Planning to explore Vietnam in 2025? Whether you’re captivated by the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, dreaming of a boat ride through Ha Long Bay, or craving the cultural charm of Hoi An, there’s one thing you must tick off your list before packing your bags—getting your Vietnam sightseeing visa. And if you’re holding an Indian passport, the process is easier than you might think.
Many Indian travellers are unsure which type of visa to apply for, how long it takes, or which method works best for their trip. That’s why we’ve prepared this all-in-one guide, focused specifically on helping Indian citizens secure their Vietnam sightseeing visa in 2025. From e-visa procedures to visa on arrival and embassy applications, we’ll walk you through each option step-by-step.
Whether you’re planning a short holiday or a multi-stop journey across Southeast Asia, this guide is designed to help you make confident travel decisions and avoid last-minute stress at the airport.
A Vietnam sightseeing visa is a travel authorization designed for visitors who are entering the country for tourism purposes only. For Indian nationals, it allows leisure travel—such as sightseeing, cultural experiences, or visiting friends—but does not cover business, employment, or study-related stays.
The visa is generally valid for either 30 or 90 days, with the option of single-entry (one visit) or multiple-entry (leave and return within the valid period). This gives Indian travellers the flexibility to plan anything from a quick getaway to an extended exploration across Vietnam and its neighbouring countries.
Compared to business or work visas, sightseeing visas are much more straightforward. They require fewer documents, the fees are lower, and the processing time is significantly shorter. Choosing the right visa type depends largely on your travel dates, entry points, and how often you plan to leave and return to Vietnam during your trip.
The Vietnam e-visa is an excellent option for Indian passport holders and is widely preferred for its convenience. It can be applied for entirely online and supports both 30-day and 90-day durations. You can also choose between a single-entry or multiple-entry e-visa, depending on your itinerary.
One major advantage of the e-visa is that it is accepted at a wide range of international checkpoints, including airports, land borders, and seaports. The processing time usually falls between 3 to 5 working days, but urgent options are available if you need it sooner. After approval, the visa is sent to your email as a PDF.
All you need to do is print the document and present it at immigration when you land in Vietnam. No need to visit a consulate or mail your passport—making it especially convenient for working professionals and frequent flyers.
The Visa on Arrival is another option that suits Indian travellers who are flying into Vietnam. It’s particularly useful for shorter trips and urgent plans, with validity typically ranging from 15 to 30 days. However, it is important to note that VOA is only applicable if you’re arriving by air through major international airports like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City.
Before boarding your flight, you must first apply for an Approval Letter through a reliable visa agency. Once received via email, print the letter and carry it with your passport, two recent photos, and the visa stamping fee in cash (USD). When you land, go directly to the VOA counter to receive your official visa.
For last-minute travellers or those who prefer to finalize paperwork at the airport, VOA is a practical solution. Just ensure you’re entering through an airport and not a land or sea border, as it won’t be valid otherwise.
While it’s less commonly used today due to the rise of online services, Indian travellers can still apply for a Vietnam sightseeing visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in India. This method is suitable for those who want to complete all formalities before departure or plan to stay longer than 90 days.
The process involves filling out a paper application, submitting your passport, passport-sized photos, travel itinerary, and paying the required fees. You may need to visit the embassy in person, although some locations accept applications via courier. Processing times vary but generally take 5 to 10 business days.
This option is ideal for travellers who value having a physical visa affixed in their passport or who plan to enter Vietnam through land routes that may not accept e-visas or VOA.
Applying for a Vietnam e-visa is one of the simplest ways for Indian travellers to secure their sightseeing visa. Here’s a quick guide to completing the process:
Start by visiting https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/. This platform offers a user-friendly interface and expert support throughout the process.
Fill in your personal details carefully, exactly as they appear on your passport. You’ll also need to upload a recent passport-style photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page.
Once your documents are submitted, make the payment using a secure method such as credit card or PayPal. Standard applications are processed in 3–5 working days, but faster options are available for an additional fee.
When your visa is approved, it will be emailed to you in PDF format. Be sure to print it and keep it with your travel documents for easy presentation at immigration on arrival.
To use the Visa on Arrival service, Indian travellers must first obtain a pre-approval letter. This letter serves as official confirmation that you’re eligible to receive a visa once you land in Vietnam.
Begin by applying online at https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/. After submitting your information and paying the service fee, you’ll receive the approval letter via email within 1–3 business days (or faster if expedited).
Once you receive the letter, print it out and bring it to Vietnam along with two passport photos, your passport, and the visa fee in USD. At the airport, head to the VOA counter, submit your documents, and you’ll receive your visa sticker.
This option is convenient for urgent travel or flexible itineraries, but always confirm your airport of arrival supports VOA before booking.
If you’d rather handle everything in advance, you can apply for a Vietnam sightseeing visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in India. While this process is more traditional, it gives travellers peace of mind by completing everything ahead of departure.
Prepare the necessary paperwork: your completed visa form, a valid passport, passport photos, proof of travel bookings, and visa fees. Depending on your location, you may need to book an appointment or submit your application by mail.
Processing generally takes between 5 and 10 working days. After approval, your passport will be returned with the visa securely attached.
This method is often preferred by travellers visiting rural areas of Vietnam or crossing at land borders that do not accept e-visas or VOA.
Though the process is generally straightforward, it’s easy to make mistakes that delay or even jeopardize your visa approval. One of the most frequent issues is submitting a low-quality or incorrect-sized photo. Always use a recent, passport-style photo with a white background.
Another mistake is entering the wrong details—such as a misspelled name or incorrect passport number. These errors can result in visa rejection or complications at immigration.
Be careful when choosing your port of entry, especially for e-visa holders. Your visa is only valid at the entry point you specify during the application. And finally, never delete your visa confirmation email—always keep a digital and printed copy with you while travelling.
For many Indian travellers, using a visa service takes the guesswork out of the process. These agencies handle the paperwork, verify your documents, and keep track of application status—making the process smoother and faster.
Top agencies offer perks like 100% visa approval or a money-back guarantee, round-the-clock customer service, and rapid processing within a few hours. They’re especially helpful for first-time travellers or anyone facing tight timelines.
If you’d rather skip the hassle and avoid the risk of mistakes, using a professional service is a smart move.
👉 You can get started here: https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/
Vietnam offers Indian travellers an exciting blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. But before you set off, securing the right sightseeing visa is a must.
Whether you choose to apply online, go for a visa on arrival, or visit the embassy, make sure to select the option that best fits your trip. Plan ahead, follow the guidelines, and consider using professional help if you want a stress-free experience.
With your Vietnam sightseeing visa ready, the only thing left to do is pack your bags and get ready to experience this unforgettable country.
