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Please be informed that the Vietnam visa exemption policy has been fully reinstated, allowing individuals from countries with unilateral visa exemption agreements with Vietnam to enter the country after August 15, 2023 and stay for a period of up to 45 days without the need for a visa, as opposed to the current 15-day limit.
Now, let us delve into the specifics of the Vietnam visa exemption policy. Additionally, we would like to highlight the availability of the Vietnam e Visa for those who prefer a streamlined and efficient visa application process.
What is Vietnam Visa Exemption?
Vietnam Visa Exemption, also referred to as Vietnam Visa Waiver or Vietnam Visa Free, refers to the scenario in which a foreign national is permitted to enter Vietnam and stay in the country for a specific duration without having to undergo the usual Vietnam visa process. This is made possible because the Vietnam government has established a bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreement with the individual’s country of applicants.
It is important to note that this form of visa exemption should not be confused with the Vietnam Visa Exemption Certificate (commonly known as the Vietnam 5 years visa).
Travelers who enter Vietnam under visa exemption will receive an exemption stamp on their passport.
Vietnam Visa Exemption: List of Countries and Duration.
Effective from January 2022, citizens holding regular passports from 25 countries are granted visa-free access to Vietnam. The comprehensive roster of Vietnam visa-exempt nations, along with their respective durations, is as follows:
| Country | Maximum Stay | Purpose of visit |
|---|---|---|
| Chile | 90 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| Panama | 90 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| Cambodia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Indonesia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Kyrgyzstan | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Laos | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Malaysia | 30 days | Tourism, attending press, conference/coverage, official duty, visiting relatives, business negotiation, investment, sports, or attending seminars or conferences |
| Singapore | 30 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| Thailand | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Philippines | 21 days | Not mentioned |
| Brunei | 14 days | Not mentioned |
| Myanmar | 14 days | Visiting only |
| 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 (Not applicable to BNO) | 45 days | Not mentioned |
Visa exemption: Important notes regarding
- The 30-day waiting period between consecutive stays under the visa exemption policy has been eliminated as per the new legislation governing the entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreign nationals in Vietnam, effective from July 1, 2020.
- Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports are not eligible for the 45-day visa exemption when visiting Vietnam. Therefore, they must apply for a visa in order to enter the country.
- The visa exemption policy encompasses exemptions for entry, exit, and transit purposes. The duration of the visa-free stay is calculated from the date of entry.
Note: The aforementioned details regarding the Vietnam visa exemption, which were last updated on March 15, 2021, are intended solely for informational purposes. We strongly recommend verifying this information with the appropriate official authorities in your current country before your departure.
Other visa exemption cases
- If Phu Quoc is your initial stop in Vietnam, regardless of whether you are a foreigner or a Vietnamese citizen with a foreign passport, you can enjoy a 30-day visa exemption specifically for Phu Quoc. To put it simply, visitors from other countries do not need a Vietnam visa as long as their stay in Phu Quoc does not exceed 30 days.
- Holders of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with valid passports are not required to obtain a Vietnam visa if their stay does not exceed 60 days. If you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam without leaving the country, please refer to the ABTC exemption for staying in Vietnam.
Conditions for Vietnam Visa Exemption
To take advantage of Vietnam visa exemption privilege, tourists need to meet the following requirements:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months starting from your date of arrival in Vietnam.
- Your passport must contain at least 2 blank pages for visa sticker and immigration stamp.
Can I get my visa exemption extended?
Prior to the Covid pandemic, it was possible to extend the Vietnam visa exemption while in Vietnam. However, this is no longer an option at present. Individuals who wish to extend their stay in Vietnam beyond the duration of the exemption must now depart to a neighboring country (such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos) and then return with a new visa exemption. This method of extending one’s stay is commonly referred to as a “Visa Run.”
