Vietnam Visa Exemption – Update 2024
As of March 6, 2024, citizens of 26 countries can travel to Vietnam without needing a visa. To enter Vietnam, you only need a valid passport with at least two blank pages for stamping for Vietnam Visa Exemption. You can check the full list of visa-free countries below. However, if your country is not on this visa exemption list, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam.
IMPORTANT NOTE
- British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for the 45-day free visa exemption. Therefore, they must obtain a valid visa to visit Vietnam.
- The new governing the entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreign nationals in Vietnam, effective July 1, 2020, has eliminated the 30-day waiting period between consecutive stays under the visa exemption policy.
- Especially, all nationalities can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay when arriving on Phu Quoc Island.
- Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with a valid passport are exempt from Vietnam visa requirements for stays of up to 60 days.
- As of July 1, 2020, the 30-day gap between two entries has been removed. This means visitors from visa-free countries can exit and re-enter Vietnam immediately without having to wait 30 days.
- Travelers from European countries, Japan, South Korea, and more can now enjoy a 45-day visa-exempt stay. Update: This proposal was approved on June 15, 2024. (See more in our news & updates)
The Vietnam visa exemption certificate, commonly referred to as the Vietnam 5-year visa (Source: Collected)
1. Vietnam Visa Exemption Countries: List and Duration (2024)
The complete list of Vietnam visa-exempt countries and their respective durations is as follows:
| Countries | Length Of Stay | Purpose of Travel |
| Chile | 90 days | For tourist visa only |
| Panama | 90 days | For tourism & business purposes |
| Cambodia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Mongolia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Indonesia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Kyrgyzstan | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Laos | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Malaysia | 30 days | For tourism & business purposes |
| Singapore | 30 days | Have special requirements for work, study, or engaging in non-tourist activities. |
| Thailand | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Philippines | 21 days | Not mentioned |
| Brunei Darussalam | 14 days | Not mentioned |
| Myanmar | 30 days | For tourism & business purposes |
| Belarus | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| Denmark | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| Finland | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| France | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| Germany | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| Italy | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| Japan | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| Norway | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| Russia | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| South Korea | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| Spain | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| Sweden | 45 days | Not mentioned |
| United Kingdom | 45 days | Not mentioned |
2. Vietnam Visa-Waiver Policy 2024
2.1. What is the Vietnam Visa Exemption?
Vietnam visa exemption (also known as visa waiver or visa-free policy) is a policy by the Vietnam Government that allows foreigners to enter and stay in Vietnam for a certain period without applying for a visa or paying visa fees. Therefore, individuals must be citizens of one of the 26 eligible for Vietnam visa exemption countries and comply with the specified conditions.
2.2.Vietnam Visa exemption In Brief
| Number of visa-free countries in Vietnam (2024) |
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| Maximum Visa Exemption Duration |
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| Minimum Visa Exemption Duration |
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| European Visa-Free Countries (2024) |
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| The 30-Day Interval Policy Between Consecutive Entries |
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| APEC Cardholders |
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| Phu Quoc Island Visa-Free Entry |
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| Required Documents |
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See more: Vietnam Visa Extension Service 2024
3. Vietnam Visa Exemption Extension Options
If you want to stay in Vietnam longer than your allowed exemption duration, you have two options:
- Enter Vietnam with a visa exemption, then leave for a neighboring country (such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos) when your exemption 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.
In case you need advice, please feel free to contact us at (+84) 918 212 468 (Hotline/Zalo/WhatsApp) or email us at Support@vietnamtouristservices.com
4. How to Speed Up Arrival Procedures with Vietnam Visa Exemption
Whether you are entering Vietnam with a visa exemption or any valid entry document, you must complete the arrival procedure
► To make this process faster and smoother, check out our Airport Fast-track Service
5. FAQs
5.1. Can I Extend My Visa Exemption?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to extend the Vietnam visa exemption while in Vietnam. However, this is no longer an option.
Now, if you want to stay in Vietnam beyond the visa exemption period, you must leave for a neighboring country (like Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos) and then return with a new visa exemption. This process is known as a “Vietnam Visa Run.”
5.2. How Long Does It Take to Get a Stay Extension If My Visa Exemption Is Expired?
The stay extension process typically takes 5 working days. However, it might take longer if your documents are incomplete and need corrections or additional information.
5.3. How Long Can I Visit Vietnam Without a Visa?
Contact support if you have additional questions or if you have already submitted your visa application on our website.
