In an attempt to contain the spread of Covid 19, Vietnam has decided to suspend visa issuance to foreign visitors from March 2020. The move comes after the World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a pandemic. Thus, foreign travelers, including Indian citizens who plan on vacationing to Vietnam have to cancel or postpone their trip.

But now that everything is back to normal, Vietnam decided to bring back their tourist visa schemes. They are hoping to invite more foreign visitors into their country again after their tourist sector suffers from losses brought about by the Covid 19 outbreak.

For Indian citizens who plan on visiting Vietnam, take note that you are required to apply for a visa in advance. You have two choices for your visa – the e-visa and visa on arrival. If you wanted to know which visa you should choose, then here’s everything you need to know.

Vietnam E-visa for Citizens of India

First, let’s talk about Vietnam e-visa. The e-visa is actually a shortened term for “electronic visa”. This visa has to be applied online and once it’s approved, it will be sent to the applicant through email. The applicant then needs to print the visa in order to be allowed entry to Vietnam.

Of all the visas that the Vietnam government issues, the e-visa is the easiest to apply. As mentioned, the visa application is done online. Therefore, you can apply it anywhere you are for as long as you are connected to the Internet. What’s more, the e-visa will be approved in only a few days, although this will also depend on the number of visa applications that the Vietnam Immigration receives.

The Vietnam e-visa is a single entry visa, which means you can only enter Vietnam once with the use of this visa. Also, you are only allowed a maximum stay of 30 days. This visa is acceptable in various points of entry all over the country. Aside from the airports, you can also use the e-visa to enter through land borders and seaports.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Citizens of India

On the other hand, the Vietnam visa on arrival is a type of visa that you can only get when you arrive in the country. However, you need to request a pre-approval letter ahead before you can qualify for this visa. To request the pre-approval letter, simply go online and fill out the application form with your details. Once your request is approved, they will send you your pre-approval letter.

There will also be a blank application form that will be sent along with the letter. Print the form and fill it out. Bring it with you on your trip to Vietnam. When you arrive at the airport, proceed to the Visa Landing section and give them the letter, application form, passport-sized photos, and payment for the stamping fee. The officer in charge will then ask you to wait on one side while they process your visa.

Once your visa is already available, you will be called back to the counter. The officer will hand you your passport and it will already have a visa sticker. Review the visa and make sure everything is correct. Then go directly to Passport Control. Show your passport and you will be allowed entry into the country.

The Visa on Arrival will let you choose whether you need a single entry or multiple-entry visa and whether you need 30 days or 90 days. So if you plan on staying in the country for the long-term, then this is the best visa to apply. However, the visa on arrival is only possible if you are flying to Vietnam. This visa can only be claimed at Vietnam airports, as it’s not available at land borders or seaports.

Which Visa Should You Choose?

The type of visa that you will choose will depend on how long you intend to stay in Vietnam. Also, it depends on which border points you plan on entering.

For Indian travelers who are going vacationing in Vietnam for only a few days, the Vietnam e-visa is a good option. This visa is very convenient to apply and you will not need to queue at the airport when you arrive. It’s a single entry visa that will let you stay in the country for 30 days. Plus, it’s acceptable at the seaports and land borders. So if you plan on going on a cruise or traveling to Vietnam by land, then this visa is perfect.

However, if you plan on staying in Vietnam for longer than 30 days, you might as well go for the visa on arrival. With this visa, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days.