Are you thinking of traveling to Vietnam in the near future? It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the visa regulations. Certain nationalities are not required to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam thanks to the Vietnam Visa Exemption policy, which can save both time and money. This article provides information about the countries that are exempt from visas, the associated conditions, as well as options for extending your stay.
Visa Exemption for Vietnam
Vietnam’s visa exemption program allows passport holders from select countries to enter Vietnam through international airports without a visa for a stay of up to 15 or 30 days, depending on nationality. Instead of applying for a visa, eligible travelers just need to show their passport and fill out an entry/exit form when entering Vietnam.
What is VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION?
Vietnam’s visa exemption policy allows citizens of approved countries to enter Vietnam without first obtaining a visa. Qualified visitors can enter and stay for up to 15 or 30 days visa-free. This makes short-term travel to Vietnam quicker and simpler.
Benefits of Visa Exemption
The key benefits of Vietnam’s visa exemption program include:
- No need to apply and pay for visas in advance
- Saves time and simplifies entry process
- Allows for quick trips and spontaneous travel
- Reduces hassle of arranging visas
By removing visa requirements, Vietnam’s policy facilitates tourism and trade ties with other nations.
Vietnam Visa Waiver Program
Vietnam first launched its visa waiver program in 2015. The program has expanded over recent years to cover citizens from a growing list of countries.
Background of the Program
Vietnam introduced a unilateral visa waiver program to boost tourism and strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. The program started in 2015 with exemptions offered to select Asian and European nations. It has since expanded across Europe, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific region.
Expansion of Eligible Countries
The original 2015 program included 9 Asian and European countries eligible for 15-day visa exemptions. This has hugely expanded over subsequent years:
- 2018 – Increased to 15 countries including the USA and Canada
- 2019 – Expanded to cover 24 countries across Europe and Asia
- 2022 – Now covers over 80 countries globally
More countries continue to be added, increasing the scope of the visa waiver program.
Requirements for VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION
To qualify for visa-free entry under Vietnam’s exemption program, travelers must meet certain entry requirements.
Valid Passport
To enter Vietnam without a visa, visitors need a valid passport meeting these criteria:
- Must be an ordinary/regular/diplomatic passport
- Have at least 6 months validity remaining
- Passport holders from eligible countries only
- Must provide certain passport details in advance
Other travel documents like temporary/emergency passports do not qualify.
Return Travel Ticket
Visitors entering under the visa exemption program need to show an ongoing or return ticket to demonstrate they will exit Vietnam before their permitted stay ends.
Countries Eligible for VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION
As of November 2023, individuals carrying regular passports from a total of 26 countries are not required to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. Here is the detailed list of countries whose citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa for Vietnam, along with the duration of their visa-free stay.
| No. | Country | Maximum visa-free duration | Applicable purpose of visit (if any) |
| 1 | Chile | 90 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| 2 | Panama | 90 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| 3 | Cambodia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 4 | Indonesia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 5 | Kyrgyzstan | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 6 | Laos | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 7 | Malaysia | 30 days | Tourism, attending press, conference/coverage, official duty, visiting relatives, business negotiation, investment, sports, or attending seminars or conferences |
| 8 | Singapore | 30 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| 9 | Thailand | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 10 | Philippines | 21 days | Not mentioned |
| 11 | Brunei | 14 days | Not mentioned |
| 12 | Myanmar | 14 days | Visiting only |
| 13 | Belarus | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 14 | Denmark | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 15 | Finland | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 13 | France | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 17 | Germany | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 18 | Italy | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 19 | Japan | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 20 | Norway | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 21 | Russia | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 22 | South Korea | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 23 | Spain | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 24 | Sweden | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 25 | United Kingdom (Not applicable to BNO) | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| 26 | Kazakhstan | 30 days | Not exceeding 90 days within 180 continuous days |
Crucial information about the exemption of Vietnam visas
- The previous requirement of waiting for a 30-day interval between two stays with visa exemption has been eliminated due to the implementation of the new law governing the entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, effective from July 1, 2020.
- British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders do not qualify for the 45-day Vietnam visa exemption, meaning they are required to obtain a visa in order 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 information provided about Vietnam visa exemption (last updated on November 23, 2023) is intended for informational purposes. It is recommended that you verify this information with the relevant authorities in your current location before your departure.
