For Indian passport holders – whether you are an expat living in Bangkok, a digital nomad in Chiang Mai, a student on semester break, a family on holiday in Phuket, or a backpacker hopping across Southeast Asia – travelling from Thailand to Vietnam is one of the most popular and affordable cross‑border journeys in the region. But how does the visa process work? Do Indian nationals need a visa? What are the specific things to watch out for when applying from Thailand? This comprehensive guide has all the answers, tailored for Indian citizens, yet useful for global travellers too.
1. Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Answer: Yes.
As of 2026, Vietnam has not introduced a visa‑exemption policy for Indian passport holders. Every Indian citizen – for tourism, family visits, or business – must obtain a valid visa before arrival.
The only exception: Phu Quoc Island
Indian passport holders may enter Phu Quoc visa‑free for up to 30 days only if they fly directly to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) and stay exclusively on the island. If your itinerary includes any mainland destination (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, etc.), you must secure a visa in advance.
⚠️ Even if you hold a Thai work permit, Thai Permanent Residency, or any other country’s residency, you are still required to have a valid Vietnam visa as long as you travel on an Indian passport – no exceptions.
2. Vietnam Visa Options for Indian Citizens (2026–2027)
① E‑Visa (Highly Recommended)
Since 15 August 2023, Vietnam has extended E‑Visa eligibility to all countries, including India. For travellers departing from Thailand, this is the simplest and fastest method.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 90 days |
| Entries | Single or multiple |
| Applicable ports | 42 international checkpoints (airports, land borders, seaports) |
| Application | 100% online – apply from anywhere in Thailand |
| Process | Receive PDF by email, print and present at immigration |
Required documents:
- Clear scan of passport data page (valid ≥ 6 months from entry)
- Recent 4×6 cm digital ID photo (white background, front view, no glasses, no smile)
- Accommodation address in Vietnam (first hotel is enough)
- Credit card or PayPal for payment
- Confirmed entry port (e.g., Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang airports)
Apply here: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/
② Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in Thailand
For special cases (long‑term work, diplomatic visas) or if you prefer in‑person processing.
Embassy in Bangkok
- Address: 83/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand
- Tel: +66 (0) 2 251 3552
- Email: vnemb.th@mofa.gov.vn
- Website: https://vnembassy-bangkok.mofa.gov.vn/
Consulate in Khon Kaen
- Address: 65/6 Chatapadung, Khonkaen 40000
- Tel: (+60-043) 242 190
Required documents:
- Passport (valid ≥ 6 months)
- Two 4×6 cm white‑background photos
- Completed application form
- Round‑trip flight booking
- Hotel confirmation
③ Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Important Update
The traditional VOA (approval letter) system for individual tourists has been completely phased out since 2023. Today, VOA is only available for group tours with a sponsoring Vietnamese travel agency. Independent travellers must use the E‑Visa system.
Any service still offering “approval letters” is either outdated or misleading. Do not rely on VOA – apply for an E‑Visa instead.
Apply here: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/
3. Visa Fees & Processing Times (2026–2027)
For Indian passport holders – Tourist E‑Visa (all fees inclusive – no extra charges at the airport):
| Processing Time | 1‑Month Single | 1‑Month Multiple | 3‑Month Single | 3‑Month Multiple |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Working Days | $70 USD | $100 USD | $90 USD | $120 USD |
| 3 Working Days | $90 USD | $120 USD | $110 USD | $140 USD |
| 2 Working Days | $110 USD | $140 USD | $130 USD | $160 USD |
| 1 Working Day | $150 USD | $180 USD | $170 USD | $200 USD |
| 4‑Hour Urgent | $180 USD | $220 USD | $210 USD | $240 USD |
💡 Pro Tip: The E‑Visa fee covers everything. Upon arrival at Vietnamese airports, you pay nothing extra – simply present your printed visa.
(Official government fee is $25 USD; the above rates include professional handling and expediting services.)
4. Transportation: Thailand ↔ Vietnam
✈️ Flights
From Thailand, multiple airlines operate daily direct flights – flight time ~1.5–2 hours.
From Bangkok (BKK/DMK):
- Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) – VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Thai VietJet
- Hanoi (HAN) – Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air
- Da Nang (DAD) – several carriers
- Phu Quoc (PQC) – Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air
From other Thai cities:
- Chiang Mai (CNX) – direct to HCMC and Hanoi (seasonal)
- Phuket (HKT) – direct to HCMC (seasonal)
Fare deals: Promotional one‑way tickets can start as low as ~THB 1,500 (approx. $45 USD) when booked in advance.
🚌 Overland Travel via Cambodia
Popular route: Bangkok → Aranyaprathet (Thai‑Cambodian border) → Poipet → Siem Reap → Phnom Penh → Bavet‑Moc Bai (Cambodian‑Vietnamese border) → Vietnam.
⚠️ Crucial: You must hold a valid visa before reaching the Vietnamese border. E‑Visas are accepted only at designated land border crossings – check the official list before departure.
🚗 Local Transport in Vietnam
- Grab – most convenient ride‑hailing app (works with Thai number too)
- Taxis – reliable companies: Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white)
- Buses – extensive networks in HCMC and Hanoi
- Motorbike rentals – great for independent explorers
5. 2026 Entry Requirements – What’s New
📋 Electronic Arrival Card (Effective April 2026)
From 15 April 2026, all foreign passengers (including Indian citizens) arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) must complete an electronic arrival card before departure.
Where to complete:
- Official website: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
- Or scan the QR code at the airport upon arrival (but better to do in advance)
Deadline: Must be submitted within 72 hours before your flight lands.
⚠️ This electronic card does not replace your visa – even with a valid 90‑day E‑Visa, you must still complete this separate step.
🏥 Health Declaration (From July 2026)
Under Decree No. 165/2026/NĐ‑CP, Vietnam may require a health declaration only during specific infectious disease outbreaks. It is not a permanent requirement. If activated, you must complete it within 7 days before entry/exit/transit.
💡 Check the official Ministry of Health announcements shortly before your trip.
📄 Essential Checklist for Arrival
- ✅ Passport – valid for at least 6 months from entry
- ✅ Blank pages – at least 2 for entry stamps
- ✅ E‑Visa – printed paper copy (not just on phone)
- ✅ Onward/return flight ticket – proof required
- ✅ Hotel booking confirmation – have a printed or digital copy
- ✅ Electronic Arrival Card – confirmation/QR code (if arriving via HCMC)
- ✅ Health declaration – if applicable
6. Best Time to Visit Vietnam (from Thailand)
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay): Autumn (Sept–Nov) – cool and pleasant
- Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An): Jan–Aug – dry season, perfect for beaches
- Southern Vietnam (HCMC, Phu Quoc): Dry season (Dec–Apr) – avoid heavy rains
Thailand’s climate is similar, so the dry season aligns well for a seamless trip.
7. Useful Apps for Your Journey
- Grab – ride‑hailing & food delivery (works in both Thailand and Vietnam)
- Google Maps – navigation
- Google Translate – Vietnamese support (offline mode available)
- Zalo – the most popular local messaging app in Vietnam
- Agoda / Booking.com – accommodation (familiar for Thai travellers)
8. Airport Fast Track Service – Beat the Crowds
With Vietnam’s tourism booming in 2026, airports in HCMC (SGN) and Hanoi (HAN) are often congested. We highly recommend booking a Fast Track service to skip long immigration queues and enjoy VIP assistance.
👉 Book Fast Track: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/rush-e-visa-vietnam/
9. ⚠️ Common Visa Pitfalls to Avoid (For Indian Citizens)
- No visa waiver – you must have a visa for mainland Vietnam.
- E‑Visa is your primary option – apply entirely online; no need to visit the embassy unless for special cases.
- Data accuracy – your name on the application must exactly match the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of your passport.
- Phu Quoc trap – visa‑free only applies if you fly directly to Phu Quoc and stay only there. Any mainland stop requires a visa.
- Apply early – at least 1–2 weeks before departure, especially during peak seasons.
- Print your E‑Visa – a digital copy alone is not accepted at immigration.
- Don’t forget the Electronic Arrival Card – if landing in HCMC, complete it within 72 hours.
Core advice: Travelling from Thailand to Vietnam is one of the most convenient Southeast Asian routes. With proper planning – especially the new Electronic Arrival Card for HCMC from April 2026 – your journey will be smooth and hassle‑free.
Let Our Professional Team Handle Your Vietnam Visa
We make your Vietnam travel effortless.
- Apply Online: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/
- VIP Fast Track: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/rush-e-visa-vietnam/
- Urgent Processing: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/boost-your-e-visa-application-form/
- Email: info@vietnam-visa.in
- LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa
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