A Vietnam transit visa is compulsory for inbound travelers in certain situations. Who needs it? How about the application, requirements, and fee? Let’s find out in this article. Are you planning a connecting flight with a stop in Vietnam and wondering if you will need a Vietnam transit visa?  You should learn about it for a seamless travel experience.  Today, we will introduce you to the Vietnam transit visa for Indian passport holders. Indian visitors taking a trip to Vietnam must apply for a tourist or business visa. That’s obvious! However, they may need a transit visa if they have a layover here and then fly to another destination out of Vietnam.   Who needs a Vietnam transit visa? According to Vietnam’s law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through, and settle in the country, those fully meeting the below criteria can have a transit in Vietnam: Having a valid passport or documents for international travel;Having a suitable ticket for the next trip to the third nation;Having that third nation’s visa, except for those exempted from visas. Thus, Indians must meet these three conditions to have a layover in Vietnam. You won’t need a Vietnam transit visa if your layover is less than 24 hours and you just stay within the transit area during the layover here.  On the contrary, you MUST apply for a Vietnam transit visa when your layover is longer than 24 hours, and/or you have to leave the international transit area for the subsequent flight or a sightseeing trip to discover Vietnam though it’s short.  (*) The transit area is at the international airports if you travel by air and at the international seaports if you take a cruise. It is appointed by the competent authorities managing international border gates.   How to apply for a Vietnam transit visa for Indians There are three ways for Indian tourists to get a Vietnam transit visa including an e-visa, visa on arrival, and applying at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in India. Vietnam transit e-visa Here are the steps to apply for a Vietnam transit e-visa for Indian passport holders: Access the official e-visa portal of the Vietnam Government;Upload all the required documents including scanned copies of your passport’s ID page and duly filled-out application form. Write “transit” in the “purpose of travel” section.Pay the Vietnam transit visa fee for Indian applicants using your most convenient mode of payment.Submit your Vietnam transit visa application and wait for it to be processed and verified.  Vietnam transit visa on arrival It is only applied to tourists entering Vietnam by air at international airports. First, Indians must get an approval letter from an authorized agency in their country. Then, prepare essential documents including a visa application form, your passport, the approval letter, and photos.  Once you get off the flight, head to the immigration counter at Vietnam’s airport to get the visa stamp. Here, the immigration officer will verify your documents. The visa fee must be paid in cash so keep some with you.    At the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in India Indian travelers applying for a Vietnam transit visa at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate need to submit a completed visa application form, a passport with at least six months of validity, a ticket to their next destination, proof of onward travel, and of course a visa fee.   How much does a Vietnam transit visa for Indians cost? Currently, a Vietnam transit visa for Indian passport holders costs $25, equivalent to INR 2,087. It is non-refundable if the visa application is rejected, so you should carefully prepare for it to save your money and time.   Processing time for Vietnam transit visa for Indian passport holders The processing time for a Vietnam transit visa for Indians usually takes 3 working days. It can be longer due to certain reasons such as incomplete visa application forms, missing documents, or incorrect information. Note: The information was updated in June 2024 and sourced from reliable sources. The visa fees and requirements may change. Therefore, you should visit the official Consulate or Embassy website for the latest details on Vietnam transit visas.   Vietnam is offering more and more favorable conditions for inbound tourists to visit the country, even for a short layover. If you have a Vietnam transit visa, utilize your time to explore the bustling areas near our international airports such as Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, or Danang Airport in Danang.  You can see our famous architectural constructions, savor unique Vietnamese cuisine, and buy some handmade souvenirs to keep a memory of this country.  Vietnam, with its captivating beauty, extraordinary culture and history, friendly nationals, and typical food, is increasingly popular with Indian tourists. So, why don’t you plan a long journey in one of the most affordable and exciting countries in Southeast Asia, instead of just a short transit?