Indian citizens need a visa to enter mainland Vietnam in 2026. The easiest option is the 90-day e-visa, which you can apply for online through Vietnam’s official e-visa portal. You can also get a visa on arrival at Vietnamese airports or apply for a sticker visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi. Search for flights to Ho Chi Minh City or flights to Hanoi on Wego once your visa is sorted.
Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing travel destinations for Indian tourists, thanks to affordable prices, rich culture, and a straightforward e-visa process. On 6 April 2026, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi issued a fresh travel advisory urging Indian travellers to follow visa rules carefully — particularly around Phu Quoc Island’s visa-free entry, which comes with strict conditions that catch many visitors off guard.
This guide covers every visa option available to Indian passport holders, the step-by-step e-visa application process, Phu Quoc’s visa-free rules (and risks), and how to find cheap flights from India to Vietnam.
Table of Contents
Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit Vietnam in 2026?
Yes — Indian nationals require a valid visa to enter mainland Vietnam. India is not on Vietnam’s visa-exemption list, so you must arrange a visa before you arrive (or upon arrival at the airport with pre-approval).
Visa Types Available to Indian Citizens
There are three ways to get a Vietnam visa as an Indian passport holder:
- E-visa (recommended): Apply online at evisa.gov.vn. Valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry. Works at all 83 approved entry points — airports, land borders, and seaports.
- Visa on arrival (VOA): Available only at international airports. Requires a pre-approved visa approval letter from an authorised agency before departure. You pay a stamping fee in cash at the airport.
- Embassy/consulate visa (sticker visa): Apply in person at the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai. The visa is affixed as a physical sticker in your passport.
The Phu Quoc Exception
There is one exception: Indian citizens can enter Phu Quoc Island without a visa for up to 30 days — but only if you fly directly to Phu Quoc from outside Vietnam and stay exclusively on the island. If you plan to visit any mainland destination, you need a full visa. More on this in the Phu Quoc section below.
Basic Passport Requirements
Regardless of which visa type you choose, your Indian passport must meet these conditions:
- Validity: At least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Vietnam
- Blank pages: At least 2 empty visa pages available
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa: Step-by-Step
The e-visa is the fastest and most convenient option for Indian travellers. You can apply entirely online, it’s valid at all 83 entry points (including land borders and seaports), and you don’t need to visit an embassy or arrange a separate approval letter.
What You Need Before You Start
- Passport scan: A clear photo or scan of your passport’s bio-data page (the page with your photo and details). Must be in JPEG format.
- Portrait photo: A 4×6 cm photo with a white background, looking straight at the camera, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes visible, no glasses. File format: .jpg, .jpeg, or .gif.
- Vietnam address: The name and address of your hotel or accommodation in Vietnam.
- Entry and exit points: The border gate or airport where you plan to enter and leave Vietnam.
- International payment card: A debit or credit card that works for online international transactions.
Application Steps
- Go to the official portal: Visit evisa.gov.vn (or the alternate domain thithucdientu.gov.vn). These are the only two official Vietnam e-visa websites — do not use third-party sites that charge extra fees.
- Fill in your details: Enter your personal information, passport details, travel dates, intended entry/exit ports, and Vietnam accommodation address. Upload your passport scan and portrait photo.
- Pay the fee: US$25 for single entry or US$50 for multiple entry (approximately ₹2,100 or ₹4,200). Payment is made online by international card.
- Save your registration code: After submission, you’ll receive a registration code. Keep this safe — you’ll need it to check your application status.
- Wait for processing: The Vietnam Immigration Department processes e-visa applications in 3 working days on average, though it can take up to 5–7 working days during peak periods.
- Download your e-visa: Once approved, return to the portal or check your email. Download and print your e-visa — you’ll need the printed copy at immigration.
E-Visa Fees and Validity
| Detail | Single Entry | Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | US$25 (~₹2,100) | US$50 (~₹4,200) |
| Maximum validity | 90 days | 90 days |
| Processing time | 3–7 working days | 3–7 working days |
| Valid entry points | All 83 approved ports | All 83 approved ports |
Where Can You Enter Vietnam With an E-Visa?
