Planning an adventure to Vietnam in 2026? Whether you’re dreaming of wandering through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, cruising the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, or soaking in …
For many travellers from India planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026, the most confusing part often comes long before the journey begins—trying to figure out what the actual visa rules are. With countless outdated blog posts, contradictory travel forums, and misleading websites creating unnecessary doubts, even frequent travellers can feel uncertain. To clear the confusion once and for all: Indian citizens can still use Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) in 2026, but you absolutely must obtain an Approval Letter before boarding your flight. This pre-approval step is compulsory and without it, airlines will not allow you to check in, no matter your travel plans.
Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival system has been a convenient choice for years, especially for Indian travellers who prefer a flexible and straightforward method of arranging their entry. Earlier, the process was simple: Indian tourists could arrive at major airports such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang and complete the visa formalities directly at the VOA counter. This made Vietnam an appealing destination for both first-time and seasoned travellers from India.
Although the internet may show conflicting claims about the VOA being cancelled, the system itself has not ended. What has changed is the procedure behind it. Vietnam has upgraded its immigration system to improve accuracy and reduce congestion at airports, which means travellers now need to undergo a pre-arrival screening. This screening results in the Approval Letter, a document confirming that your visa will be issued on arrival.
Once your information is assessed and approved, your name is added to the official immigration database. Only then can the airport authorities issue your visa after landing. If you do not appear in this system, the VOA desk cannot process your request, even if you meet the general eligibility criteria.
As of 2026, the VOA system remains active and valid for Indian citizens, but you must follow the updated rules. Think of VOA not as an on-the-spot service, but a pre-arranged visa process that finalises at the airport.
Indian travellers are fully eligible for Vietnam’s VOA in 2026. However, the essential condition is securing the Approval Letter before you fly. This document is verified by the airline at check-in, and without it, your boarding will be refused. Airlines are required by Vietnam’s immigration laws to check the letter before allowing passengers to board.
Once your application is approved, the Approval Letter will be emailed to you. It must be printed and carried with your passport. You will show it at your departure airport in India and again at the VOA counter after landing in Vietnam. This letter confirms your identity in the immigration system, allowing officials to issue your visa.
To make the process smooth, Indian travellers should also bring passport-size photographs, a filled-in entry form, the stamping fee in USD, and a passport with at least six months of validity. Having all these ready ensures minimal delays upon arrival.
In summary: the VOA system remains available, but no Approval Letter means no boarding and no visa, regardless of circumstances.
The confusion among Indian travellers largely comes from outdated information still circulating online. Many popular visa articles were written before 2020 and describe the old VOA process, which no longer applies. When Indians read these guides, they often assume the system has been stopped or drastically changed.
Unverified websites and blogs often copy old content without checking for updated policies, creating even more conflicting guidance. Meanwhile, travel forums and social media groups include many posts from travellers who visited Vietnam years ago and unknowingly share outdated experiences.
What causes even more problems are the fraudulent visa services that target Indian travellers. They often advertise “VOA directly at the airport” without an Approval Letter, or they issue fake documents. Many Indian travellers discover too late that their “approval letter” is invalid when the airline refuses boarding.
These misunderstandings can lead to major losses—cancelled plans, extra travel expenses, and unnecessary frustration. Knowing the latest rules helps Indian travellers avoid these issues entirely.
The outcome is immediate and non-negotiable: you cannot board your flight. Airlines flying to Vietnam must ensure all passengers have valid entry documents. If you cannot show the Approval Letter, the airline is legally obligated to deny you boarding, even if you have a confirmed ticket and all other documents.
Even in the unlikely case that you manage to board without the letter, Vietnam’s immigration officers will deny entry. The VOA desk can only issue visas to travellers whose names are already present in the immigration system. Without your pre-approved record, the officials cannot issue a visa under any circumstances.
This mistake can cause serious financial losses. Flight tickets are rarely refunded for documentation issues, and most travel insurance plans do not cover visa-related mistakes. Pre-paid accommodation, tours, and airport transfers may also be lost.
Emotionally, being turned away at the airport can be incredibly upsetting. The best way to avoid this unpleasant situation is to complete the Approval Letter requirement ahead of time.
Applying for the Approval Letter is a straightforward online process, especially when done through a trusted platform such as VietnamImmigration.com. This service provides clear instructions, double-checks your details, and ensures your application meets official requirements. You simply enter your passport information, travel dates, and arrival airport.
Accuracy is crucial for Indian applicants. Even a small detail—such as a spelling mistake in your name or a wrong digit in your passport number—can lead to processing delays or an invalid Approval Letter. Using a professional agency reduces these risks, since they verify your information before submission.
Once your Approval Letter is approved, it will arrive in your inbox. You must print it and carry it during travel. At the VOA counter in Vietnam, present the letter along with your photos, entry form, and stamping fee. Immigration officers will then issue your visa and stamp your passport.
To avoid complications, Indian travellers should review all documents carefully and use a reliable service like VietnamImmigration.com, which reduces the chance of errors and ensures a smooth arrival experience.
Because online information is often inconsistent, using a professional agency can save Indian travellers from costly mistakes. Many unofficial websites pretend to offer visa services but actually provide fake documents or misleading instructions. Indian travellers have frequently reported that they only realised their documents were invalid when the airline refused to check them in.
Even when the service isn’t fraudulent, some budget providers do not review applications properly. Incorrect information—such as mismatched passport details—can easily go unnoticed until the last moment, leading to denied boarding and cancelled plans.
A reputable agency like VietnamImmigration.com provides secure, accurate, and professional assistance. They review your application thoroughly, guide you through every requirement, and ensure your documents comply with Vietnam’s immigration regulations. Additionally, they offer urgent processing options for travellers who need the Approval Letter quickly.
With more than 15 years of experience helping global travellers, VietnamImmigration.com is a reliable choice for Indian tourists who want peace of mind while preparing their Vietnam visa.
When you land in Vietnam with your printed Approval Letter, the VOA process is easy to follow. Before reaching passport control, head to the “Visa on Arrival” counter. There, you’ll submit your Approval Letter, passport photos, completed form, and the stamping fee.
Immigration officials will verify your documents and start processing your visa. Depending on how many travellers arrive at the same time, the waiting period may vary, but being prepared helps the process move faster. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity from your arrival date, as this is a mandatory requirement.
Once your visa is ready, check the details printed on it—your name, passport number, visa type, and validity dates. If anything is incorrect, inform the officials immediately so it can be fixed on the spot.
With everything in order, proceed to immigration control to enter Vietnam officially. As long as you have your Approval Letter and required documents, the VOA experience should be smooth and stress-free.
Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival is still available for Indian travellers in 2026, but only if you obtain an Approval Letter before your flight. Travelling without it will lead to denied boarding and unnecessary losses. To ensure a safe, accurate, and worry-free application process, VietnamImmigration.com offers trusted, professional support for travellers from India preparing to visit Vietnam.
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