Home » Visa News » Vietnam Visa Exemption
vietnam visa

Vietnam Visa Exemption Policy

The Contents:

The Vietnam visa exemption policy—also known as a visa waiver or visa-free entry—allows citizens of certain countries to visit Vietnam for a limited time without applying for a visa. This initiative supports tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange, while simplifying entry for eligible travelers.

What Is Vietnam’s Visa Exemption?

Visa exemption means that foreign nationals from designated countries can enter and stay in Vietnam for a specific period without needing a visa. This policy is based on either:

  • Bilateral agreements (mutual agreements between Vietnam and other countries), or
  • Unilateral decisions (Vietnam grants visa-free access without requiring reciprocity).

How Does It Work?

Eligible travelers simply present a valid passport upon arrival in Vietnam and can stay for the permitted duration without applying for a visa in advance. However, they must:

  • Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months,
  • Meet entry conditions (e.g., not barred from entry for legal/security reasons),
  • Comply with the maximum allowed duration for visa-free stays.

Who Is Eligible?

Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of selected countries, with the duration of stay varying depending on the traveler’s nationality and the exemption type.

Main Types of Visa Exemptions

1. Unilateral Visa Exemption

Vietnam independently offers visa-free entry to citizens of several countries, mainly to encourage tourism and short visits.

2. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card with the code “VNM” on the back can enter Vietnam for up to 60 days without a visa for business purposes.

3. 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate

This is designed for:

  • Vietnamese citizens living overseas,
  • Their foreign spouses and children.

Holders of this certificate can stay in Vietnam for up to 180 days per visit, and the certificate is valid for 5 years with multiple entries.

List of Visa-Exempt Countries (as of March 2025)

Citizens from the following 12 countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days:

  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
  • Russia
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Finland
  • Belarus
  • Chile (visa-free up to 90 days)
  • Kyrgyzstan (visa-free up to 30 days)

Visa-Free Entry for ASEAN Countries

As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam also offers visa exemption to citizens of neighboring ASEAN countries. The allowed stay ranges from 14 to 30 days, depending on the country:

  • Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, and the Philippines all enjoy visa-free access.

Temporary Visa Exemption in 2025

From March 1 to December 31, 2025, Vietnam will grant visa-free entry to citizens from the following countries for tourism purposes:

  • Poland
  • Czech Republic
  • Switzerland

This special exemption is part of a new resolution to attract more European tourists during this period.

Important Reminders for Travelers

  • Check that your passport has at least 6 months’ validity.
  • Ensure that your planned stay does not exceed the allowed visa-free duration.
  • For longer stays or other purposes (like work or study), you’ll still need to apply for an appropriate visa.

Vietnam’s visa exemption policy offers an easy and welcoming way for many travelers to explore the country. Whether you’re visiting family, conducting business, or enjoying a holiday, this simplified entry process makes Vietnam more accessible than ever.

Always check with the official Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate before traveling to ensure you have the latest information, as visa policies may change over time.

Related Post: