Vietnam Visa Exemption is a policy that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Vietnam for a certain period of time without applying for a Vietnam visa and without paying visa fees.
This form of visa exemption is completely different from the 5-year Visa Exemption Certificate, which is only applicable to:
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Vietnamese residing overseas (Overseas Vietnamese)
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Spouses/children of Vietnamese citizens or Overseas Vietnamese
Overview of Vietnam Visa Exemption Policy
As of now, Vietnam grants visa exemption to citizens of 38 countries under unilateral and bilateral visa exemption agreements.
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Visa exemption period: from 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality
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Applicable subjects: holders of ordinary passports
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Temporary stay duration: calculated from the date of entry
The list of visa-exempt countries, maximum length of stay, and specific applicable conditions is presented in detail below.
Conditions for Entering Vietnam Under Visa Exemption
To enter Vietnam without a visa, travelers must fully meet the following conditions:
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Hold a passport of a visa-exempt country
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Passport valid for at least 06 months from the date of entry
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Passport with at least 02 blank pages
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Not included in the entry blacklist of the Vietnam Immigration Department
If travelers wish to stay longer than the visa-exempt period, they are required to apply for a Vietnam visa (90-day e-visa or another suitable visa type).
List of 38 Countries Exempt from Visa to Vietnam
| No. | Nationality | Length of Stay | Purpose of Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chile | 90 days | Not for income-generating activities |
| 2 | Panama | 90 days | Not for income-generating activities |
| 3 | Cambodia | 30 days | Not specified |
| 4 | Indonesia | 30 days | Not specified |
| 5 | Kyrgyzstan | 30 days | Not specified |
| 6 | Laos | 30 days | Not specified |
| 7 | Malaysia | 30 days | Tourism, business, visiting relatives, trade, investment, conferences |
| 8 | Singapore | 30 days | Not for income-generating activities |
| 9 | Thailand | 30 days | Not specified |
| 10 | Philippines | 21 days | Not specified |
| 11 | Brunei | 14 days | Not specified |
| 12 | Myanmar | 14 days | Visiting |
| 13 | Belarus | 30 days | Total stay not exceeding 90 days per year |
| 14 | South Korea | 45 days | Not specified |
| 15 | Japan | 45 days | Not specified |
| 16 | Germany | 45 days | Not specified |
| 17 | Denmark | 45 days | Not specified |
| 18 | Norway | 45 days | Not specified |
| 19 | Russia | 45 days | Not specified |
| 20 | France | 45 days | Not specified |
| 21 | Finland | 45 days | Not specified |
| 22 | Spain | 45 days | Not specified |
| 23 | Sweden | 45 days | Not specified |
| 24 | Italy | 45 days | Not specified |
| 25 | United Kingdom (UK – excluding BNO passport holders) | 45 days | Not specified |
| 26 | Kazakhstan | 30 days | Not exceeding 90 days per 180 days |
| 27 | Switzerland | 45 days | Not specified |
| 28 | Czech Republic | 45 days | Not specified |
| 29 | Poland | 45 days | Not specified |
| 30 | Belgium | 45 days | Not specified |
| 31 | Bulgaria | 45 days | Not specified |
| 32 | Croatia | 45 days | Not specified |
| 33 | Hungary | 45 days | Not specified |
| 34 | Luxembourg | 45 days | Not specified |
| 35 | Netherlands | 45 days | Not specified |
| 36 | Romania | 45 days | Not specified |
| 37 | Slovakia | 45 days | Not specified |
| 38 | Slovenia | 45 days | Not specified |
Important Notes on Vietnam Visa Exemption
The regulation requiring a 30-day waiting period between two visa-exempt entries was abolished from July 1, 2020. Citizens of visa-exempt countries may enter Vietnam consecutively within the permitted duration.
Holders of British National (Overseas) – BNO passports are not eligible for Vietnam visa exemption.
Visa exemption includes entry – exit – transit.
The above Vietnam visa exemption table (updated on April 1, 2025) is for informational purposes only. Some updates may not yet be reflected. Travelers are advised to contact us directly or consult the diplomatic mission representing Vietnam in their country before departure.
Other Vietnam Visa Exemption Cases
In addition to the above list, Vietnam also grants visa exemption to the following cases:
1. 30-Day Visa Exemption in Coastal Economic Zones
Applicable when the zone meets all required conditions:
• Has an international airport
• Has a separate area with clear geographical boundaries
• Complies with socio-economic development policies
• Does not affect national defense and security
2. Holders of APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
• Exempt from visa for entry into Vietnam
• Maximum length of stay: 60 days
Extension of Vietnam Visa Exemption
Currently, all entries under visa exemption are NOT eligible for extension. Solutions for staying longer in Vietnam include:
• Visa run: exiting Vietnam to Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, etc., and re-entering
• Or applying for a 90-day Vietnam e-visa without leaving Vietnam via HOCHIEUvisa
Customers who need consultation and support regarding visa run services may directly contact HO CHIEU VISA A CHAU via Hotline / Zalo / WhatsApp at 0936 179 995 or email contact@hochieuvisa.vn
