Are you an Indian traveller dreaming of exploring Vietnam’s rich heritage, bustling cities, and serene coastlines in 2025? Whether you’re planning to stroll through the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An, …
For many travellers from India heading to Vietnam—whether for a beach holiday, a cultural getaway, business meetings, or a multi-country Southeast Asian itinerary—the visa process is often the first thing that causes confusion. A lot of Indian visitors assume that a “visa on arrival” means the visa can be obtained directly at the airport after landing. But Vietnam’s VOA system doesn’t function that way. To be eligible for a Visa on Arrival, Indian passport holders must secure a Visa Approval Letter before beginning their journey. Without this mandatory document, airlines will refuse boarding, and immigration officers in Vietnam will be unable to issue a visa upon arrival. This guide explains the entire VOA process step by step, helping Indian travellers understand what they need to prepare, how the approval letter works, what happens at the airport, and how to avoid the mistakes many Indian travellers commonly encounter.
Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival is a convenient entry option available to Indian passport holders when flying into major international airports such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and Phu Quoc. Although the term “visa on arrival” suggests that everything can be completed after landing, VOA requires advance clearance. The Vietnam Immigration Department must issue a Visa Approval Letter before you travel, and this document authorises the airport to grant your visa upon arrival.
For Indian travellers who prefer a straightforward, embassy-free application process, VOA is an appealing choice. It eliminates the need to visit the Vietnamese Embassy in India or courier your passport, making it suitable for busy professionals, families, groups, and spontaneous travellers alike.
VOA is available as single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on your travel plan. Stay durations can range from shorter tourist visits to longer business-related trips, giving Indian visitors flexibility based on their purpose of travel. This makes VOA especially convenient for travellers who plan to explore neighbouring countries and return to Vietnam during the same journey.
Although VOA is simple, everything begins with the Approval Letter. Without it, the visa cannot be issued at the airport.
Many Indian travellers choose VOA because it saves time and avoids the common challenges associated with traditional visa applications. Instead of submitting multiple documents to an embassy, waiting through long processing times, or worrying about the safety of mailing your passport, VOA begins with a quick online application.
Speed is another major advantage. When travel plans come together unexpectedly—like weddings, business meetings, or last-minute holidays—the approval letter can be issued quickly, often within 2 to 8 hours using express processing. This flexibility is highly valuable for Indian travellers who often arrange international trips close to their departure dates.
Additionally, VOA offers a more predictable process compared to consular visas, where delays or additional paperwork may arise. With VOA, the majority of the procedure is completed before leaving India, and only a short, straightforward step remains once you arrive in Vietnam.
For Indian citizens seeking convenience, fast processing, and a simple entry method, VOA is one of the best options available.
To ensure a smooth VOA experience, Indian travellers should prepare the necessary documents in advance. First, your Indian passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in Vietnam. This requirement is strictly enforced, and travellers with shorter passport validity may not be allowed entry.
You must also print your Visa Approval Letter, which must accurately match your passport information. Any mistakes—such as spelling errors, inverted digits, or incorrect dates—can cause delays during check-in or upon arrival. It’s wise to print two copies to be safe.
Two passport-sized photographs (4×6 cm, white background) are also required when collecting your visa at the airport. While some airports may have photo booths, relying on them is not recommended, as they may not always be available or may have long queues.
Indian travellers must also pay the visa stamping fee in USD. For most travellers, the fee is 25 USD for a single-entry visa, while multiple-entry options generally range from 50 USD to 135 USD. You will also need to complete the NA1 entry form, which is available at the airport or can be filled out in advance.
With these items prepared, Indian travellers can expect a smooth visa experience upon arrival.
The online application for the Approval Letter is simple and accessible. Start by visiting VietnamImmigration.com, a reliable visa support service with over 15 years of experience assisting travellers from India and worldwide. You will enter your key details: full name, passport number, date of birth, travel dates, visa type, and arrival airport.
Next, choose the processing option. Standard processing generally takes 3–5 business days, ideal for travellers who plan ahead. If your travel date is close or you require urgent clearance, expedited processing can be completed within 8 hours, 4 hours, or even 2 hours.
After submitting your application and completing payment, the Vietnam Immigration Department reviews the information and issues your Approval Letter. The letter will be sent to your email as a PDF file. For convenience and safety, print at least two copies and carry them with your travel documents.
Having the Approval Letter ready ensures that Indian travellers can check in smoothly and proceed without delays at the airport in Vietnam.
Once you land in Vietnam, follow the airport signs directing you to the Visa on Arrival or Landing Visa section. This area is located before immigration; therefore, do not proceed to the passport control queue until you have completed the VOA steps.
At the VOA counter, hand over your printed Approval Letter, passport, photos, and the completed NA1 form. Immigration officers will verify your documents and may ask you to wait while your visa is being processed. Depending on airport traffic, most Indian travellers wait around 15 to 30 minutes.
When your name is announced, return to the counter to pay the stamping fee in US dollars. After payment, the officer will place the visa sticker inside your passport. Carefully check the visa details—including validity dates and personal information—to ensure everything is correct.
Once the visa is confirmed, proceed to the immigration desks to receive your entry stamp. After that, you are ready to begin your time in Vietnam.
Many Indian travellers encounter avoidable issues during the VOA application. One of the most common mistakes is entering incorrect passport details when applying for the Approval Letter. Even minor errors—like reversed numbers or spelling differences—can disrupt the process.
Another frequent problem arises when travellers forget to print the Approval Letter or assume that showing it on a phone is acceptable. Airlines require a printed version, and immigration officers in Vietnam also expect travellers to show a physical copy.
Some Indian travellers forget to bring the correct photo size or fail to bring photos at all, which can cause delays. Depending entirely on airport photo booths is not recommended.
The biggest misconception among Indian travellers is believing that Vietnam provides on-the-spot visas without any prior documentation. This is incorrect. Without an Approval Letter, VOA cannot be issued under any circumstances.
Understanding these common mistakes ensures a smoother, trouble-free arrival.
For travellers from India, Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival system is an efficient and flexible way to enter the country. With the Approval Letter arranged ahead of time and the proper documents prepared, the arrival process becomes quick and straightforward—allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey through Vietnam.
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