Vietnam Visa Exemption (Visa-Free Entry) Guide 2026

Who Can Enter Vietnam Without a Visa, How Long You Can Stay, and What to Do Next

This article is for international travelers asking:

  • Which nationalities can enter Vietnam without a visa?

  • How long can I stay in Vietnam visa-free in 2025?

  • Can I extend a Vietnam visa exemption or stay longer?

  • What documents do I need to enter Vietnam without a visa?


Vietnam’s visa-free rules change frequently and are often confused with other visa types (such as the 5-year visa exemption certificate). This guide clearly explains who qualifies, how long you can stay, entry conditions, and legal options if you want to remain longer—all in one place.

What Is Vietnam Visa Exemption (Visa-Free Entry)?

Vietnam visa exemption—also called Vietnam visa-free entry—allows eligible foreign passport holders to enter and stay in Vietnam for a limited time without applying for a visa in advance.

Important clarification:

  • Visa exemption ≠ 5-year visa exemption certificate

  • Visa-free travelers receive a visa exemption stamp in their passport upon arrival

  • No application or pre-approval is required before travel (for eligible nationalities)

Key Takeaways (2025 Update)

  • As of 2025, citizens of 38 countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality

  • A valid passport only is required (no visa application)

  • To stay longer than the visa-free period, travelers must apply for a Vietnam e-visa

  • Visa-free travelers can use Vietnam Airport Fast-Track Service to reduce immigration waiting time

Vietnam Visa-Free Countries & Length of Stay (2025)

As of September 2025, holders of regular passports from the following countries can enter Vietnam without a visa:

Asia & ASEAN

  • Cambodia – 30 days

  • Indonesia – 30 days

  • Laos – 30 days

  • Malaysia – 30 days (tourism, business, conferences, visiting relatives, etc.)

  • Singapore – 30 days

  • Thailand – 30 days

  • Philippines – 21 days

  • Brunei – 14 days

  • Myanmar – 14 days (visiting only)

  • Japan – 45 days

  • South Korea – 45 days

  • Kazakhstan – 45 days (max 90 days within 180 days)

  • Kyrgyzstan – 30 days

Europe

  • United Kingdom (British Citizen only, not BNO) – 45 days

  • France, Germany, Italy, Spain – 45 days

  • Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden – 45 days

  • Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg – 45 days

  • Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary – 45 days

  • Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia – 45 days

  • Belarus – 30 days (max 90 days per 12 months)

  • Russia – 45 days

Americas

  • Chile – 90 days (non-remunerated visits only)

  • Panama – 90 days (non-remunerated visits only)

Important: Visa-free stay is counted from the date of entry, not the date of arrival stamp issuance.

Important Rules You Should Know

  • ❌ The old 30-day gap requirement between visa-free visits has been removed

  • ❌ British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for visa exemption

  • ✅ You may re-enter Vietnam visa-free multiple times if eligible

  • ⚠️ Rules are subject to change—always verify before departure

Special Vietnam Visa Exemption Cases

Phu Quoc Island Visa Exemption

Travelers of all nationalities may enter Phu Quoc Island visa-free for up to 30 days if:

  • Arriving directly from overseas, or

  • Transiting through another Vietnamese airport without leaving the transit zone

Phu Quoc qualifies as a coastal economic zone with special visa policies.

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

  • ABTC holders may enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 60 days

  • Extensions are possible under specific ABTC regulations

Conditions to Enter Vietnam Visa-Free

To qualify for visa exemption, travelers must have:

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival

  • At least 2 blank passport pages

  • A passport type eligible under Vietnam’s visa exemption list

Can You Extend a Vietnam Visa Exemption?

Short answer: No.

Vietnam visa exemption cannot be extended inside Vietnam.

Legal options to stay longer:

  1. Visa Run

    • Exit Vietnam to a nearby country (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos)

    • Re-enter with a new visa exemption (if eligible)

  2. Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa

    • Valid up to 90 days

    • Single or multiple entry

    • Apply online before arrival or after exiting Vietnam

Processing Time
Service fee: 295$
Apply Now

How to Speed Up Arrival with Visa Exemption

Even visa-free travelers must complete immigration procedures.

To save time, many travelers choose Vietnam Airport Fast-Track Service, which:

  • Provides priority immigration lanes

  • Reduces waiting time during peak hours

  • Is especially useful for families, seniors, or tight connections

Frequently Asked Questions

Can UK citizens re-enter Vietnam visa-free within 30 days?

Yes.
UK passport holders (British Citizen) may enter Vietnam visa-free multiple times, as long as each stay does not exceed the allowed duration.

Do I need to apply for visa exemption in advance?

No.
If you are eligible, simply arrive with a valid passport. No forms or pre-registration required.

Can I extend my stay without leaving Vietnam?

No.
You must exit Vietnam and re-enter or apply for an appropriate visa.

Why Use VietnamEntryVisa.com

  • Up-to-date policy guidance on exemptions, e-Visa, and entry rules

  • Route-correct planning (ports of entry, airline check-in expectations)

  • Fast e-Visa processing for non-exempt travelers (Same-Day, 1-Day, Holiday)

  • Operated by Nguyen Adventure (est. 2010) with excellent Trustpilot/Tripadvisor reviews

Not Eligible for Visa Exemption?

Apply online for a Vietnam e-Visa (up to 90 days, single/multiple entry).
Start your application → Apply for Vietnam E-Visa