If you're an Indian citizen planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025, you might be wondering whether the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is still available to you. The Visa on Arrival option is popular among travelers because of its convenience and flexibility, but there have been changes in visa policies that you should be aware of. In this article, we’ll explore whether Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is still available for Indian citizens and what alternatives you have.
What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
The Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that travelers can obtain upon arriving at one of Vietnam’s international airports. It’s a popular choice for tourists and business travelers because it doesn’t require a visit to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate beforehand.
To apply for a VOA, you need to receive an approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency before you arrive in Vietnam. Upon arrival, you submit the approval letter, passport, and necessary fees at the airport’s Visa on Arrival counter to receive your visa.
Is the Vietnam Visa on Arrival Still Available for Indian Citizens in 2025?
As of 2025, Indian citizens cannot apply for a Visa on Arrival for Vietnam unless they meet specific conditions. Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival scheme is available to travelers arriving by air at major international airports like Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), and Da Nang International Airport. However, due to recent changes in Vietnam's visa policies, this option is not directly available to all nationalities, including Indian citizens.
Changes in Vietnam’s Visa Policy
Vietnam has introduced a range of visa policy updates in recent years. For Indian citizens, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) option is no longer available unless you apply for an approval letter through an authorized Vietnamese travel agency or tour operator. However, this process is available only if you are traveling by air and arriving at one of the designated international airports.
What Are the Alternatives for Indian Citizens?
Although Visa on Arrival (VOA) is no longer a straightforward option for Indian citizens, there are still alternative ways to visit Vietnam:
1. Vietnam e-Visa for Indian Citizens
The Vietnam e-Visa is an excellent alternative for Indian travelers. It is available for tourism and business purposes and allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days. The e-Visa is single-entry and can be applied for online, eliminating the need to visit a consulate or embassy.
- Eligibility: Indian citizens are eligible for the Vietnam e-Visa.
- Application Process: The application is completed online by submitting basic details, uploading a scanned passport copy and a passport-sized photo, and paying the application fee.
- Processing Time: Typically 3-5 business days.
- Where to Apply: You can apply for your e-Visa directly on the official Vietnam Government e-Visa website.
2. Vietnam Visa Through Embassy or Consulate
If you plan to stay in Vietnam for more than 30 days or require a multiple-entry visa, you can apply for a Vietnam visa through the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in India. This process requires submitting documents, filling out a visa application form, and attending an interview (if necessary). The processing time is usually 5-7 business days, but it’s best to apply well in advance.
- Documents Required: Passport, completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, visa fee, and other supporting documents (depending on the visa type).
- Processing Time: Usually 5-7 business days.
3. Visa on Arrival with an Approval Letter
If you are still keen on obtaining a Visa on Arrival, you will need to go through a travel agency to obtain the approval letter in advance. However, this process involves paying for the approval letter service through an authorized Vietnamese agency, and you must arrive by air at one of the approved airports. This is similar to the VOA process but requires a bit more preparation.
- How It Works: You apply through a Vietnamese travel agency or tour operator. They will process your approval letter and send it to you, allowing you to collect your visa upon arrival at the airport.
Why Choose the Vietnam e-Visa Over VOA?
Given that Visa on Arrival is more complex for Indian travelers, the Vietnam e-Visa is often the better option for those traveling to Vietnam in 2025. Here are a few reasons why:
- Faster Process: Applying for the e-Visa is quicker and easier. You only need to fill out an online form and pay a fee, without having to rely on third-party agencies.
- No Need for Approval Letters: The e-Visa doesn’t require a separate approval letter, unlike the VOA.
- More Airports: The Vietnam e-Visa allows entry at all international airports in Vietnam, not just the ones with VOA counters.
- Safe and Convenient: Since you can apply online, the entire process is more transparent, and there’s no risk of facing issues at the airport if your approval letter is delayed.
Conclusion
As of 2025, Vietnam Visa on Arrival is not the most convenient option for Indian citizens due to the need for an approval letter and the restriction to certain entry points. Instead, the Vietnam e-Visa offers a much simpler, faster, and more accessible solution for short stays, while visa applications through the embassy or consulate remain an option for longer visits or business purposes.
To avoid delays and ensure a smooth entry into Vietnam, it’s highly recommended that Indian citizens opt for the Vietnam e-Visa or apply through the embassy for a longer stay. Always check the latest visa policies and requirements before traveling to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
