Eligibility - yes, Indians qualify
Vietnam's e-visa program opened to all nationalities in August 2023. Indian passport holders are fully eligible - this is now the recommended route, replacing the old embassy-application path. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
Fees - the official numbers only
| Type | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | US$25 | Up to 90 days |
| Multiple entry | US$50 | Up to 90 days |
Pay by card on the official portal (evisa.gov.vn). Lookalike agent sites rank on Google too and add service fees of US$20-60 for the same visa - check the URL before paying.
Application, step by step
- Prepare documents - a scan of your passport data page and a passport-style photo (white background, no glasses, recent).
- Fill the form on evisa.gov.vn - personal details must match the passport exactly. Indian names cause the most stalls here: given-name/surname order matters, and a surname left blank on the passport needs careful handling.
- Declare entry and exit ports - pick the actual airport you land at (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang...). The visa is tied to this port.
- Pay and save the registration code - you will need it to check status and download the visa PDF.
- Print the e-visa - carry a paper copy; airlines and immigration both ask for it.
Processing time - official vs real
Officially 3 working days. Realistically 3-10 days - the two common stalls are photo rejection and name-order mismatches, both of which send the application back to the end of the queue. Apply at least 2 weeks out; the portal has no real urgent lane. Details in the processing-time deep dive.
E-visa vs visa on arrival for Indians
Both are technically available, but VoA is the worse path for Indians now: you must buy an approval letter from an agent first (extra fee, extra wait), then queue at the Landing Visa counter on arrival before joining the main immigration queue - two queues instead of one. E-visa holders walk straight to immigration. Full comparison in visa on arrival vs e-visa.
When you land - the part nobody warns you about
Your e-visa gets you permission to board and to enter - it does not get you through the airport fast. On a peak-window arrival at Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai, the immigration queue after a 4-5 hour flight from India can run 60-100 minutes. If you are landing in the evening or traveling with family, arrival fast track is the difference between a long queue and a 10-15 minute exit.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indian citizens get a Vietnam e-visa?
Yes - fully eligible since August 2023. It is the standard recommended route; no embassy visit needed.
How much does it cost?
US$25 single-entry, US$50 multiple-entry on the official portal. Third-party sites add service fees for the same visa.
How many days does processing take?
3 working days officially, 3-10 in practice - photo rejections and name-order issues push applications back into the queue. Apply 2+ weeks ahead.
How long is it valid?
Up to 90 days from your declared entry date; single or multiple entry by fee tier. Tied to the arrival port you declare.
Is visa on arrival better for Indians?
No - VoA needs a paid approval letter first and adds a second airport queue. E-visa is simpler end to end.
Visa sorted? Then the only thing between you and the hotel is the immigration queue - see the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City wait guides.