Vietnam Visa Exemptions

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.

Requirements for visa exemption:

To be eligible for visa exemption, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a citizen of one of the countries listed above.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Vietnam.
  • You must have a return ticket or onward travel ticket out of Vietnam.

How to apply for a visa exemption certificate:

If you are not a citizen of one of the countries listed above, you may apply for a visa exemption certificate from the Vietnamese government. To apply, you must submit the following documents to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country:

  • A completed visa exemption application form.
  • A copy of your passport photo page.
  • A copy of your return ticket or onward travel ticket out of Vietnam.
  • A letter explaining why you need a visa exemption certificate.

The processing time for visa exemption certificate applications is typically 7-10 business days.

What is Vietnam Visa Exemption?

A Vietnam visa exemption is a permission granted to certain foreign nationals to enter and remain in Vietnam for a certain period of time without a visa.

expedite Vietnam visa

What is the Duration of Stay for Vietnam Visa Exemption?

The duration of stay for Vietnam visa exemption varies depending on the country of origin. Citizens of ASEAN countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, and the Philippines) can stay up to 30 days without a visa. Citizens from other countries can only stay up to 15 days.

When Should You Apply for a Vietnam Visa?

If your country is not on the Vietnam visa exemption list or you want to stay longer than the allowed days, you need to apply for a visa. It is advisable to apply for a visa at least two weeks before your travel date. This timeframe allows for enough processing time.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa?

There are two ways to apply for a Vietnam visa: through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country or online through a travel agency. The online application is more convenient and straightforward. Follow these steps when applying for a Vietnam visa:

  1. Fill out the online application form.
  2. Pay the visa processing fee.
  3. Receive the visa approval letter via email.
  4. Print out the approval letter and bring it with you to Vietnam.
  5. Get your visa stamped at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam.

Pros and Cons of Vietnam Visa Exemption

Like any policy, Vietnam visa exemption has its pros and cons. Here are some of them:

Pros:

  • It makes traveling to Vietnam more accessible and affordable for citizens of exempted countries.
  • It boosts tourism and business relations between Vietnam and exempted countries.
  • It reduces visa processing time and costs for travelers.

Cons:

  • Citizens of non-exempted countries need to go through the hassle of applying for a visa,
  • The duration of stay is limited.
  • Travelers must make sure they meet all other entry requirements.

Alternatives to Vietnam Visa Exemption

If your country is not on the list of Vietnam visa exemptions or you want to stay longer than the allowed days, you need to apply for a visa. Fortunately, there are alternatives to getting a visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. These alternatives include:

  • Online visa application through a travel agency
  • E-visa through the Vietnamese government website
  • Visa on arrival (VOA) through Vietnam-based travel agencies

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Vietnam Visa

Applying for a Vietnam visa can be overwhelming for first-time travelers. However, with this step-by-step guide, you’ll find it easy to apply for a Vietnam visa.

  1. Determine the type of visa you need.
  2. Fill out the online application form.
  3. Pay the visa processing fee.
  4. Receive the visa approval letter via email.
  5. Print out the approval letter and bring it with you to Vietnam.
  6. Get your visa stamped at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam.

Comparison of Visa Types for Vietnam

There are different visa types for Vietnam, depending on your purpose of visit. Here is a comparison of Vietnam visa types:

Visa Type Purpose Validity Processing Time
Tourist Visa Tourism 1 month – 3 months 2-3 business days
Business Visa Business Purposes 1 month – 12 months 2-3 business days
Student Visa Study and research 3 months – 12 months 2-3 business days

Tips for Applying for a Vietnam Visa

Applying for a Vietnam visa can be stressful, but these tips can help make the process easier:

  • Apply for a visa two weeks before your travel date.
  • Double-check your application for accuracy and completeness. -Make sure you have all the required documents before submitting your application.
  • Choose a reliable travel agency if you’re applying online or using VOA.
  • Keep a copy of your visa approval letter and other important documents with you when traveling.

The Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam has a diverse climate, and the best time to visit varies depending on the region. However, generally, the best time to visit is from October to April, during the dry season. During this time, the temperature is cooler, and there is less rainfall.

FAQs about Vietnam Visa Exemption

  1. Which countries are eligible for Vietnam visa exemption?

Citizens of 24 countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Brunei, Myanmar, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Chile are eligible.

  1. How long can I stay in Vietnam without a visa?

The duration of stay depends on your country of origin. Citizens of ASEAN countries can stay up to 30 days without a visa, while citizens of other countries can only stay up to 15 days.

  1. Can I extend my visa exemption period?

No, you cannot extend your visa exemption period. You must leave Vietnam before the permitted stay period expires.

  1. What if my country is not on the Vietnam visa exemption list?

You need to apply for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country or apply online through a travel agency.

  1. How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa application?

It usually takes two to three business days to process a Vietnam visa application.

Conclusion

Vietnam visa exemption makes traveling to Vietnam more accessible and affordable for citizens of exempted countries. However, if your country is not on the list or you want to stay longer than the allowed days, you need to apply for a visa. Knowing the visa requirements and application process can help make your trip to Vietnam stress-free.

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