Vietnam’s visa exemption policy allows citizens from qualifying countries to enter Vietnam without obtaining a visa beforehand, offering simplified entry for tourists and business travelers. This policy encompasses two main categories: Vietnamese people residing overseas (who can obtain a 5-year exemption certificate allowing 180-day stays) and citizens from countries with bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreements with Vietnam.
We’ll explore who qualifies for visa exemption, the specific requirements you must meet and what options are available if you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam. Whether you’re planning a short visit or exploring options as someone with Vietnamese heritage, understanding these exemption policies will help ensure a smooth entry into Vietnam.
Who needs a visa to enter Vietnam and who is exempt?
Foreigners from Vietnam visa free countries can enter Vietnam without a visa. This makes travel easier for citizens from these nations. Visa exempt meaning simply refers to being free from the requirement to obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam.
If you are not from a visa-exempt country, you must get a visa from a Vietnamese embassy or apply for an e-visa before entering Vietnam. Depending on the purpose and duration of stay, different Vietnam visa options are available to meet the needs of applicants.
Need help determining if you need a visa for Vietnam? Contact our visa experts at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for personalized assistance.
Requirements to qualify for visa-free entry to Vietnam
According to Vietnamese law, there are six types of Vietnam visa exemption options for foreign nationals:
| No | Visa exemption cases | Conditions |
| 1 | Foreigners entering Vietnam under international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory | International treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory, requiring commercial presence or partnerships in Vietnam |
| 2 | Using permanent residence cards or temporary residence cards | Temporary residence cards are valid for 1 to 5 years, but at least 30 days shorter than the passport’s validity Temporary residence cards with codes NG3, LV1, LV2, ĐT, and DH, valid for no more than 5 years Temporary residence cards with codes NN1, NN2, and TT are valid for 3 years Temporary residence cards with codes LĐ and PV1, valid for no more than 2 years |
| 3 | Entering border-gate economic zones or special administrative-economic units as decided by the Government | Border-gate economic zones or administrative-economic units with the following criteria: Presence of an international airport. Separate and defined geographical boundaries, isolated from the mainland. Compliance with socioeconomic development policies, without compromising national defense, security, public order, or social safety in Vietnam. Diplomatic relations with Vietnam. |
| 4 | Unilateral or bilateral visa exemption as decided by competent authorities | Maintain diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Align with Vietnam’s socio-economic and foreign development policies for each specific period. Do not harm national defense, security, public order, or social safety in Vietnam. |
| 5 | Overseas Vietnamese | Hold a passport or international travel document issued by a competent foreign authority. Foreign nationals who are spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens are exempt from visas under government regulations. |
| 6 | Entering coastal economic zones as decided by the Government | Meeting the criteria for economic zones: Presence of an international airport and separate space. Defined geographical boundaries, isolated from the mainland. Compliance with socioeconomic development policies, without compromising national defense, security, public order, or social safety in Vietnam. |
Which countries are exempt from Vietnam visas?
The list of countries eligible for visa exemption to Vietnam is divided into two main categories: unilateral visa exemption and bilateral visa exemption.
Unilaterally visa-exempted countries for Vietnam
Unilateral exemption means Vietnam allows citizens from certain countries to enter without a visa, even if those countries don’t offer the same benefit to Vietnamese citizens.
Countries with free visa Vietnam privileges include: South Korea, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belarus.
Citizens from these countries can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa if they:
- Have a passport valid for at least 6 months
- Have a return ticket or ticket to another country
- Are not banned from entering Vietnam
Bilateral visa-exempted countries for Vietnam
Bilateral visa exemption agreements mean both Vietnam and these countries allow each other’s citizens to enter without visas. This includes all Southeast Asian nations.
Citizens from these countries can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days (with some exceptions). The list of Vietnam visa free countries with bilateral agreements includes:
| STT | Country name | Number of days of stay |
| 1 | Brunei | 14 |
| 2 | Myanmar | 14 |
| 3 | Philippines | 21 |
| 4 | Campodia | 30 |
| 5 | Thailand | 30 |
| 6 | Malaysia | 30 |
| 7 | Singapore | 30 |
| 8 | Indonesia | 30 |
| 9 | Laos | 30 |
For travelers arriving at major airports like Ho Chi Minh City, our Tan Son Nhat airport fast track service can help you skip the long immigration lines, making your entry even more convenient.
Vietnam’s special visa exemption policies for overseas Vietnamese
Vietnam also has special rules for people of Vietnamese origin and their families. According to Vietnamese law, these individuals can enter Vietnam without a visa for 5 years under the free visa Vietnam policy. Each visit can last up to 180 days.
This policy helps overseas Vietnamese reconnect with their homeland and strengthen family ties.
Frequently asked questions about Vietnam visa exemptions
How many countries does Vietnam grant visa exemptions?
Are Canadians exempt from Vietnam visa requirements?
Which European countries are exempt from Vietnam visa requirements?
Are Chinese nationals exempt from Vietnam visa requirements?
VisaNow has shared information on the countries eligible for Vietnam visa exemption, conditions for visa-free entry, and Vietnam’s visa exemption policies for foreign nationals. We hope this article provides valuable information for you. Contact VisaNow by calling HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for more details.