As of December 2025, Vietnam expanded its e-visa entry points to 83 approved ports — up from the original 42. This includes 17 international airports, 27 land border crossings (with China, Laos, and Cambodia), and 39 seaports.
Major airports for Indian travellers include Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), and Phu Quoc.
You can change your entry or exit port after the e-visa is issued without needing to re-apply — a useful flexibility if your travel plans shift.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Indians
Visa on arrival (VOA) is an alternative for Indian travellers, but it’s only available at international airports — not at land borders or seaports. It also requires more advance preparation than the e-visa.
How Visa on Arrival Works
Unlike the e-visa, you cannot simply show up at a Vietnamese airport and get a visa. The process has two stages:
- Before departure: Apply for a visa approval letter through an authorised visa agency. The agency submits your application to Vietnam’s Immigration Department, which issues the approval letter — typically within 3–5 working days. The agency fee ranges from US$6–30 depending on the service.
- At the airport: Present your approval letter, passport, passport photo, and the completed visa application form (NA1) at the VOA counter. Pay the stamping fee in cash — US$25 for single entry or US$50 for multiple entry. You’ll receive the visa stamp in your passport.
E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | E-Visa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Fully online via official portal | Through a visa agency + airport counter |
| Government fee | US$25 / US$50 (online payment) | US$25 / US$50 stamping fee (cash only) + agency fee |
| Entry points | All 83 ports (air, land, sea) | International airports only |
| Processing time | 3–7 working days | 3–5 working days (approval letter) + airport wait |
| Airport queue | No — go straight to immigration | Yes — queue at VOA counter first |
| Cash needed | No | Yes — USD cash for stamping fee |
The e-visa is the better choice for most Indian travellers. It’s cheaper overall (no agency fee), works at more entry points, avoids the airport queue, and the entire process is completed before you leave India. The only scenario where VOA might be preferable is if you’re travelling last-minute and an agency offers faster approval letter processing than the e-visa portal.
Embassy/Consulate Visa (Sticker Visa)
If you prefer applying in person, you can visit the Vietnamese diplomatic missions in India:
- Embassy of Vietnam, New Delhi: EP-7A, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Tel: +91 11 2687 9868
- Consulate General, Mumbai: Unit 805, 8th Floor, Powai Plaza, Hiranandani Gardens, Central Avenue, Powai 400076. Tel: +91 22 2570 2033
The sticker visa involves submitting your passport in person, so you’ll be without it during processing. This option is mainly useful for longer stays, work visas, or situations where you need a visa type not available as an e-visa.
Phu Quoc Island Visa-Free Entry: Rules and Risks
Phu Quoc Island offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days for Indian citizens — but this exemption comes with strict conditions that have tripped up many travellers. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi issued a specific travel advisory about this on 6 April 2026.
Conditions for Visa-Free Entry
To enter Phu Quoc without a visa, you must meet all of these conditions:
- Direct international arrival: You must fly or sail directly to Phu Quoc International Airport or Seaport from outside Vietnam. Connecting through Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi on a domestic flight does not qualify.
- Stay on the island only: You must remain on Phu Quoc for your entire trip. You cannot travel to mainland Vietnam — not even for a day trip.
- Exit directly from Phu Quoc: You must leave Vietnam directly from Phu Quoc to another country.
- Valid passport: At least 6 months validity beyond your arrival date.
- Proof of onward travel: A confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
Why India’s Embassy Recommends Getting a Visa Anyway
The April 2026 advisory from India’s Embassy in Hanoi specifically warned about the risks of relying on Phu Quoc’s visa-free entry. The embassy highlighted two major issues:
The “visa trap”: If you enter Phu Quoc visa-free and then have a medical emergency or any reason to travel to the mainland, you cannot legally do so without a visa. This has caused real problems for Indian travellers who needed hospital treatment available only in Ho Chi Minh City. Without a valid Vietnam visa, you face significant delays and immigration complications.
