Planning to travel to Vietnam from India? It is one of the premier travel destinations for Indian citizens.
Also Read: 7 New And Emerging Travel Destinations For Indian Travellers
Vietnam offers a Visa-on-arrival facility for Indian travellers. It’s available for Indians, contrary to what some of the other websites are mentioning.
This article aims to simplify the process by providing a clear, comprehensive guide that walks you through each step of obtaining your Vietnam Visa-on-arrival.
| Note: The process of obtaining Vietnam visa-on-arrival is a bit convoluted and more cumbersome than a Vietnam E-visa. However, If you still want to know how to apply for Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival, then read ahead. |
What is Vietnam Visa-on-arrival?
| Vietnam Visa-on-arrival | |
| Type | Visa-on-arrival |
| Application Method | Online (applying “approval letter” in India) + offline (getting “Visa-on-arrival” at the airport in Vietnam) |
| Processing Time | 7 – 10 business days |
| Validity (Stay Period) | 30 days Single Entry Visa |
| Cost | Approval Letter – USD 54 (approx Rs 4500 as on 09 May 2024) Visa-on-arrival Stamping Fee – USD 25 (approx Rs 2087 as on 09 May 2024) |
The Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that travellers can obtain upon entering Vietnam.
However, it is Visa-on-arrival in name only. The Truth is, you’ve to start the process for getting this visa well in advance before you arrive in Vietnam. You’ve to pre-apply for a “Visa-on-arrival (VOA) approval letter” in India itself. You can do this online via a visa agency specialising in Vietnam.
After arriving at the airport in Vietnam, your VOA approval letter will be verified. Thereafter Visa-on-arrival will be stamped on your passport.
Visa-on-Arrival Airports in Vietnam
| City | Airport |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Tan Son Nhat International Airport |
| Hanoi | Noi Bai International Airport |
| Da Nang | Da Nang International Airport |
| Khanh Hoa | Cam Ranh International Airport |
| Hai Phong | Cat Bi International Airport |
| Can Tho | Can Tho International Airport |
| Da Lat | Lien Khuong International Airport |
| Phu Quoc | Phu Quoc International Airport |
How to apply for a Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival?
1. Apply for Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival online
The first thing you need to know is unlike the Vietnam E-Visa government portal. There are no government-approved online portals where you can apply for a Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival.
You need to apply through a visa agency specializing in Vietnam Visa-on-arrival.
For ex:
2. Get the Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival Approval Letter
Upon submitting your Visa-on-Arrival application and payment with the online agent, you can expect to get the Approval Letter between 7 to 10 working days. You will need to print this Approval Letter and keep it along with your Passport and other important documents when going to Vietnam.
Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival Approval Sample Letter;
Image Source: tuanlinhtravel
3. Carry Documents Required for Vietnam Travel Visa
- Visa-on-arrival approval letter – Print and keep a copy of the vietnam visa-on-arrival approval letter you receive from your visa agency.
- Your Passport – It should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of your planned entry to Vietnam. Also, your passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
- Two passport-size photos (4cm x 6cm) – The photos must be recently taken and very clear.
- Completed Vietnam Visa Entry and Exit form
All foreign passengers arriving by air in Vietnam must fill out the Vietnam Entry and Exit form. It may be given to you on the flight itself or at the airport in Vietnam.
The filled form should be submitted along with your passport and photos to the Immigration officer for getting the Visa Stamp. You can also download and fill out the form even before travelling to Vietnam.
4. Get Your Visa Stamped Upon Arrival at The Vietnam Airport
When you arrive at one of the international airports in Vietnam head to the immigration office where Visa-on-Arrival is issued.
Show your Passport, Visa Approval Letter, completed Vietnam Visa Entry & Exit Form, and 2 passport-size photos (4cm x 6cm). Pay the Visa Stamping Fee and get your visa stamped on your passport. This fee can be paid in both US dollars or Vietnamese Dong. Currency exchange counters can be found only beyond this point. So buy US dollars before flying off to Vietnam.
Also Read: How To Carry Money When Travelling To Vietnam From India
Usually, you should get your Visa Stamped within 30 minutes. However, the process could take up to 2 hours during rush hours when a lot of international flights land at the same time at the airport.
Important Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival Information
- Double Check Visa Application – When applying for your Vietnam Visa-on-arrival online through an agent, you’ll be required to enter your name, passport number, date of birth, and arrival date. Make sure to fill everything exactly as it is on your passport. Any discrepancy can get your Visa-on-Arrival rejected at the airport in Vietnam and you’d have to catch the flight back home.
- Date Format – When writing any dates in your application form or Entry and Exit form, check which date format has to be used. Vietnam follows the Month/Date/Year format. This is an oft-repeated mistake by many.
- Do not overstay your visa period – It will be considered as illegal immigration. You would be fined and deported or at worse jailed and blacklisted from entering the country again. Also, Travellers going to Vietnam on a travel visa are not authorized to work there. A lapse of this rule will have similar consequences as mentioned above.
Follow the rules and you should have a safe, enjoyable and memorable trip to Vietnam which you can cherish for a long time!
Please Note: ExTravelMoney is not a Visa Agent. We are an online aggregator of RBI-authorized currency exchange centres in India.
Travellers going to Vietnam need to buy US Dollars in India and convert it to Vietnamese Dong after reaching there (Vietnamese Dong is usually not locally available in India). You can buy US dollars at the best exchange from any city in India through ExTravelMoney.com.
Also Read: 10 Countries Where The Indian Rupee Would Let You Spend Lavishly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Vietnam. They can opt for an e-Visa or a Visa-on-Arrival (VOA), but the latter requires pre-approval through an “Approval Letter” before traveling.
There is no government-approved online portal specifically for applying for a Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival. Indian travelers need to apply through visa agencies that specialize in Vietnam visas, such as;
1. vietnam-visa.com
2. getvietnamvisa.com
The cost for the Visa-on-Arrival consists of two parts:
1. Approval Letter: Approximately USD 54 (about Rs 4500 as of May 9, 2024)
2. Stamping Fee at the airport: USD 25 (about Rs 2087 as of May 9, 2024)
No, you cannot get a Visa-on-Arrival at Vietnamese airports without an “Approval Letter”. You must apply for this letter online through a visa agency before your trip and present it upon arrival to get your visa stamped in your passport.
The processing time for a Visa-on-Arrival approval letter is typically between 7 to 10 business days.
Yes, you can obtain a Visa-on-Arrival at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport, provided you have the necessary Approval Letter and other required documents.
Yes, Visa-on-Arrival can also be obtained at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, with the proper Approval Letter and supporting documents.
Subhash is the head of content at Extravelmoney.com. Subhash’s contributions to content involve demystifying complex financial topics like currency exchange and international money transfers, making them accessible and engaging for a wide audience. His efforts are integral to ExTravelMoney’s mission of providing transparent and convenient financial solutions.