In the context of increasing cultural and tourism exchanges between countries, many Indian citizens have come to Vietnam for business, tourism, etc. A common question they ask is “Is Vietnam visa free for Indian?” To better understand Vietnam’s visa policy for Indian citizens, we will provide detailed information on visa requirements and related fees when coming to Vietnam.
Are Indian citizens exempt from visa when visiting Vietnam?
Before knowing Is Vietnam visa free for Indian?, we need to know about visas for Indian citizens. Vietnam does not currently have a visa exemption policy for Indian citizens. This means that Indians are required to apply for a visa before entering Vietnam, except in some special cases. The visa application process usually requires Indians to prepare documents and submit an application at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in India, or can apply for an electronic visa (E-visa) online, depending on the purpose of the trip.
Some special cases may be exempted from visas or processed according to a separate process, such as for diplomats or those participating in international events organized by Vietnam.
To ensure a smooth trip, Indian citizens should carefully research the types of visas suitable for their purposes. The electronic visa application process is often preferred by many people due to its convenience and speed. However, in case of business or long-term stay, applying for a visa through the embassy may be a better option. Most importantly, prepare the necessary documents and apply early to avoid risks.
Is Vietnam visa free for Indian?
Is Vietnam visa free for Indian? Currently, all Indian citizens who want to enter Vietnam must apply for a visa and pay the prescribed fee. All Indian citizens must pay the prescribed visa fee when applying to enter Vietnam. The visa exemption has not been applied to Indian citizens.
The visa fee for Indians when applying for a Vietnam visa is determined based on the type of visa they choose and the length of stay in Vietnam. There are many different types of visas, from short-term tourist visas, business visas to electronic visas (E-visas), and each type has a specific fee.
Vietnam Visa Fees for Indian Citizens
When Indian citizens want to enter Vietnam, they must apply for a visa and pay a fee as prescribed by the Vietnamese Government. This fee is applied from October 3, 2023, based on Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC, amended by Circular 62/2023/TT-BTC. Visa fees may vary depending on the type of visa and length of stay. Below are details of Vietnam visa fees for Indian citizens.
Single entry visa
Fee: 25 USD. This is the fee for a single entry visa, meaning that Indian citizens are only allowed to enter Vietnam once with this type of visa. This visa is suitable for short-term trips such as tourism or short business trips.
Multiple entry visa
For Indian citizens wishing to enter Vietnam multiple times within a certain time, the fee will depend on the duration of the visa:
- Valid for no more than 90 days:
Fee: 50 USD. This type of visa allows multiple entries into Vietnam within 3 months, suitable for those who have jobs or need to travel frequently in a short period.
- Valid for over 90 days to 180 days:
Fee: 95 USD. This visa allows Indians to stay and enter Vietnam for a period of 3 to 6 months.
- Valid for over 180 days to 01 year:
Fee: 135 USD. Issued to those who need to stay or have a job lasting up to 1 year in Vietnam.
- Valid for over 01 year to 02 years:
Fee: 145 USD. This visa is suitable for those who work and work long-term in Vietnam for a period of 1 to 2 years.
- Valid for 2 to 5 years:
Fee: 155 USD. This is the longest-term visa, up to 5 years, suitable for investors, experts or workers with long-term contracts in Vietnam.
Visa fees for children under 14 years old:
- Fee: 25 USD/visa. Visas for children under 14 years old, regardless of duration, are subject to a fixed fee of 25 USD.
Visa transfer fee:
In case an Indian citizen needs to transfer the visa value from the old passport to the new passport, or transfer the old separate visa (which has run out of space for entry and exit stamps) to the new visa, the fee will be: 5 USD
Note: The above fee is only the visa application fee and does not include other costs that may arise, such as service costs when using an intermediary service to support visa applications. Indian citizens should carefully check the type of visa they need to prepare the correct documents and fees, avoiding problems during the application process.
Vietnam visa application process for Indian citizens
For Indian citizens wishing to enter Vietnam, there are three common forms of visa application, including applying directly at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, applying for an electronic visa (E-visa), and applying for a visa at the border gate (Visa on Arrival). Each form has its specific process and requirements.
Apply for visa through Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate
This is the traditional form, requiring Indian citizens to apply directly at Vietnamese diplomatic missions in India, including the Embassy or Consulate.