Passport loss delays: The embassy noted repeated cases of Indian travellers losing their passports in Vietnam. While Indian missions can issue an Emergency Certificate or Travel Document on the same day, Vietnamese authorities typically take 3–5 working days to issue the Exit Permit you need to leave the country. Without a full visa on record, this process becomes even more complicated.
The embassy’s recommendation is clear: get an e-visa before travelling to Vietnam, even if your only destination is Phu Quoc. The US$25 fee is worth the peace of mind and flexibility.
Flights from India to Vietnam
Direct flights connect several Indian cities with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making Vietnam an easy 4–5 hour trip from India. Search for the best fares on Wego’s flight comparison.
Direct Flight Routes
IndiGo and VietJet Air are the main carriers operating direct flights from India to Vietnam. Routes include:
- Delhi to Hanoi and Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City
- Mumbai to Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai to Hanoi
- Kolkata to Hanoi
One-stop connections through Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur are also widely available, often at lower fares. Airlines like Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and AirAsia serve these routes.
Approximate Flight Costs
Return flights from India to Vietnam typically range from ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 depending on the season, airline, and how far in advance you book. The cheapest fares are usually available on IndiGo and VietJet for direct routes. Compare prices across airlines on Wego to find the best deal.
Popular Destinations to Visit
Once your visa is sorted, Vietnam’s top destinations for Indian travellers include:
- Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam’s largest city, known for its street food, war museums, and buzzing nightlife
- Hanoi — the capital, with its Old Quarter, temples, and gateway to Ha Long Bay
- Da Nang — beach city with easy access to Hoi An’s ancient town and the Ba Na Hills
- Nha Trang — a coastal resort city popular for snorkelling and island hopping
- Phu Quoc — island paradise with beaches, night markets, and water parks
Book hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, hotels in Hanoi, or hotels in Da Nang on Wego to compare rates across top booking platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Vietnam visa on arrival without a pre-approved letter?
No. Indian citizens cannot get a visa stamp at a Vietnamese airport without a visa approval letter arranged before departure. Without this letter, airlines may refuse boarding and immigration will not process your visa. Apply for an e-visa instead — it’s simpler and doesn’t require a separate approval letter.
Can I travel from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City visa-free?
No. The Phu Quoc visa-free entry is strictly limited to the island. If you want to visit any mainland destination — including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang — you need a full Vietnam visa. The Indian Embassy recommends getting an e-visa even if Phu Quoc is your only planned destination.
How early should I apply for a Vietnam e-visa?
Apply at least 7–10 working days before your travel date to account for processing time and any potential delays. Standard processing takes 3–7 working days, but peak travel seasons may cause longer waits.
Do I need to carry a printed copy of my e-visa?
Yes. Print your approved e-visa and carry the physical copy with you. Immigration officers at Vietnamese entry points may ask for the printed document even if you have a digital copy on your phone.
What should I do if I lose my passport in Vietnam?
Contact the Indian Embassy in Hanoi or the Indian Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City immediately. You can also email the Vietnam Immigration Department at [email protected] or call their hotline (Hanoi: 024 3826 4026, Ho Chi Minh City: 028 3920 0365). The embassy can issue an Emergency Certificate on the same day, but Vietnamese authorities typically take 3–5 working days to issue the Exit Permit required to leave the country.
Sources
- Vietnam Immigration Department — Official E-Visa Portal
- Vietnam E-Visa Portal — Frequently Asked Questions
- Embassy of India, Hanoi — Information for Indian Visitors to Vietnam
- Embassy of Vietnam in India — E-Visa Application
- Vietnam National Portal on Immigration
- Vietnam Government Portal — E-Visa Port Expansion (Resolution 389/NQ-CP)
- Business Today — India Issues Travel Advisory for Vietnam’s Phu Quoc (April 2026)
- Travel and Tour World — Indian Embassy Flags Visa Trap in Phu Quoc
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
