Visa Guide

01.06.23

Visa-Free Travel to Vietnam: Important Guidelines

Huyen Nguyen

To facilitate tourism and strengthen international relations, the Vietnamese government has implemented a visa exemption policy, allowing certain nationalities to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specified period without the need for a visa. In this blog post, we will provide you with essential information about visa-free travel to Vietnam, including the latest updates, eligible countries, and important guidelines.

1. What is Visa-Free Travel?

Visa-free travel, also known as visa exemption, refers to the permission granted by a country to foreign nationals to enter and stay within its borders for a specific period without the requirement of a visa or associated fees.

2. Visa-Free Travel to Vietnam

The Vietnamese government has established visa exemption agreements with several countries, allowing their citizens to visit Vietnam without a visa for a designated period. Please note that the visa exemption policy is subject to change, and it's crucial to verify the latest regulations before your trip. As of March 15, 2022, Vietnam has reintroduced bilateral and unilateral visa exemption policies. Here are the key details:

Conditions for Visa-Free Entry

To enter Vietnam under the visa exemption policy, travelers from eligible countries must ensure the following:

The passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

The passport has at least two blank pages.

List of Countries with Visa-Free Entry

Vietnam offers visa-free entry to citizens of various countries for different durations and purposes. Here is a breakdown of the countries that have visa-free access to Vietnam:

Group 1 (90 days):

Chile: Visitors can stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days without engaging in income-generating activities.

Panama: Similar to Chile, Panama citizens can enjoy a visa-free stay of 90 days for non-income-generating purposes.

Group 2 (30 days):

Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand: Citizens from these countries can enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. The purposes of entry include tourism, participating in press activities, official business, visiting relatives, trade negotiations, investment, sports events, conferences, and seminars.

Group 3 (21-15 days):

Philippines: Visitors from the Philippines can stay in Vietnam for up to 21 days without a visa.

Brunei, Myanmar: Citizens of Brunei and Myanmar can enjoy visa-free stays of 14 days and can visit Vietnam for tourism purposes.

Belarus, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Russia, France, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Italy, the United Kingdom (excluding British National Overseas - BNO passport holders): Citizens from these countries can enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for up to 15 days. The specific purposes of entry are not specified.

Example of certificate of visa exemption.jpg

It is important to note that the purpose of entry mentioned above refers to the general categories, and travelers must comply with the immigration laws and regulations during their stay in Vietnam. Please ensure to check with the relevant authorities or diplomatic representatives for the most up-to-date and specific information based on your nationality before traveling to Vietnam.

3. Important Considerations

Regarding unilateral visa exemption cases, if foreign nationals wish to utilize visa-free entry to Vietnam on subsequent visits, they must wait for at least 30 days from the date of their last departure from Vietnam under the visa exemption policy (effective from July 1, 2020). This means that citizens eligible for visa-free entry can enjoy visa-free stays of up to 15 days continuously.

Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports are not eligible for visa-free entry to Vietnam.

Visa-free travel includes exemption from entry, exit, and transit visas.

The duration of temporary stay under visa-free travel is calculated from the date of entry. Please note that the visa exemption information provided above is based on the latest available data as of March 10, 2022. It is essential to contact relevant authorities or diplomatic representatives in your country or check with us for the most up-to-date and specific information before your departure.

4. Other Visa Exemption Cases

In addition to the visa exemption arrangements mentioned earlier, Vietnam also grants visa exemptions in the following cases:

Visa-free entry for up to 30 days to foreign nationals visiting coastal economic zones, subject to certain criteria such as having an international airport, a separate geographical area, and compliance with Vietnam's economic and social development policies without posing a threat to national defense, security, social order, and safety. Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTC) with valid passports are eligible for visa-free entry and stays of up to 60 days in Vietnam.

5. Vietnam visa exemption extension

Previously, foreign tourists who entered Vietnam under the visa exemption policy could apply for visa extensions to prolong their stay. However, currently, all visa-free entries to Vietnam cannot be extended.

Travelers who entered Vietnam under the visa exemption policy and wish to extend their stay beyond the exemption period can exit Vietnam to neighboring countries such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, or other regional countries and re-enter Vietnam with a new visa exemption. This practice is commonly referred to as a "visa run."

Vietnam's visa exemption policy provides an excellent opportunity for citizens of eligible countries to explore the beauty and cultural richness of this Southeast Asian gem without the hassle of obtaining a visa. It is crucial to stay updated with the latest regulations and guidelines from official sources before planning your trip. Whether you're enticed by Vietnam's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, or delectable cuisine, visa-free travel opens the door to an unforgettable experience in this captivating country. Besides connecting travelers and local guides, Tubudd also has Visa services for foreigners.