Do Indians need a transit visa for Vietnam? Complete guide

Do Indians need transit visa for Vietnam? This is a common question among Indian travelers planning a stopover en route to a third country. Even if your layover is short, understanding Vietnam’s transit visa rules is crucial to avoid complications at the airport. In this complete guide, Wexplore Vietnam explains when a transit visa is necessary, how to apply for one, and under what conditions Indian citizens may be exempt.

Do Indians need a transit visa for Vietnam?

What is a transit visa?

Each country has its own rules regarding transiting through its territory. In Vietnam, according to Law No. 47/2014/QH13, transit refers to the act of foreigners passing through or staying in a designated transit area at an international border gate before continuing their journey to a third country.

A transit visa is a permit issued to foreigners who have a temporary stop in another country during their flight route. The transit time can last for several hours or more, depending on the flight schedule. During this period, passengers may remain in the transfer area or leave the aircraft to move within the airport’s transit zone.

Do Indians need transit visa for Vietnam?

Do Indians need transit visa for Vietnam? Since Vietnam does not currently offer visa-free entry for Indian citizens, Indian travelers generally need an additional visa for transiting. This means Indians flying through Vietnam to another country will need two visas: one for the final destination and one for the transit in Vietnam.

However, in some cases, Indian passengers may not need a transit visa if they do not leave the international transit area and already have a confirmed onward flight to a third country. On the other hand, if they must leave the airport or have a layover exceeding 24 hours, they are required to apply for an e-visa or a short-term visa (visa on arrival).

>>> Refer to more: How to get an urgent eVisa Vietnam in no time

What are the conditions to be granted a Vietnam transit visa?

Do Indians need transit visa for Vietnam? To qualify for a Vietnam transit visa, you must meet the following requirements:

A passport valid for at least 6 months from your expected date of entry into Vietnam, or a valid international travel document.
A confirmed flight ticket showing the journey to a third country, clearly indicating the departure point, transit, and final destination.
A valid visa for the destination country (unless visa-free entry applies there).

A passport India valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of entry

How to apply for a transit visa to Vietnam?

There are several ways for Indian travelers to apply for a transit visa to Vietnam. Below are the three most common options:

Transit visa via the Vietnamese Embassy

If you plan to apply for a transit visa at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in India, make sure to prepare the following documents:

Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages.
Flight ticket: A confirmed ticket (either round-trip or to a third country).
Visa for the next country: If the next country requires a visa, this must be ready in advance.
Visa application form: Download the form from the official Vietnamese diplomatic website and fill it accurately.
Passport photo: White background, taken within the last 6 months, meeting the required dimensions.
Additional documents: In some cases, you may need to provide an invitation letter, proof of finances or a travel itinerary.

Contact information for Vietnamese diplomatic missions in India:

Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi

Address: 20 Kautilya Marg, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi – 110021
Phone: +91 11 26879868
Email: [email protected]

Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai

Address: Room 805, 8th Floor, Powai Plaza, Hiranandani Gardens, Central Avenue, Powai 400076, India
Phone: +91 22 2570 2033
Email: [email protected]

Online transit visa (e-visa)

Foreign nationals, including Indian citizens who can apply for a Vietnam e-visa for transit purposes. With an e-visa, you can enter and exit Vietnam through any of the 42 approved international checkpoints.

Processing time is typically 3-5 business days. The application fee is USD 25 per single entry & USD 50 per multiple entry, paid online via the official portal of Vietnam Immigration Department.

If you are unfamiliar with the procedure or wish to save time, Wexplore Vietnam can assist you. For just an additional USD 5 service fee, we will help you complete your application and keep you updated once your e-visa is granted.

Visa on arrival (at the airport)

This option is available for air travelers and must be arranged through a local travel agency. Instead of going to the embassy, you register online to receive a visa approval letter before your flight.

At the Vietnamese airport, you present the approval letter along with your valid passport, passport photo, and completed visa application form (M3-entry and exit form). After verification, immigration officers will stamp the visa directly on your passport at the airport.

Transit visa on arrival is arranged with the assistance of a visa service agency

Things to note when transiting through Vietnam

If your itinerary includes a stopover in Vietnam before connecting to another country, keep the following in mind:

Transit duration: Each airport may have different minimum connection times, usually a few hours. Make sure you allow enough time for security checks, terminal transfers and boarding to avoid delays or rule violations.
Luggage transfer: For checked baggage, if both flights are with the same airline or partnered carriers, your luggage will likely be transferred automatically. For carry-on items, research the airport’s baggage policies, including weight limits, quantity and prohibited items.
Airport procedures: At the transit area, passengers usually undergo security screening again, especially when transferring between international and domestic flights or vice versa. If you plan to leave the waiting area to rest, collect luggage or switch airports, you must pass through immigration and hold a valid visa.
Connecting flight logistics: Make sure you know if you need a new boarding pass for the next flight and verify if your luggage has been checked through. If the flights are on different systems, you may have to check in again.

Do Indians need transit visa for Vietnam? The answer depends on the duration of your layover, your location within the airport, and your onward journey. If you remain in the international transit zone with a confirmed ticket to a third country, you may not need a visa. However, if you exit the airport, have a long layover or switch airports, applying for a transit visa is mandatory.

>>> You may want to know: Vietnam visa regulations: Important rules travelers must know