Vietnam is stepping up efforts to boost its tourism sector by offering visa-free entry to citizens from several countries. This new policy aims to make travel easier and attract over 18 million international tourists by the end of 2024. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed the Ministries of Public Security and Foreign Affairs to implement the plan. While many countries are now eligible for visa-free entry, Indian citizens still require a visa to visit Vietnam. This article explores the options available for Indian travellers, including the Vietnam visa for Indians, visa charges, and how to apply for the necessary travel documents.
In August 2023, Vietnam introduced visa-free entry for citizens of 13 countries, allowing stays of up to 45 days. This group includes travellers from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, and South Korea. The visa waiver is part of Vietnam’s strategy to attract more visitors by simplifying travel procedures and encouraging longer stays.
According to official data, over 8.8 million tourists visited Vietnam in the first half of 2024. By offering visa-free entry to more countries, Vietnam hopes to surpass its target of 18 million visitors by the end of the year. This move places Vietnam in line with other popular Southeast Asian destinations that also offer relaxed visa policies.
Vietnam is not the only country in the region to make visa processes easier. Malaysia and Singapore allow visa-free entry to citizens from 162 countries, while the Philippines offers visa-free stays to travellers from 157 countries. Thailand grants visa-free entry to visitors from 93 countries.
Currently, Vietnam waives visas for citizens of 25 countries. As it looks to grow its tourism sector, Vietnam is likely to add more nations to this list. However, Vietnam has not yet revealed the complete list of countries that will be granted additional visa waivers.
While many countries are enjoying visa-free entry to Vietnam, Indian citizens still need to apply for a visa. Fortunately, Vietnam offers several options, including the regular tourist visa, visa-on-arrival, and e-visas. Travellers can choose the option that best suits their plans, based on the length of stay and urgency of the trip.
For Indian travellers, the Vietnam visa for Indians can be applied for online through a simple process. You can also apply for a visa-on-arrival if you prefer. However, if you opt for visa-on-arrival, you must apply in advance to get an approval letter, which you will need to show upon arrival in Vietnam.
Once approved, a Vietnam visa for Indians is valid for up to 90 days. The regular processing time for a tourist visa is about 15 days, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid any last-minute complications. For those who need to travel urgently, Vietnam also offers emergency e-visas, which can be processed much faster.
Indian travellers should be aware of the visa fees when applying for their Vietnam visa. The charges depend on the type of visa and the duration of the stay. Below are the current visa fees for Indian citizens:
These fees allow Indian tourists to select the best visa option based on their travel requirements. The Vietnam visa for Indians can be obtained for single or multiple entries, making it a flexible option for those planning trips to other countries in the region.
Vietnam’s emergency e-visa is a convenient option for Indian travellers who need to visit the country urgently. The e-visa can be processed within two days, or for more immediate travel, within just eight hours. The emergency e-visa is slightly more expensive than the regular visa but is perfect for those who need to travel for business or personal emergencies.
The emergency e-visa allows Indian tourists to stay for up to 90 days, providing the same flexibility as the regular tourist visa.
Once you have submitted your application for a Vietnam visa for Indians, it is important to regularly check your Vietnam visa status. This can be done online through the official government portal. Checking your Vietnam visa status ensures that your application is being processed correctly and helps you stay updated on when your visa will be ready.
This step is especially crucial if you have applied for an emergency e-visa, as you will need to confirm that the visa has been issued before your departure date.
Vietnam’s expansion of visa-free entry to several countries is a key part of its strategy to boost tourism. While Indian citizens are not yet eligible for visa-free entry, the available visa options, including regular tourist visas and emergency e-visas, make travelling to Vietnam straightforward and flexible. By applying online and checking your Vietnam visa status regularly, Indian travellers can ensure a smooth process for obtaining their visas.
For those in need of urgent travel, the emergency e-visa provides a fast and reliable option. Whether you are travelling for business, leisure, or emergencies, Vietnam remains an accessible and attractive destination for Indian tourists.
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