When it comes to experiencing the beauty of Vietnam, a tourist visa is your ticket to this captivating South Asian nation. With its stunning natural landscapes and serene Buddhist pagodas, Vietnam offers a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful vacation. In this definitive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a Vietnam tourist visa as an Indian traveler.

What is a Vietnam Tourist Visa? A Vietnam tourist visa is issued to individuals planning to visit Vietnam for tourism purposes. This visa allows you to engage in leisure activities such as cultural tours, attending concerts, exhibitions, and visiting family and friends.

The validity and duration of stay for your tourist visa depend on specific factors. If you obtain a tourist visa online, it is typically valid for 30 days and allows for a single entry. Offline visa applications may result in different durations and entry options based on your individual circumstances.

How to Get a Vietnam Tourist Visa?

Eligibility: Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a tourist visa. Tourist visas can be applied for online or offline, following these procedures:

Online Procedure:

1. Visit the official Vietnam e-visa portal.
2. Create an account and log in.
3. Complete the visa application form.
4. Attach a recent photograph.
5. Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
6. Submit the form online.
7. Pay the required fees for the Vietnam tourist visa.

Offline Procedure:

1. Start by downloading the application form.
2. Thoroughly fill out the application form.
3. Attach a recent photograph.
4. Gather all necessary documents.
5. Sign the application form.
6. Submit the application form along with the supporting documents.
7. Pay the required tourist visa fees.

When filling out the application form, whether online or offline, it’s crucial to ensure that all information is accurate and matches the details in your travel document. Any discrepancies, incorrect, or unverifiable information may lead to application rejection. There are other potential reasons for visa rejection, making it advisable to minimize the risk by considering professional assistance from a visa agency.

Eligibility Requirements: Several parameters and criteria must be met before proceeding with the visa application process. These parameters help determine visa requirements and the overall application process. Here are some key eligibility pointers:

1. Proof of the purpose of your visit:

   • If you plan to visit acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from a resident in Vietnam.
   • Your visit should be for tourism purposes, visiting acquaintances, and not for seeking or undertaking any employment.

2. Health requirements:

   • You should be in good health to travel to Vietnam.
   • While a medical test is mandatory for long-term visas like resident permits or work visas, it is typically not required for tourist visas, especially short-stay ones.

3. Character requirements:

   • You must have a good character and genuine intentions behind your visit to Vietnam.
   • Provide relevant documentary proof, such as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), if requested.

4. Sufficient funds:

   • You must possess or have access to enough funds to cover your stay and other expenses in Vietnam.
   • Bank statements or equivalent documents must be submitted as proof.

Vietnam Tourist Visa Requirements: Document requirements vary depending on the application process. Below is a list of Vietnam tourist visa requirements based on the chosen method:

E Visa Requirements:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
• Photo complying with specified photo specifications.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of your purpose of visit, such as an exhibition pass, hotel bookings, or an invitation letter.

Stamp Visa Requirements:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
• A completely filled and duly signed application form.
• A covering letter.
• Photo complying with specified photo specifications.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of your purpose of visit, such as an exhibition pass, hotel bookings, or an invitation letter.
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements for the last three months.

Photo Specifications:

• Provide one copy.
• Photo size: 4 cm x 6 cm.
• Colored copy.
• Accepted formats include JPEG or other supported formats for E visas.
• The photo should not be older than 6 months.
• The face should cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• The head should be well-centered.
• Maintain a neutral facial expression.
• Ensure hair does not obscure the eyes.
• Both ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are generally not permitted; however, exceptions may be made for medical reasons.
• If wearing glasses, the eyes must be clearly visible through them.
• The photo must be taken in clear light.
• Avoid red-eye or flash effects in the image.
• Headgear is generally not allowed, except for religious reasons.
• Clothing should not match the background.

Processing Time: The processing time for obtaining a Vietnam tourist visa varies based on the application method. E-visas are typically issued within three working days, so it’s advisable to apply at least a week before your intended travel date. Offline applications for stamp visas may take around 10 to 15 days, and in some cases, up to 90 days. Several factors can influence processing times, including the application submission date, server performance, and staff availability for offline applications.

Vietnam Tourist Visa Fees for Indian Citizens: The fees for Vietnam tourist visas for Indian citizens depend on specific factors. For online permits, fees are paid electronically to the Vietnamese Immigration. For offline stamp visas, fees are paid to the Vietnam Embassy in either cash or by demand draft.

Sample fee examples include:

• Single entry tourist visa (30 days, 1 month validity): ₹1500.0
• Single entry tourist visa (30 days, 3 months validity): ₹2500.0
• Multiple entry tourist visa (30 days, 1 month validity): ₹1700.0
• Multiple entry tourist visa (30 days, 3 months validity): ₹3000.0

After Submission: After submitting your documents, take note of the following important steps:

• Ensure that you pay the appropriate fee according to the type of permit you are applying for.
• Your documents will be verified, and the application will undergo processing.
• Once processed by the Vietnamese Immigration or the Embassy, you will receive your e-visa for Vietnam.
• In case you need to make any changes to your application, promptly inform the Immigration or the Embassy.
• If your plans change, you have the option to withdraw your application within the processing timeframe.

How to Check Visa Status: You can easily check the status of your visa online by visiting the Vietnam e-visa portal and entering the required details. If you applied through a visa agency, you can contact them for updates. Alternatively, reach out to the Consulate for offline applications.

When You Have This Visa:

Before You Travel:

• Print your e-visa for Vietnam.
• Make a note of the specific port of entry into Vietnam.
• Be aware of the visa expiry date and the number of entries allowed; ensure you do not overstay the visa’s validity.
• Travel to Vietnam within the validity period of your visa.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and other essential travel documents.
• Obtain health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company.

At the Border:

• Have your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Seek assistance from airport authorities if needed.
• Familiarize yourself with the guidelines and rules outlined in your visa copy.

Upon Entering Vietnam:

• Avoid any form of employment, though volunteer work may be permitted.
• Do not attempt to employ residents or reside in the country.
• Your visa is exclusively for tourism and related activities; tourism-prohibited areas should be avoided.
• Ensure you do not overstay your visa, and apply for a visa extension if necessary.