

If you’re travelling to Vietnam for business or work, you may need a business visa (DN) or work visa (LD). Here’s how to apply:

Business visa (DN):

• You will need an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or organisation.

• The steps for business visas are the same as those for tourist visas (either e-visa, visa on arrival, or through the embassy), except that you must provide additional documentation such as your invitation letter.

• The duration can be from 30 days to 1 year, with single or multiple entries.

Work visa (LD):

• You’ll need a work permit and a signed labour contract from a Vietnamese company.

• The work permit is obtained by your employer in Vietnam and is a mandatory requirement for a work visa.

• Once you have the work permit, you can apply for a work visa through the embassy or consulate.

Conclusion

Securing the right Vietnam visa for Indian travellers is essential for a smooth entry into the country. Each visa type serves a specific purpose, reflecting the diverse reasons for visiting Vietnam. By carefully selecting the appropriate visa, you not only comply with legal requirements but also set the stage for a more enriching experience.