Vietnam Visa Exemption Policy in 2026

Vietnam visa exemption policy

Who is eligible?

- Citizens of countries unilaterally or bilaterally exempted from visas by Vietnam (39 countries in total).
- Overseas Vietnamese and their spouses and children holding a 5-year visa exemption certificate.
- Members of diplomatic missions, consulates, and international organizations under international treaties.
- Foreigners entering Vietnam under special Government resolutions (tourism stimulus programs, international events, or summits).

Conditions

- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and with at least 2 blank pages.
- Nationality included in Vietnam’s visa exemption list.
- Stay does not exceed the permitted visa-free duration.
- Not subject to entry bans under Law No. 47/2014/QH13.
- Clear entry purpose (tourism, visiting relatives, or short-term business).

Validity & extension

- Visa-free stay: from 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality.
- Visa exemption for ordinary passport holders cannot be extended; exit and re-entry are required to continue staying in Vietnam.
- The 5-year visa exemption certificate is valid for up to 5 years, with each stay limited to 180 days and extendable once for another 180 days with legitimate reasons.

List of countries exempted from a visa to Vietnam (2026)

As of 2026, Vietnam grants visa exemption to citizens of 39 countries holding ordinary passports.

Exemption policy	No.	Country	Period	Notes
Unilaterally (45 days)	1	Japan	45 days	Unilateral visa waiver policy
	2	South Korea	45 days
	3	Germany	45 days
	4	France	45 days
	5	United Kingdom	45 days
	6	Italy	45 days
	7	Spain	45 days
	8	Sweden	45 days
	9	Norway	45 days
	10	Finland	45 days
	11	Denmark	45 days
	12	Russia	45 days
	13	Switzerland	45 days
	14	Czech Republic	45 days
	15	Poland	45 days
	16	Austria	45 days
	17	Belgium	45 days
	18	Netherlands	45 days
	19	Luxembourg	45 days
	20	Portugal	45 days
	21	Greece	45 days
	22	Hungary	45 days
	23	Slovakia	45 days
	24	Slovenia	45 days
	25	Australia	45 days
Bilaterally	1	Chile	90 days	Not for income-generating activities
	2	Panama	90 days	Not for income-generating activities
	3	Cambodia	30 days
	4	Indonesia	30 days
	5	Kyrgyzstan	30 days
	6	Laos	30 days
	7	Malaysia	30 days
	8	Singapore	30 days	Not for income-generating activities
	9	Thailand	30 days
	10	Belarus	30 days	Maximum 90 days per year
	11	Kazakhstan	30 days	Maximum 90 days per 180 days
	12	Philippines	21 days
	13	Brunei	14 days
	14	Myanmar	14 days

How to enter Vietnam under a visa exemption

To enter Vietnam under the visa-free policy, foreigners must complete normal entry procedures at the border gate.

- Check eligibility (nationality, passport validity, and entry conditions).
- Prepare documents: original passport, return or onward ticket (recommended), and accommodation information.
- Present your passport at the immigration counter and receive an entry stamp with the permitted stay duration.

Applying for a 5-year visa exemption for overseas Vietnamese

- Passport (original and copy).
- Documents proving Vietnamese origin.
- Documents proving family relationship (if applicable).
- Visa exemption application form.
- Residence documents abroad.
- One 4×6 cm portrait photo (white background, taken within 6 months).

- Applications can be submitted at the Vietnam Immigration Department (in Vietnam) or a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate abroad.

Processing time: 5–7 working days. Fee: approximately USD 10–20.

Exceptions to visa exemption

- Working, long-term studying, investing, or establishing a business.
- Staying longer than the visa-free period.
- Not meeting entry conditions or having previous violations.
- Using a 5-year visa exemption for incorrect purposes.
- Holding temporary or invalid travel documents.

Important notes

- Overstaying visa exemption is subject to penalties and possible entry bans.
- Visa exemption is valid only for tourism, visiting relatives, and short-term business.