Vietnam Visa Exemption: Latest Rules & Country List (2024–2025)

Planning a trip to Vietnam? You might not even need a visa. Vietnam’s immigration policies have recently become much more traveler-friendly, offering extended stays of up to 45 days for many nationalities.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Vietnam visa exemptions, the updated country list, and the entry requirements to ensure a smooth arrival.

What is a Vietnam Visa Exemption?

A visa exemption (or visa waiver) allows citizens of specific countries to enter Vietnam for a set period without applying for a visa in advance. This is perfect for short-term tourists, business travelers, and those transiting through the country.

1. Updated Vietnam Visa Exemption List

As of late 2024 and 2025, Vietnam has expanded its unilateral and bilateral visa waiver programs. The duration of stay depends on your nationality.

45-Day Visa Free (New Extended Policy)

Citizens of the following countries can now stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days (increased from the previous 15-day limit):

• Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia.

• New Additions (2025): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.

• Asia: Japan, South Korea.

30-Day Visa Free

• Southeast Asia (ASEAN): Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand.

• Other: Chile, Panama, Kazakhstan.

21-Day & 14-Day Visa Free

• Philippines: 21 days.

• Brunei & Myanmar: 14 days.

Special Exemption: Phu Quoc Island

All foreign travelers can visit Phu Quoc Island visa-free for up to 30 days, provided they fly directly to Phu Quoc from a foreign country or transit through an international terminal in Vietnam (Hanoi/HCMC) without leaving the airport.

2. Requirements for Visa-Free Entry

Even if you are on the exemption list, you must meet these basic criteria to enter Vietnam:

1. Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.

2. Blank Pages: Your passport should have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

3. Proof of Onward Travel: You may be asked to show a return flight ticket or a ticket to a third country.

4. Entry Gap Rule: The previous “30-day gap” rule (requiring 30 days between two visa-free visits) has been abolished. You can now re-enter Vietnam visa-free immediately after leaving.

3. 5-Year Visa Exemption (For Overseas Vietnamese)

Vietnamese residing abroad (Viet Kieu) and their spouses or children are eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate.

• Stay Duration: Allows for stays of up to 180 days per entry.

• Extensions: Stays can be extended for an additional 180 days while inside Vietnam.

4. What if I want to stay longer?

If your country is not on the exemption list, or if you plan to stay longer than the 45-day limit, you have two main options:

• Vietnam E-visa: Available to citizens of all countries and territories. It is valid for up to 90 days and allows for single or multiple entries.

• Visa at the Embassy: For specialized visas (work, long-term investment), you should contact your nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I extend my visa-free stay while in Vietnam? A: Generally, visa-free stays cannot be extended internally. You must leave the country and re-enter (often called a “visa run”) or apply for an E-visa before your exemption expires.

Q: Do US, Australian, or Canadian citizens get a visa waiver? A: No. Currently, citizens of the USA, Australia, and Canada must apply for an E-visa to enter Vietnam.

Q: Is the E-visa portal different from the exemption? A: Yes. The exemption is automatic at the border. The E-visa is an online application that must be approved before you travel.