How to Apply for VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION
Travelers from eligible countries don’t need to apply for visa exemptions. But visitors do need to provide key passport details to obtain an approval letter before travel.
Exemption Approval Letter
To verify eligibility and gain entry under the visa waiver:
- Complete online form with passport/contact details
- Pay small admin fee
- Obtain approval letter emailed instantly
Bring printed approval letter when entering Vietnam to show immigration officials on arrival.
Entry Procedure on Arrival
At immigration control, eligible visitors must provide:
- Passport
- VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION approval letter
- Completed arrival/departure card
After verifying documents, visitors can enter Vietnam without a visa for their permitted length of stay.
Benefits of VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION
Vietnam’s visa exemption program brings numerous benefits for both visitors and Vietnam itself.
Advantages for Travelers
Key advantages visa waivers offer travelers include:
- No visa fees – Save money not needing to apply for visas
- Speed and simplicity – Faster and easier entries without visas
- Flexibility – Ability to make spontaneous trip decisions
- Convenience – Skip visa process entirely for short visits
The program saves travelers time, effort and money compared to arranging regular visas.
Benefits to Vietnam
Vietnam’s visa exemptions also deliver important benefits to the nation:
- Spurs tourism – Increases visitors to Vietnam, aiding tourism sector
- Boosts economy – Brings more foreign spending and investment
- International ties – Strengthens relationships with other countries
- Competitive advantage – Remains attractive compared to regional alternatives
The visa waivers support Vietnam’s ongoing development and global integration.
Duration of Stay for VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION
The permitted length of stay varies depending on visitor nationality – typically 15 or 30 days. Extensions up to the regular visa maximum stay are possible.
Standard Exemption Durations
Most qualifying nationalities are granted these standard visa exemption periods:
- 30 days – Offered to 13 countries like Korea, Japan, Russia
- 15 days – For the majority of European/American nationalities
Some exceptions exist like 90 days for USA and Canada currently.
Obtaining Visa Exemption Extensions
If wanting to stay longer, travelers can extend their visa exemption duration to the regular maximum stay allowed:
- Additional 15 days – For 30 day visa exemptions
- Extra 75 days – For 90 day visa exemptions
A small fee applies for extensions. Applications must be made via local immigration departments in Vietnam.
This allows visa-free visitors to remain in Vietnam up to the normal visa limits if desired.
Limitations of VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION
While offering simpler entries, some limitations exist around visa exemptions that visitors should note.
No Visa Runs
A key limitation is visitors cannot do ‘visa runs’ – quickly leaving and re-entering Vietnam to reset another visa exemption period. Restrictions prevent back-to-back visa exemptions.
Strict Exit Rules
Visitors must also exit Vietnam before the exact date their exemption period ends. Overstays can lead to fines, with bans on any further visa exemptions.
So travelers should carefully plan lengths and timings of stays accordingly.
Renewing VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION
Previously Vietnam enforced strict rules preventing visitors from repeating visa exemptions. But renewal rules have relaxed – travelers must simply exit and reapply as needed.
Previous Ban on Renewals
Vietnam previously didn’t allow passport holders to reuse visa exemptions, making repeat trips complex. This rule has now changed.
Relaxed Policy on Renewals
Following past strictness, Vietnam updated its visa waiver program rules regarding renewals:
- Travelers can now exit Vietnam and re-enter to restart another visa exemption period
- No limit exists on utilizing exemptions repeatedly in this manner
So visitors can simply exit and re-enter Vietnam to renew visa exemptions as often as wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions about VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION
Some common questions visitors may have around Vietnam’s visa exemption rules:
Can I Extend My Visa Exemption Duration?
Yes – you can apply to extend your 15/30 day exemption another 15/75 days respectively on top of the initial period for a small fee.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Enter Visa-Free?
No – travel insurance is not mandatory, but having adequate coverage for Vietnam is strongly recommended.
Can I Enter Overland Without a Visa?
No – visa exemptions only apply when entering by air via select international airports at present.
How Early Can I Enter Vietnam Before My Passport Expires?
You need at least 6 months passport validity on arrival, so can enter up to 5 months and 30 days before expiry.
Check official government sites for additional details if you need clarification on the latest visa exemption regulations. Requirements can frequently change.
