Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam? (2026 Quick Answer)
Yes — Indian passport holders require a valid visa to enter Vietnam in 2026. India is not on Vietnam's visa-exemption list, which means a visa is needed whether you enter by air, land, or sea.
There is one narrow exception worth knowing: Phu Quoc Island permits Indian travelers to stay for up to 30 days without a visa, provided they arrive directly on the island and do not travel to the Vietnamese mainland during that visit. The moment you want to explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or any other mainland destination, a full visa is required — even if your trip started under the Phu Quoc exemption.
For the vast majority of Indian travelers visiting Vietnam in 2026, the e-Visa is the easiest option — it costs USD 25 for single entry or USD 50 for multiple entry, is valid for up to 90 days, and takes 3 working days to process. It can be obtained entirely online before departure and is accepted at all international entry points — airports, land borders, and seaports.
Vietnam Visa Cost for Indians in 2026 — Full Fee Breakdown
Government e-Visa Fee (Direct Application)
When you apply directly on the official Vietnamese government portal at evisa.gov.vn, the fee is USD 25 for a single-entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa. Both options carry a maximum validity of 90 days from the date of issue. The government fee — USD 25 or USD 50 — is non-refundable once paid, even if the application is rejected.
Applying via Visarun.ai
For travelers who prefer to have their application reviewed, documents checked, and submission handled by a specialist, Visarun.ai offers a fully managed Vietnam e-Visa service. The pricing is:
- Government fee — USD 25
- Visarun service fee — USD 47
- Total — USD 72 (approximately ₹6,050)
The service fee covers document preparation, a thorough application review to catch errors before submission, real-time status tracking, and dedicated support throughout the process. Visarun.ai's standard processing time is 2–3 business days.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) — Fee Structure
Visa on Arrival remains available for Indian travelers arriving by air at designated international airports. However, it involves two separate fees and requires advance preparation:
- Approval letter fee — USD 20 to USD 60, paid online to a licensed Vietnamese travel agency before departure
- Stamping fee at the airport — USD 25 for a single-entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa, paid in cash (US Dollars) at the immigration counter
The total VOA cost for a single-entry visit therefore typically falls between USD 45 and USD 85 depending on which agency issues the approval letter. VOA is not available at land borders or seaports.
e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival — Cost Comparison
For most Indian travelers, the e-Visa is the more practical and cost-effective choice. Here is how the two options compare across the factors that matter most:
- Cost (single entry) — e-Visa: USD 25 direct / USD 72 via Visarun.ai; VOA: USD 45–85 total (approval letter + airport stamping)
- Where valid — e-Visa: all international airports, land borders, and seaports; VOA: designated international airports only
- Cash at airport — e-Visa: none required; VOA: USD 25 or USD 50 in cash must be carried to the immigration counter
- Pre-travel paperwork — e-Visa: applied entirely online, approval received digitally; VOA: approval letter from an agency must be printed and carried
- Processing time — e-Visa: 3–5 working days on the official portal; VOA approval letter: typically 7–10 business days
- Refundability — both are non-refundable once paid
Remember, Visa on Arrival is only available at airports. If you are crossing a land border, you must have an e-Visa or embassy visa.
Total Cost in INR — What to Budget
Exchange rates fluctuate, so all INR figures here are approximate. Verify the current rate before you pay. A realistic cost estimate for an Indian traveler breaks down as follows:
DIY Application via evisa.gov.vn
- Single-entry e-Visa — approximately ₹2,100 (USD 25)
- Multiple-entry e-Visa — approximately ₹4,200 (USD 50)
- International card foreign transaction fee — approximately ₹60–₹120 extra (1–3% of transaction value, varies by bank)
Managed Application via Visarun.ai
- Total (single-entry e-Visa, including government fee and service fee) — approximately ₹6,050 (USD 72)
Visa on Arrival (Single Entry)
- Approval letter from agency — approximately ₹1,700–₹5,000 (USD 20–60)
- Stamping fee in cash at the airport — approximately ₹2,100 (USD 25)
- Total — approximately ₹3,800–₹7,100
Optional Add-ons to Factor In
- Travel insurance — typically ₹1,500–₹3,000 for a 10–15 day trip (not mandatory but strongly recommended)
- Airport fast-track service — approximately ₹3,360 (USD 40) per person, for those who want to skip long immigration queues at Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam does not mandate travel insurance for Indians, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs abroad can be expensive.
