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Vietnam Visa Exemption Policy: Eligible countries and requirements

Vietnam Visa Exemption for foreigners who meet the conditions is an extremely favorable policy, allowing foreigners to enter and stay in Vietnam for a certain period of time without needing a visa and paying a visa fee.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam has been actively signing and expanding unilateral and bilateral visa exemption agreements along with other visa exemption policies to attract international tourists to Vietnam, thereby promoting the tourism industry and other important sectors.

1. Countries are exempted from visa unilaterally

As of August 15, 2023, according to Article 1 of Resolution No.128/NQ-CP Amendments to the Government's Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP on Visa waiver for nationals,

Visa waiver will be applicable to nationals of  the Federal Republic of Germany, The French Republic, Italian Republic, Kingdom of Spain, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Russian Federation, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Denmark, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Norway, Republic of Finland, and the Republic of Belarus with a maximum temporary residence period of 45 days from the date of entry, no matter what visa types they currently hold or their purposes of entry, on the basis of eligibility for entry in accordance with Vietnamese laws.

Thus, the above 13 countries do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for a maximum of 45 days regardless of their passport type and purpose of entry (tourism, business, investment, etc)

Vietnam's entry conditions include:

  • Valid passport issued by a competent authority and passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and with at least 2 blank pages;
  • Round-trip tickets or onward tickets to another country;
  • Not subject to the entry ban or restriction on entry into Vietnam.

2. Countries are exempted from visa bilaterally 

With deep diplomatic relations and comprehensive development cooperation in all aspects, Vietnam and 9 ASEAN countries have signed a bilateral visa exemption agreement, specifically:

These countries are allowed to enter Vietnam for a period of less than 30 days regardless of the purpose of entry (tourism, business, investment, etc)

3. Vietnam 5-year Visa Exemption

Vietnam 5-year visa exemption for foreigners is a special visa exemption policy of the Vietnamese Government regardless of nationality, as long as you are of Vietnamese origin, or once had Vietnamese nationality or have a father, mother, wife, husband or child who is a Vietnamese citizen residing abroad.

The 5-year visa exemption certificate is valid for a maximum of 5 years and must not exceed 06 months for the expiry date of a foreigner's passport and residence documents. You are allowed to enter Vietnam with multiple entries, each entry is valid for a maximum of 180 days.

People who are subject to Vietnam visa exemption for 5 years can apply for a certificate at the Vietnam Immigration Department in Vietnam or the Vietnamese Embassy abroad.

After the expiration of the duration of stay, foreigners can extend the duration of stay according to the regulations on extension of duration of stay for foreigners.

You can refer to the process of applying for a 5-year Vietnam Visa Exemption Certificate from Vietnam-immi.Org or contact us at +84.357.522.522 for the most detailed advice!

4. Other visa exemption cases

According to Article 12 of Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended 2019) about Vietnam visa exemption. 

- Those entering the coastal economic zones decided by the Government if fully satisfy the following conditions:

  • having an international airport;
  • having their own designated space;
  • having clear delineation of geographical boundaries, distinct from the mainland;
  • being in accordance with socio-economic development policies and not jeopardizing Vietnam national defense, security, social order, and safety.

Therefore, foreigners can enter Phu Quoc Island without having to apply for a visa for a maximum period of 30 days.

- Those holding APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) are exempted from Vietnam visa requirements for a stay of up to 60 days.