Visa, e-visa, and who to apply through
Indian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. The e-visa is Vietnam's own online visa system, introduced to replace most of the older visa-on-arrival and embassy-counter routes for eligible nationalities, India included.
The part that causes the most confusion isn't the requirement itself, it's where to apply. The official application sits on a government portal, not a travel agency's website, and a number of third-party sites are designed to look like the official one while charging a service markup on top of the government fee.
Apply directly on the official portal
Vietnam's official e-visa application system is at evisa.gov.vn. Apply only through this site, not through a third-party agent presenting themselves as the government application system. Hip-Hip Holidays is not the Vietnamese government and does not issue or approve visas; this guide is informational, and the application itself is always made directly with the Vietnamese authorities.
DOCUMENTS
Who is eligible, and what you need
Indian citizens are eligible for Vietnam's e-visa. Before you apply, you need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Vietnam.
- At least 2 blank visa pages in your passport.
- A clear digital scan of your passport's data page.
- A recent digital portrait photo meeting the portal's specifications (plain background, passport-style).
- A valid email address and a card for the online payment.
What the e-visa does not cover
The e-visa is a standard tourist/general-purpose entry visa. It is not a work visa, and it does not extend or convert into one on its own. If your trip involves anything beyond tourism, check the specific visa category that applies before assuming the standard e-visa is the right one.
THE E-VISA
What the e-visa actually gives you
As of our research date, the e-visa is available as either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, both valid for up to 90 days from your approved entry date:
| Entry type | Typical fee (as of our research) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | USD 25 | Up to 90 days |
| Multiple entry | USD 50 | Up to 90 days |
Fees and terms change without much notice
These figures are corroborated across multiple sources current as of our research date (13 September 2026), but visa fees and terms are set by the Vietnamese authorities and can change. Confirm the exact current fee and validity on evisa.gov.vn before you pay, not from this page or any third-party summary, including this one.
APPLICATION
Applying: the actual steps
- Complete the online application form at evisa.gov.vn with your passport and personal details.
- Upload your passport data-page scan and portrait photo in the required format.
- Pay the visa fee online and note your application/registration code.
- Standard processing is typically 3-5 working days, though it can run longer; apply at least 2-3 weeks before your travel dates rather than close to departure.
- Once approved, download and print your e-visa. Carry the printed copy with you: it is checked on arrival alongside your passport.
We do not process visas on your behalf
Hip-Hip Holidays can help you plan the rest of your Vietnam trip, but the e-visa application itself is something you complete directly with the Vietnamese government. We cannot and do not guarantee approval, a specific processing time, or entry at the border: those decisions rest entirely with Vietnamese immigration authorities.
ENTRY & EXIT
Entry and exit
The e-visa is accepted at a wide network of entry and exit points across Vietnam, including international airports, land borders and seaports. Reported figures put this at over 80 checkpoints in total, though the exact list is something to confirm on the official portal for your specific route, particularly if you're crossing by land.
Match your exit port to your application
Some e-visa applications require you to select your intended exit checkpoint at the time of application. If your plans change, check whether this affects your specific e-visa before you travel, rather than assuming any checkpoint will do.
MISTAKES
Common mistakes worth avoiding
- Applying through a third-party site that looks official but charges a marked-up "service fee" without saying so clearly.
- Applying too close to your travel dates and having no buffer if processing takes longer than the typical 3-5 working days.
- Submitting a blurry passport scan or a photo that doesn't meet the portal's specifications, which can delay or reject the application.
- Forgetting to print the approved e-visa: a phone screenshot is not always accepted as a substitute for the printed document.
- Assuming a tourist e-visa covers work or long-term stays, when it does not.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
What to verify before you apply
- Your passport's expiry date against the 6-month-validity requirement, and that you have at least 2 blank pages.
- The current fee and processing time directly on evisa.gov.vn, since both can change.
- Whether the site you're applying through is the official government portal, not a similarly-named third-party service.
- Your intended exit checkpoint, if your application asks you to specify one.
- Any additional requirements if your trip is not a standard tourist visit.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Vietnam? +
Yes. Unlike some other Southeast Asian destinations, Vietnam requires Indian citizens to hold a valid visa, and the e-visa is the standard, straightforward way to get one.
Where should I apply for a Vietnam e-visa? +
Directly on the official government portal, evisa.gov.vn. Third-party sites that look similar often charge a service fee on top of the government cost without making that clear.
How much does the Vietnam e-visa cost for Indians? +
As of our research date, typical fees are USD 25 for a single-entry e-visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry e-visa, both valid for up to 90 days. Confirm the exact current fee on the official portal before you pay, as this can change.
How long does the Vietnam e-visa take to process? +
Standard processing is typically reported as 3-5 working days, though it can take longer. We recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks before your travel dates rather than close to departure.
Can Hip-Hip Holidays apply for my e-visa for me? +
No. The e-visa application is made directly by you with the Vietnamese government through evisa.gov.vn. Hip-Hip Holidays can help you plan the rest of your Vietnam trip, but we don't process visa applications on a traveller's behalf.
Planning a Vietnam holiday?
We can help you build the trip around what matters to you, once your e-visa is sorted. Tell us your dates and we'll take it from there.