Vietnam has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian travelers. From the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and the charming, lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, to the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers an incredible mix of culture, nature, and affordability.
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026, the first thing you need to sort out is your visa. The great news? Vietnam has streamlined its visa process for Indian citizens.
At Onboard Holidays and Travels in Kannur, we want your journey to be as smooth as possible. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a Vietnam e-Visa in 2026.
Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Yes. As of 2026, Indian passport holders must have a valid visa to enter mainland Vietnam. There is no general visa-free entry for Indian citizens.
The one exception: You can visit Phu Quoc Island visa-free for up to 30 days, but only if you fly directly into Phu Quoc from outside Vietnam and do not travel to the mainland.
For most travelers looking to explore the country, the Vietnam e-Visa is the absolute best, most convenient, and cheapest option.
What is the Vietnam e-Visa?
The e-Visa is an electronic document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department that allows you to enter the country. The entire application process is online, meaning you don’t need to visit an embassy or mail your passport.
Key Features of the 2026 e-Visa:
- Validity: It allows for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry Types: You can apply for either a Single Entry or a Multiple Entry visa.
- Cost:
- Single Entry: $25 USD (~2,100 INR)
- Multiple Entry: $50 USD (~4,200 INR)
- Processing Time: Standard processing takes 3 to 5 working days.
- Port of Entry: The e-Visa is accepted at 83 international entry points across Vietnam, including all major airports, land borders, and seaports.
Documents Required for the e-Visa
Before starting your application, ensure you have these documents ready in digital format:
- A Valid Indian Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Vietnam, with at least two blank pages.
- Passport Data Page Scan: A clear, full-page scan of the biographical page of your passport (showing your photo, details, and MRZ lines). It must be in JPEG or PDF format, under 2 MB, with no edges cropped.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photo: A digital photo (4×6 cm equivalent) with a solid white background. You must not be wearing glasses, both ears should be visible, and you must have a neutral expression. This must also be under 2 MB in JPEG format. Note: Poor photo quality is the #1 reason for visa rejection!
- Travel Details: You need to know your intended date of entry, your port of entry (e.g., Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, or Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), and your port of exit.
- Accommodation Details: The address of the first hotel you will be staying at in Vietnam.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
You should always apply through the official Vietnam National Web Portal on Immigration (evisa.gov.vn) to avoid paying unnecessary middleman fees.
- Go to the Official Portal: Visit evisa.gov.vn.
- Upload Documents: Upload your passport photo and your passport data page scan.
- Fill the Form: Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport. Select whether you want a single or multiple entry visa.
- Enter Travel Details: Input your entry date, entry port, exit port, and hotel address.
- Get Registration Code: Once you submit the form, you will receive a Registration Code. Save this code! You will need it to check your status and download the visa later.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the $25 or $50 fee using an international credit or debit card.
- Download and Print: After 3-5 working days, use your Registration Code to log back in, check the status, and download your e-Visa. Print a physical copy to carry with your passport when traveling.
E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
While a Visa on Arrival (VOA) is still technically available, we highly recommend the e-Visa for Indian travelers in 2026.
The VOA requires you to pay an agency to get an “Approval Letter” beforehand, and then you must queue up at the airport in Vietnam to pay a “Stamping Fee” in cash (USD). The e-Visa is cheaper, entirely online, and lets you skip the stamping queues at the airport, heading straight to immigration.
The only time VOA is recommended is if you have an extreme travel emergency and need a visa processed in under 24 hours (which agencies can facilitate for a high fee).
Important Travel Tips for Vietnam
- Apply Early: While the e-Visa takes 3-5 working days, delays can happen. Apply at least two weeks before your flight. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
- Check the Details: A tiny typo in your name or passport number will make the e-Visa invalid. Double-check everything before submitting.
- Each Person Needs a Visa: Every traveler, including infants and children with their own passports, requires a separate e-Visa application.
- Carry Proof: Immigration officials might ask to see a return flight ticket and proof of your hotel bookings, so keep physical printouts handy.
Let Onboard Holidays and Travels Handle the Details!
Planning a trip to Vietnam should be exciting, not stressful. If you want to skip the hassle of applications, photo formatting, and tracking statuses, Onboard Holidays and Travels in Kannur is here to help.
We can manage your entire Vietnam visa process, book your flights at the best rates, and arrange customized holiday packages that cover Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Contact us today to start planning your 2026 Vietnam adventure!