How to Pay the Vietnam Visa Fee from India
The official evisa.gov.vn portal accepts payment via international credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, and JCB are all supported. A standard Indian RuPay card will not work unless it carries an international payment network on the same card. Check with your bank before applying.
The amount is charged in Vietnamese Dong at the time of transaction, converted from USD at the portal's prevailing exchange rate. Your bank may apply a foreign currency transaction fee; checking your card's foreign transaction fee policy in advance avoids surprises on your statement.
For Visa on Arrival, the approval letter fee is paid online to the issuing agency, while the stamping fee at the airport must be paid in cash US Dollars. Vietnamese Dong or Indian Rupees are not accepted at the visa-on-arrival counter. Carry the exact amount in USD since change is not always available at the counter.
If you apply through Visarun.ai, payment is made securely through the platform at the time of submitting your application. The government portion (USD 25) is remitted directly to the Vietnamese immigration authority on your behalf.
How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa from India (Step-by-Step)
Use only the official portal — the only legitimate e-Visa website is evisa.gov.vn. Several lookalike sites charge extra fees or may be scams. The process generally takes 20–30 minutes to complete once you have your documents ready.
What You Need Before Starting
- Indian passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date, with at least one blank page
- Scanned copy of your passport bio-data page (JPEG format)
- A recent passport-size photograph with a white background (4 x 6 cm, JPEG)
- Planned entry and exit dates and the border gate you intend to use
- Accommodation address in Vietnam (hotel name and address)
- An international debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or JCB) for the online fee payment
Step-by-Step Application
- Step 1 — Visit evisa.gov.vn and select "Apply for e-Visa"
- Step 2 — Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport; any mismatch can lead to rejection
- Step 3 — Provide travel details: intended entry date, entry border gate, exit border gate, and accommodation address in Vietnam
- Step 4 — Upload your passport bio-page scan and passport-size photograph in JPEG format; save all documents as PDF or JPEG — other formats often get rejected by the online system
- Step 5 — Review all information carefully before proceeding to payment
- Step 6 — Pay the fee online using your international card (USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry)
- Step 7 — Save your application reference number to check status on the portal
- Step 8 — Once approved, download and print your e-Visa; do not rely on showing it on your phone as some immigration officers require a physical copy
Double-check your entry port. You cannot change the entry port after your application is submitted. If your travel plans change and you need a different entry point, a fresh application with the correct gate is required.
Processing Time
The standard government processing time for a Vietnam e-Visa is approximately 3–5 working days after a complete application is submitted. Working days exclude weekends and Vietnamese public holidays. During peak holiday periods such as Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), processing can slow considerably, so additional buffer time is advisable.
Visarun.ai's managed processing delivers e-Visa approval in 2–3 business days for standard applications. This shorter timeline reflects the document pre-check and prioritized submission process.
Urgent processing fees of USD 10–50 are available for 1–2 day or expedited turnaround options. If you need your visa within 48 hours, confirm availability directly with the service provider before paying.
A practical planning rule is to apply at least 15–20 days before travel to account for any delays or document issues that might come up.
Hidden Costs and What to Anticipate
Foreign Currency Surcharges
When paying the e-Visa fee online, your Indian bank may charge a foreign currency conversion fee of 1–3% on the transaction. On a USD 25 payment, that adds roughly ₹60–₹120. On a USD 50 multiple-entry payment, it could be ₹120–₹240. Review your card's foreign transaction fee policy with your bank before applying.
Airport Fast-Track Service
At major Vietnamese airports, a paid fast-track service priced around USD 40 per person provides a dedicated greeter at the arrival gate and escorted priority processing through immigration. This is optional, but families with young children, business travelers on tight schedules, or first-time visitors often find it worthwhile during peak seasons when immigration queues can stretch for hours.
