Vietnam’s Visa for Indian Tourists: A Brief Guide

Posted by Written by Vu Nguyen Hanh Reading Time: 4 minutes

Vietnam is a popular destination for Indian tourists, recording a significant rise in visitor numbers recently. This article provides a concise guide on Vietnam travel options, visa requirements, and essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for Indian citizens.

Vietnam’s growing appeal to Indian tourists

Vietnam’s tourism landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic as the country cements its status as a global travel destination. Notably, the number of Indian visitors has been rising steadily.

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In the first week of 2025, the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board (VTAB) reported a 50-70 percent surge in Indian arrivals compared to December, signaling a strong start for the tourism sector. According to TMG’s Sales Director, Vu Thu Hien, Indian tourists accounted for 30 percent of the clientele at Hanoi’s Flower Garden Hotel. A VTAB representative also highlighted India as the fastest-growing market for inbound tourism.

Tour operators attribute Vietnam’s growing appeal among South Asian travelers to the increasing number of Indian tourists and the expansion of direct flight routes between Vietnam and major Indian cities.

In 2024, Indian arrivals in Vietnam soared by 297 percent compared to pre-COVID levels, surpassing the 208 percent increase in visitors from Cambodia. India ranked among Vietnam’s top 10 source markets, with over 500,000 Indian tourists visiting last year out of a total of 17.6 million foreign arrivals.

Common travel routes between Vietnam and India

There are several ways to travel from India to Vietnam, including:

  • By sea: From India, visitors can take ferries or cruises from Cambodia that sail along the picturesque Mekong Delta. The trips might cost around US$45 to US$100, depending on whether travelers choose ferries or cruises. Alternatively, visitors can also opt for more luxurious experiences with cruises from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City.
  • By air: Flying is the best option for those who want to save time, which typically takes only four hours. Major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai offer direct or one-stop flights to Vietnam’s three main international airports: Noi Bai in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City Airport, and Da Nang Airport. A flight costs around INR 20,000 (approx. US$230), but booking months ahead can lower it to under INR 13,000 (approx. US$150). With good planning, prices may drop to INR 7,000 – INR 9,000 (approx. US$80-100).
  • By road: Indian travelers can also reach Vietnam by taking a road trip through Thailand or Laos. Laos has six border crossings into Vietnam, while Cambodia has three.

Vietnam’s visa for Indian visitors

Visa application

Indians must have a Vietnam visa to enter the country by any means of transportation. Visitors can apply for a visa via the government’s e-visa portal or the Vietnamese Embassy and Consulate Generals in India. Vietnam’s e-visa for Indians is valid for up to 90 days and can be used for single or multiple entries.

It is important to note that for visas, Vietnam only accepts passports valid for at least six months.

Read more: Vietnam E-Visas: A Complete Guide

Advisory from the Indian Embassy to Hanoi, Vietnam

The Indian Embassy has noted that Indian nationals entering Vietnam on tourist e-visas often encounter difficulties when attempting to exit the country via land borders to reach other destinations. Additionally, some travelers have overstayed beyond the validity of their visas. These challenges arise due to variations in designated exit points for e-visas and standard visas at airports, ports, and land borders.

To prevent such issues, the embassy advises Indian nationals traveling to Vietnam on an e-visa to:

  • Familiarize themselves with the designated exit points in advance through the Vietnam government’s information portal.
  • Check the operating hours of land border exit points.
  • Understand Vietnam’s current immigration regulations.
  • Contact the Embassy or Consulate General using the emergency numbers listed on their respective websites if needed.

Required documents for Vietnam visa

To gain a Vietnam visa, tourists must prepare the following documents in advance, which are as follows:

  • Valid passport;
  • Fully completed visa application form;
  • Passport with at least 45 days’ validity from the travel date;
  • Passport size photograph with white background (size 4×6 cm);
  • A confirmed return flight ticket;
  • Proof of hotel accommodation; and
  • Bank statement for the last 3 months.

How long is the application process for a Vietnam visa?

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For those applying through the Vietnamese Embassy in Delhi, the processing time for a standard tourist visa typically ranges from 10 to 12 working days. Applications submitted to Vietnam’s Consulate Generals in other locations may take an additional one or two days.

For e-visa applications, the standard processing time is 3 to 5 business days. Applicants should check the status of their application on the official website after this period. Results are available from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Vietnam visa extension and renewal 

Visa extension 

A visa extension allows visitors to prolong their stay in Vietnam without leaving the country or reapplying for a new visa. This option is generally more cost-effective and convenient than obtaining a visa renewal.

The key requirement is that the extension period must match the duration of the current visa. For instance, a traveler with a one-month visa can apply for a one-month extension. Thus, to qualify for a three-month extension, the existing visa must be valid for at least three months.

Visa renewal

A visa renewal grants visitors a new visa stamp and sticker in their passport, allowing them to extend their stay for a longer duration. While this option is more expensive than a visa extension, it is necessary in certain situations, including:

  • When the current visa does not meet the extension requirements.
  • When upgrading from a one-month visa to a three-month visa.
  • When converting a single-entry visa to a multiple-entry visa.

Emergency contacts

In case of a lost passport, Indian citizens can file a police complaint immediately at the nearest police station and obtain a stamped police report. They must then approach the nearest consular office for the issuance of a travel document (emergency certificate) for their return to India. The locations of Indian consular offices in Vietnam are noted below:

  • Embassy of India in Hanoi:
    • Address:58-60 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi;
    • Emergency number: +84-913089165.
  • Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City:
    • Address:214 Vo Thi Sau Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City;
    • Emergency number: +84-917180776.

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