Vietnam Visa Exemption Guide: Countries Can Visit Without a Visa

It’s advisable to verify whether you require a visa for Vietnam before applying, as this can save you both time and money, particularly in urgent situations.

According to official announcements, as of 2023, citizens of 25 countries can visit Vietnam and stay for 14 to 45 days (depending on their nationality) without needing a visa. These travellers only need a valid passport with at least two blank pages to enter Vietnam. The complete list of these countries is provided below.

Let’s now explore the specifics of the Vietnam visa exemption policy.

Vietnam Visa Exemption

Vietnam visa exemption (also referred to as Vietnam visa waiver or Vietnam visa-free) allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specified period without going through any visa procedures. This is possible because the Vietnamese government has signed bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreements with their countries.

This type of visa exemption is distinct from the Vietnam visa exemption certificate (also known as the Vietnam 5-year visa).

Travellers entering Vietnam under this exemption will receive the following exemption stamp on their passports:

Sample Vietnam visa exemption stamp

Vietnam Visa Exemption Countries & Duration

As of November 2023, citizens holding regular passports from 26 countries do not require a visa to enter Vietnam. Below is the complete list of these visa-free countries along with the allowed duration of stay:

Important information about Vietnam visa exemption

• The 30-day interval between 02 stays with visa exemption has been removed following the new law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, which takes effect on July 1, 2020.
• British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for the 45-day Vietnam visa exemption. So, they need to apply for a visa to visit Vietnam.
• Visa exemption includes visa exemption for entry, exit and transit.
• The visa-free stay period is counted from the date of entry.

The above information about the Vietnam visa exemption (updated on November 23, 2023) is provided for informational purposes only. Please double-check with the official authorities in your current country before departure.

Other Vietnam Visa Exemption Cases

• The 30-day visa exemption is granted to those entering the coastal economic zones decided by the Government when those zones meet the following conditions:
  • have an international airport,
  • have their own space;
  • have defined geographical boundaries and are separate from the mainland;
  • be in line with socio-economic development policies while posing no threat to the national defence, security, social order, and safety of Vietnam.
  • So, Phu Quoc Island is one of those zones.
• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders with valid passports are exempted from Vietnam visa requirements for a stay of no longer than 60 days.

Requirements for Utilizing Vietnam Visa Exemption

To enter Vietnam under the visa exemption policy, eligible travellers must ensure:

• Their passport is valid for at least six months from their date of arrival in Vietnam.
• Their passport has a minimum of two blank pages.

Vietnam Visa Exemption Extension

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to extend a Vietnam visa exemption while in the country. However, this is no longer an option.

Currently, those who wish to stay in Vietnam beyond their visa exemption period have two alternatives:

• Enter Vietnam under the visa exemption policy, then leave for a neighbouring country (such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos) when the exemption period ends, and return with a new visa exemption. This method is known as a Visa Run. Full details can be found here.
• Apply for a 90-day Vietnam eVisa to enter the country.