Steps to follow:
- Prepare documents: Citizens need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of entry. Portrait photo of appropriate size as required (usually 4x6cm).
- Filled out a visa application.
- Travel information, including itinerary, airfare, and hotel reservation information (if applicable).
- Applying: Submit directly to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in India. Citizens may have to pay the visa fee upon submission of the application.
- Processing time: The visa application process via this method usually takes 5-7 working days, however, the time may be longer in peak cases or when additional information is required.
Apply for electronic visa (E-visa)
Electronic visa (E-visa) is a popular choice, highly appreciated for its convenience, speed, and low cost. This is a form of online visa application without having to go directly to diplomatic agencies.
Steps to follow:
- Apply online: Indian citizens need to visit the official website of the Government of Vietnam for an E-visa. Then, provide basic information such as:
- Passport (passport number, date of issue, expiry date).
- Travel information (date of entry, expected date of exit).
- Portrait and passport photo uploaded as required.
- Fee payment: After filling in all the information, citizens must pay the visa fee online through supported payment gateways.
- Processing time: The processing time for e-visas is usually 3-5 working days. After approval, citizens can print the e-visa and bring it with them when entering Vietnam.
Visa on Arrival
Visa on Arrival is a form of visa issued at major international airports in Vietnam. This form requires Indian citizens to register in advance through licensed visa services.
Steps to follow:
- Pre-registration: Citizens need to contact a Vietnamese visa service to request an approval letter. This service usually requires citizens to provide passport and travel information.
- Receive the approval letter: After registering and being approved, citizens will receive an approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department via email. This letter needs to be printed out and brought with them when boarding the plane.
- Receive visa at the airport: Upon arrival at major international airports in Vietnam such as Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Noi Bai (Hanoi), or Da Nang, Indian citizens will present the approval letter and pay the visa fee at the check-in counter to receive the visa. This procedure takes place at the visa area at the border gate immediately after landing.
Notes for Indian citizens when applying for Vietnam visa
When Indian citizens plan to enter Vietnam, it is extremely important to prepare and comply with visa requirements. To ensure a smooth visa application process, here are some necessary notes that Indian citizens should pay attention to when applying for a Vietnam visa.
Prepare all necessary documents
Preparing accurate and complete documents from the beginning will help the visa application process go smoothly, avoiding the need to supplement information or resubmit documents. Below are the basic documents that Indian citizens need to prepare when applying for a Vietnam visa:
- Passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of entry into Vietnam. In addition, the passport must have at least one blank page for the visa.
- Passport photo: The portrait photo must meet the standard size requirements (usually 4x6cm) and must be taken recently, with a white or light blue background.
- Visa application form: The visa application form must be filled out completely and accurately. The form can be downloaded from the official website of the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate or through visa support services.
- Travel information: Citizens need to provide information about the planned itinerary, including round-trip air tickets, and accommodation address in Vietnam (hotel reservation information or sponsor information).
Check carefully the visa regulations and conditions
Before applying, Indian citizens should carefully check the current visa regulations to avoid unnecessary mistakes. Some things to note include:
- Appropriate visa type: Each type of visa will have its requirements and conditions depending on the purpose of entry (tourism, business, or visiting relatives). Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right type of visa to avoid being rejected or processed for the wrong purpose.
- Duration and number of entries: Citizens should consider the duration of the visa and choose a single-entry or multiple-entry visa depending on their needs. This is especially important for those who plan to enter Vietnam many times in a short period.
- Processing time: Processing time can vary from 3-7 working days or longer during holidays or peak seasons. Therefore, citizens need to apply for a visa early to ensure they have a visa before their expected departure date.
Use reputable visa services
If you are unfamiliar with the visa application process or need additional assistance, Indian citizens should seek professional and reputable visa services. These services will help advise and support in preparing documents and submitting applications accurately, saving time and avoiding risks.
TrustVisa is one of the leading visa service providers for international citizens entering Vietnam. TrustVisa has many years of experience in supporting customers in applying for visas quickly and effectively. Indian citizens can refer to all of TrustVisa’s services through the website trustvisa.vn to receive detailed advice and choose the most suitable service package. Refer to Trustvisa’s service price list here.
Using professional services from Trustvisa not only makes the visa application process easier but also ensures that your application is processed on time and accurately.
Read more: Vietnam Visa requirements for Indian citizens: A complete guide from TrustVisa