What is Visa Exemption?
Visa exemption refers to a policy that allows citizens of specific countries to enter another country without needing to apply for a visa in advance. This policy is typically extended to nations with strong diplomatic, trade, or tourism ties to the host country. In Vietnam, the visa exemption policy applies to citizens of select countries and territories, fostering tourism, cultural exchange, and international economic cooperation.
List of Countries Exempted from Visas to Vietnam
As of 2024, Vietnam is exempting visas for citizens of 25 countries (ordinary passports), including:
1. ASEAN Countries – Bilateral visa exemption
Vietnam has a visa exemption policy for citizens of all countries in the ASEAN bloc (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Citizens of Asian countries are exempted from Vietnam visas for a temporary stay of no more than 30 days, regardless of the purpose of entry.
Specifically, citizens of the following countries can enter Vietnam without a visa:
1. Brunei: visa exemption period when entering Vietnam for a maximum of 14 days.
2. Myanmar: visa exemption period when entering Vietnam for a maximum of 14 days.
3. Philippines: visa exemption period when entering Vietnam for a maximum of 21 days.
4. Cambodia: visa exemption period when entering Vietnam for a maximum of 30 days.
5. Indonesia: visa exemption period when entering Vietnam for a maximum of 30 days.
6. Laos: visa exemption period when entering Vietnam for a maximum of 30 days.
7. Malaysia: visa exemption period when entering Vietnam for a maximum of 30 days.
8. Singapore: visa exemption period when entering Vietnam for a maximum of 30 days.
9. Thailand: visa exemption period when entering Vietnam for a maximum of 30 days.
This policy usually applies to short-term trips, with a stay of 14 to 30 days, depending on the country.
2. Other Countries – Unilateral Visa Exemption
In addition to ASEAN countries, Vietnam also applies a unilateral visa exemption policy for citizens of several other countries and territories. These countries are exempted from visas when entering Vietnam for a period of no more than 45 days, including:
10. Russia
11Japan
12. Korea
13. Sweden
14. Denmark
15. Finland
16. Norway
17. Germany
18. France
19. United Kingdom
20. Italy
21. Spain
22. Belarus
Only country that is exempted from acquiring visa when entering Vietnam for a period of no more than 30 days, outside ASEAN group is:
23. Kyrgyzstan
– The period of entry and temporary stay shouldn’t exceed 30 days from the date of entry, for the citizens of Kyrgyzstan.
– Conditions for entering Vietnam with unilateral visa exemption:
Citizens of these countries holding ordinary passports, regardless of the purpose of entry, are exempted from visas to enter and exit Vietnam for a temporary stay of 30 to 45 days, depending on the country., if they meet the following conditions:
- Having a valid passport issued by the official government agency or passport authority of their home country, with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry.
- Having a round-trip ticket or a ticket to another destination.
- The individuals mustn’t be subject to entry ban or restriction on entering Vietnam.
3. Other Cases
In addition, there are other countries exempted from visas to Vietnam with the following durations:
Chile and Panama are 02 countries exempted from visas with a maximum stay of 90 days and entering Vietnam not to generate additional income.
Currently, in addition to the above visa exemptions, Vietnam is also exempting visas for the following cases:
- 30-day visa exemption for foreigners entering coastal economic zones according to the Government’s decision when meeting all the following conditions:
- Having an international airport;
- Having a separate space;
- Having a defined geographical boundary, separate from the mainland;
- Following the socio-economic development policy and not harming the national defense, security and social order and safety of Vietnam.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders with valid passports are exempted from visas to enter and stay in Vietnam for up to 60 days;
Visa Exemption Period and Conditions to Note
The visa exemption period for citizens of countries and territories may vary, depending on the agreement between Vietnam and that country. Normally, the visa exemption period will be from 14 to 30 days.
However, to ensure your rights when entering the country, you need to note some of the following basic conditions:
- Short-term stay: Visa exemption only applies to short-term trips, tourism, business or visiting relatives. If you need to stay longer, you need to apply for a visa before entering the country.
- Valid passport: Citizens need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
- Return flight: Some countries require you to have a return ticket or onward ticket to prove the purpose of the trip.
Vietnam visa exemption extension
Previously, foreign visitors entering Vietnam could still extend their visas to continue staying in Vietnam. However, currently, all cases of entering Vietnam with visa exemption cannot be extended.
Visitors entering Vietnam with visa exemption and wishing to continue staying in Vietnam after the visa exemption period can leave Vietnam for neighboring countries or countries in the region such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore … and return with a new visa exemption. This form is called Visa Run.
If visitors do not wish to leave Vietnam and return, they can apply for a 90-day e-visa at any time through Muinexpress.vn
If you need advice and support about Visa Run, you can always contact Muine Express via Hotline/Zalo/Whatsapp/Viber/Zalo Ms. Tina (Rus) +84 or Mr. Tommy (Eng/Rus) +84 982 163 468. or email info@muinexpress.com
