The Game-Changing New Rules
The biggest hurdle for spontaneous or long-term travel to Vietnam used to be its restrictive visa policy. Previously, the popular e-visa for tourists was valid for only 30 days and permitted a single entry. If you wanted to stay longer or pop over to a neighbouring
country like Cambodia or Laos and return, you’d need to apply for a whole new visa. That all changed on August 15, 2023. The Vietnamese government officially launched a far more generous e-visa system. The validity has been tripled from 30 to 90 days. Even better, the new visa allows for multiple entries. This means you can enter, leave, and re-enter Vietnam as many times as you like within that 90-day period on the same visa. It’s a massive upgrade that offers unprecedented flexibility.
Yes, India Is on the List
This isn't a policy that excludes us. In fact, Indian passport holders are among the citizens of 80 countries and territories who are fully eligible to apply for this new and improved e-visa. This move positions Vietnam as a top-tier travel contender for Indians, competing directly with destinations like Thailand, Bali, and Malaysia, which have long been favourites due to their friendly visa policies. The change effectively removes a significant layer of friction and planning stress. For anyone who has ever had to cut a trip short or cancel a multi-country itinerary because of visa limitations, this new system is the answer you’ve been waiting for.
How to Get Your E-Visa
While the rules are more relaxed, the process itself remains a straightforward online procedure. You do not need to visit an embassy or use a third-party agent. Simply head to the official Vietnam Immigration Department's e-visa portal. The application requires you to upload a passport-style photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s data page. You'll fill in your personal details, travel dates (which can now be a 90-day window), and specify your intended points of entry and exit. The fee for a multiple-entry 90-day e-visa is approximately $50 USD. After submitting and paying, the processing time is typically around three to five business days, though it’s always wise to apply at least a week in advance. Once approved, you’ll receive the e-visa as a PDF to print and present at immigration.
Why This Is a Big Deal
The shift from a 30-day single-entry to a 90-day multiple-entry visa is more than just a minor tweak; it fundamentally changes how you can experience Southeast Asia. For one, it enables ‘slow travel’. You can now spend weeks exploring a single region, like the mountainous provinces of Ha Giang and Sapa in the north, without feeling rushed. It’s also a game-changer for digital nomads or remote workers from India looking for an affordable, vibrant base. The multiple-entry aspect is perhaps the most significant benefit. You can now use Vietnam as a hub, flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore for a weekend or taking a bus from Da Nang to Laos, and then returning to Vietnam without any extra visa hassle. This was previously impossible on an e-visa.
Ideas for Your 90-Day Trip
With three months at your disposal, you can go beyond the standard tourist trail. Consider a classic top-to-bottom journey: start in the capital, Hanoi, explore the thousands of limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, and then head south. Take the train to the ancient town of Hoi An, famous for its lanterns and tailors. From there, explore the beaches of Da Nang and Nha Trang before diving into the highlands of Da Lat. Finish your trip in the energetic metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, use the time to do a deep dive. Spend a month mastering the art of motorbiking the northern loops, another month café-hopping and exploring the central coast, and a final month soaking up the history and food of the south.
