Plan your Vietnam visa extension as an Indian citizen with our guide! Learn about extension processes, requirements, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Learn Vietnam’s visa rules for Indians with expert guidanceWritten 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 a visa through a Vietnamese embassy before arrival. Extensions can be applied for in Vietnam through immigration offices or agencies. This guide details visa extension requirements for Indian citizens, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless extended stay in Vietnam.
Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding visa extension requirements for Indian citizens ensures a smooth prolonged stay for exploring these treasures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Indian citizens can extend their e-visas or embassy visas through immigration offices or agencies, allowing for extended tourism, business, or cultural immersion. This guide provides practical visa extension insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for Indian travelers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, extensions are available at immigration offices in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. This guide blends visa extension requirements for Indians, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free extended adventure.
Indian citizens must apply for e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or embassy visas before arrival, as Visa on Arrival is discontinued. Extensions cost $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND) depending on type and duration, requiring a sponsor or agency. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 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 extension requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Extension:
Purpose: Extend tourism or business stays beyond the initial 90 days.
Eligibility: Indian citizens holding a valid e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Extendable for 1–3 months (single or multiple entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on extension type and processing time; additional agency fees may apply ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Apply at a provincial immigration office in Vietnam (e.g., Hanoi: 44 Pham Ngoc Thach St, Ho Chi Minh City: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St) or through an agency like Vietnam Visa Extension Services vietnam-visa.com.
Submit original passport, completed application form (NA5 form, downloadable from immigration.gov.vn), two passport photos (4x6 cm), sponsor letter (from a Vietnamese company or agency for most extensions), and proof of temporary residence travel.state.gov.
Pay the fee in VND; processing time is 5–10 working days vietnam-visa.com.
Collect the extended visa stamp in your passport from the immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Processing Time: 5–10 working days; expedited processing available for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension Limit: Can be extended multiple times, but total stay may not exceed 1 year without special permission vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa Extension:
Purpose: Extend tourism, business, work, or study visas.
Eligibility: Indian citizens holding a valid embassy visa travel.state.gov.
Duration: Extendable for 1–3 months (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time; additional agency fees may apply ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Original passport, application form (NA5), two passport photos (4x6 cm), sponsor letter (from a Vietnamese company, hotel, or agency), and proof of temporary residence; apply at a provincial immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Extension Limit: Can be extended multiple times, but total stay may not exceed 1 year without special permission vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate Extension:
Purpose: Extend tourism, family visits, or business for overseas Vietnamese and their families.
Eligibility: Indian citizens of Vietnamese origin, their spouses, or children vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 180 days per visit, valid for 5 years or 6 months before passport expiration vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Extension fees vary ($10 or 250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties; application at a Vietnamese immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Extension Limit: Extendable for additional 5-year periods vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Extensions require a sponsor (e.g., Vietnamese agency or company); apply at least 5 days before visa expiration vietnam-visa.com.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Visa on Arrival was discontinued in 2022. Indian citizens must use e-visas or embassy visas for entry and apply for extensions in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from extension application date with two blank pages vietnam-visa.com.
Sponsor: Required for most extensions; can be a Vietnamese agency, company, or hotel; agencies like Vietnam Visa Extension Services can provide sponsorship for a fee ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Proof of temporary residence in Vietnam (registered with local police) travel.state.gov.
Application Locations: Provincial immigration offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or other major cities vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa extension 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 visa extension documents securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest from India shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our extended stay 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 tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful 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 Hoi An; carry visa extension proof.
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-extended 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 Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently after extending your visa; suitable for Indian travelers with valid extensions; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Extension Tips: Apply at immigration offices in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City ($10–$155); carry a printed extension stamp or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay cruises available daily.
Cost: 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); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm extension eligibility; apply 5–10 days before expiration; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest from Mumbai noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after extending my visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Extension Tips: Ensure valid extension; carry a printed extension stamp 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 after extension.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Extension Tips: Use a multiple-entry extension for multi-city travel; carry a printed extension stamp 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 after extension.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Extension Tips: Use a multiple-entry extension for multi-city travel; carry a printed extension stamp 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 Kolkata noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for Indian travelers with visa extensions.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
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 extension-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.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for visa extensions and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Indian citizens can extend e-visas or embassy visas for 1–3 months with a sponsor (agency or company); apply at immigration offices in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City vietnam-visa.com.
Extension Application Tips: Submit 5–10 days before expiration; carry original passport, application form (NA5), photos, sponsor letter, and proof of residence; expect fees ($10–$155) vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed extension stamp or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your extended stay with local police; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital extension documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Use agencies for sponsorship ($20–$50); double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check extension status at immigration offices. For 5-year exemptions, apply if of Vietnamese origin vietnam-visa.com.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa or embassy visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), visa extension stamp photocopy, sponsor letter, proof of residence, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; 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 Extension Costs: $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on type; agency fees: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa Extension Costs: $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on type; agency fees: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Exemption Extension Costs: $10 (250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
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 extension costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use agencies to simplify extensions.
Visa Extension Tips: Indian citizens can extend e-visas or embassy visas for 1–3 months with a sponsor (agency or company); apply at immigration offices in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City ($10–$155); use agencies for sponsorship ($20–$50) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension Application Tips: Submit 5–10 days before expiration; carry original passport, application form (NA5), photos, sponsor letter, and proof of residence; expect fees ($10–$155) 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 offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
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 3824 4989).
Do Indian citizens need a visa extension for Vietnam? Yes, for stays over 90 days (e-visa) or as needed; apply at immigration offices with a sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
How do Indians apply for a Vietnam visa extension? Submit at provincial immigration offices (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) with passport, form NA5, photos, sponsor letter, and proof of residence; processing 5–10 days vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam visa extension cost for Indians? $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on type; agency fees: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can visa extensions be done multiple times? Yes, but total stay may not exceed 1 year without special permission 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 extensions? No, discontinued in 2022; extensions must be applied in Vietnam for e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa extension-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites 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 Visa Extension for Indians with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for Indian travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for extensions 5–10 days early at immigration offices with a sponsor, 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
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
