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.
