Most visitors to Vietnam require a visa — but the process is straightforward if you know what you need. This guide covers who needs a visa, who does not, and how to apply correctly.
Do You Need a Visa?
Most visitors require a visa unless they are from one of 39 countries with visa exemption agreements. Citizens of exempt countries can enter with just a valid passport. Everyone else must apply for an e-visa.
Visa Exemption Countries (2026)
Vietnam currently offers visa-free entry to ordinary passport holders from 39 countries. Permitted stay varies by nationality:
| Country | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| Chile | 90 days |
| Panama | 90 days |
| Belarus | 45 days |
| Belgium | 45 days |
| Bulgaria | 45 days |
| Croatia | 45 days |
| Czech Republic | 45 days |
| Denmark | 45 days |
| Finland | 45 days |
| France | 45 days |
| Germany | 45 days |
| Hungary | 45 days |
| Italy | 45 days |
| Japan | 45 days |
| Luxembourg | 45 days |
| Netherlands | 45 days |
| Norway | 45 days |
| Poland | 45 days |
| Romania | 45 days |
| Russia | 45 days |
| Slovakia | 45 days |
| Slovenia | 45 days |
| South Korea | 45 days |
| Spain | 45 days |
| Sweden | 45 days |
| Switzerland | 45 days |
| United Kingdom | 45 days |
| Cambodia | 30 days |
| Indonesia | 30 days |
| Kazakhstan | 30 days |
| Kyrgyzstan | 30 days |
| Laos | 30 days |
| Malaysia | 30 days |
| Mongolia | 30 days |
| Singapore | 30 days |
| Thailand | 30 days |
| Philippines | 21 days |
| Brunei | 14 days |
| Myanmar | 14 days |
Note: The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most other nationalities are not on this list and must apply for an e-visa.
Requirements for Visa-Free Entry
- Ordinary passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- At least one blank page for immigration stamps
- No entry ban or restricted entry status
- Return or onward ticket (recommended)
- Accommodation details (hotel reservation or sponsor information)
Important: British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders do not qualify for the 45-day UK exemption — only standard British passports apply. If you hold dual nationality including an exempt country, you can use that passport to benefit from visa-free travel.
Phu Quoc Island Special Rules
Foreigners entering Phu Quoc by air or sea may stay visa-free for up to 30 days, regardless of nationality. This exemption applies to Phu Quoc only — if you plan to visit other parts of Vietnam, you will need an e-visa before departure.
Applying for the E-Visa
Apply through the official Vietnamese government immigration portal only (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Be cautious of third-party websites that mimic the official portal — they steal personal data or charge excessive fees.
- Processing time: 3 business days (apply well in advance)
- Fee: approximately $25 USD
- Single-entry or multiple-entry, valid for up to 90 days
- Available to most nationalities not on the visa-free list
Extending Your Stay Beyond the Visa-Free Period
Visa-free stays cannot be extended from within Vietnam. Options if you want to stay longer:
- Exit to a neighbouring country (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos) and re-enter — either visa-free again or on a new e-visa
- Apply for a 90-day e-visa before your next entry for more flexibility
- For long-term stays, consult an immigration lawyer about business (DN) or investor (DT) visas
Tours & activities in Vietnam
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