Multiple-Entry vs Single-Entry Premium
If your itinerary takes you into Cambodia or Laos and back into Vietnam, a multiple-entry e-Visa at USD 50 is the right choice. Applying for two separate single-entry visas would cost the same USD 50 in total, but it means going through the full application process twice. Budget the USD 25 premium into your planning if your route calls for multiple entries.
Visa Rejection and Reapplication Cost
The government e-Visa fee is non-refundable in cases of rejection. If an application is turned down due to a form error, document mismatch, or incorrect passport details, the applicant pays the fee again for a fresh submission. Using a service that reviews documents before submission reduces this risk materially.
VOA Approval Letter Expiry
Visa on Arrival approval letters are issued for a specific date range. If your flight is rescheduled or cancelled after the letter is issued, a new approval letter — and its associated fee — may be required. This is an often-overlooked contingency cost for travelers choosing the VOA route over the e-Visa.
Travel Insurance
A comprehensive single-trip policy covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation typically costs ₹1,500–₹3,000 from Indian insurers for a 10–15 day Vietnam trip, depending on coverage limits and the traveler's age. Final fee structures and policy conditions are published by each insurer and are subject to change — check the insurer's website before purchasing.
FAQ
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Yes, Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam in 2026. The only exception is a 30-day visa-free stay on Phu Quoc Island for travelers arriving directly on the island who do not travel to the Vietnamese mainland during that visit. All other entry points and destinations in Vietnam require a valid visa.
How much does a Vietnam e-Visa cost for Indians in 2026?
The government fee for a Vietnam e-Visa is USD 25 (approximately ₹2,100) for single entry and USD 50 (approximately ₹4,200) for multiple entry, with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. These fees are set by Vietnam's immigration authority and are non-refundable regardless of outcome.
How much does Visarun.ai charge for a Vietnam visa?
Visarun.ai's total fee for a Vietnam e-Visa is USD 72, made up of the USD 25 government fee and a USD 47 service fee. The service includes document preparation, a pre-submission review, application filing on the official portal, and status tracking. Standard processing is completed in 2–3 business days.
Is the Vietnam e-Visa better than Visa on Arrival for Indians?
For most Indian travelers, the e-Visa is the better option. It costs less in total, is valid at all border crossings including land borders, requires no cash payment at the airport, and has a shorter processing timeline when using an assisted service. Visa on Arrival involves two separate fees, requires carrying USD cash to the airport counter, and is only available at designated international airports.
What documents are needed to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa from India?
Applicants need a valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity beyond the entry date and at least one blank page, a JPEG scan of the passport bio-data page, a recent passport-size photograph with a white background (4 x 6 cm, JPEG), planned entry and exit dates, the intended border gate, and an accommodation address in Vietnam. No hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter is required for the tourist e-Visa.
How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-Visa for Indians?
Standard processing on the official evisa.gov.vn portal takes 3–5 working days. Applications managed through Visarun.ai are typically processed in 2–3 business days. Urgent options at additional cost can reduce this further. Applying at least 15–20 days before departure is advisable to allow for any unexpected delays or document re-upload requests.
Can I pay the Vietnam e-Visa fee with an Indian debit card?
Yes, provided the card carries an international payment network such as Visa or Mastercard. A RuPay-only card will not work on the evisa.gov.vn portal. Your bank may also apply a foreign currency transaction fee of 1–3% on the USD payment amount — confirming this in advance helps you budget accurately.
What is the Vietnam Visa on Arrival stamping fee for Indians?
The stamping fee payable in cash at the airport is USD 25 for a single-entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa. This is paid separately from the approval letter fee, which is paid online to a Vietnamese travel agency before departure. The combined total for a single-entry Visa on Arrival typically ranges from USD 45 to USD 85 depending on the agency used.
Can I enter Vietnam through a land border with a Visa on Arrival?
No. Visa on Arrival is only available at designated international airports, including Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and a few others. Travelers entering Vietnam through land borders from Laos, Cambodia, or China must hold an e-Visa or a visa issued by a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before departure.
Is the Vietnam e-Visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. The government e-Visa fee is non-refundable even in cases of rejection. If a fresh application is needed due to a document error or form mismatch, the fee is charged again. Choosing a service that reviews your documents before submission reduces the likelihood of a rejection and the financial cost that comes with reapplying.

