Plan your Vietnam business trip with our guide to visa requirements for Indian citizens! Learn about e-visa applications, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Embrace the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s cultural heritage (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. Indian citizens must apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn or obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy for business purposes. This guide details business visa requirements for Indian citizens, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam.
Vietnam, a thriving Southeast Asian economy, is renowned for its business opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and tourism, alongside cultural landmarks like Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City’s business districts, and Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty vinpearl.com. Understanding Vietnam’s business visa requirements for Indian citizens ensures smooth entry for meetings, trade fairs, or investments, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Indian nationals require a business visa, available as e-visas or embassy visas, for stays involving business activities vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Traveloptions for Indian business travelers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends business visa requirements for Indians, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Indian citizens require a business visa for Vietnam, with e-visas costing $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days, or embassy visas costing $25–$100. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hanoi’s Temple of Literature cost $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Business Visa (E-Visa):
Purpose: Business activities such as meetings, trade, or investments for short stays.
Eligibility: All Indian citizens evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (~INR 2,100 or 625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (~INR 4,200 or 1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality as India), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the immigration checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) evisa.gov.vn.
Business Visa (Embassy/Consulate Visa):
Purpose: Business activities for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: All Indian citizens travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for specific business needs travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (~INR 2,100–8,400 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), business invitation letter from a Vietnamese company, and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., New Delhi: +91 11 2301 8058) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business partners travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Indian citizens must apply for e-visas or embassy visas for business purposes vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and payment; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Business Invitation Letter: Required for embassy visas; provided by Vietnamese business partners vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business hosts travel.state.gov.
Proof of Business Purpose: Business invitation letter or itinerary recommended for entry vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation for Indian travelers. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at temples or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest from India shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our visa-prepared trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An’s ancient town culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen Indian travelers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in business districts like Ho Chi Minh City culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City; carry PassApp for ride-hailing.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared business journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s business districts, Ho Chi Minh City’s trade fairs, or Ha Long Bay for networking retreats independently; suitable for Indian business travelers with valid business visas or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use e-visas ($25–$50) or embassy visas ($25–$100); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; business districts accessible anytime; trade fairs vary (e.g., VIETNAM EXPO in April).
Cost: Entry: free (business districts); transport (taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use motorbike taxis or bicycles to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm visa eligibility and apply early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from Mumbai noted: “Self-guided business exploration was seamless with the e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature for cultural networking; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid business visa or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Delhi noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour for business leisure; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or business visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Bangalore noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An for business and leisure; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or business visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Chennai noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for Indian business travelers with e-visas or embassy visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural networking.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive business leisure experience.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Business Events: VIETNAM EXPO in April (Hanoi), ideal for trade fairs; dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for business travel and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning meetings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor business events. Morning meetings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Indian passport holders require a business visa; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn or embassy visas with a business invitation letter vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a business invitation letter, digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), and passport data page scan; provide proof of business purpose travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or business partners register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis after entry for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 3–7 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi (+91 11 2301 8058).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Indian passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND), business invitation letter, passport photocopy, proof of business purpose (e.g., meeting itinerary), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest business attire; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (~INR 2,100 or 625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (~INR 4,200 or 1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (~INR 2,100–8,400 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons.
Visa Tips: Indian passport holders require a business visa; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn or embassy visas with a business invitation letter from a Vietnamese company vietnam-visa.com.
Business Invitation Letter: Required for embassy visas; provided by Vietnamese business partners; include company details and itinerary vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use PassApp for ride-hailing; offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, Indian Embassy in Hanoi: +84 24 3825 4989).
Do Indian citizens need a business visa for Vietnam? Yes, for business activities; e-visas or embassy visas are required, with a business invitation letter for embassy applications vietnam-visa.com.
How do Indians apply for a Vietnam business visa? Apply for an e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn or an embassy visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi with a business invitation letter travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam business visa cost for Indians? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100, depending on type vietnam-visa.com.
Can business visas be extended? Embassy visas are extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; e-visas are non-extendable vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for business? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared Vietnam business journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore business districts and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities.
Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Business Visa for India with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly business journey through this Southeast Asian economy. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hanoi’s Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh City’s business districts, this trip offers opportunity and sustainability for Indian travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn or embassy visas with a business invitation letter, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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