Vietnam visa exemption, also known as Vietnam visa waiver or Vietnam visa-free, allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specific period without the requirement of going through a visa application process. This exemption is made possible through bilateral or unilateral agreements between the Vietnamese government and the foreign national's country, facilitating hassle-free travel for eligible individuals.
It's essential to distinguish between this type of visa exemption and the Vietnam visa exemption certificate, commonly known as the Vietnam 5 years visa. While the former allows certain foreign nationals to enter Vietnam without a visa for a specific period, the latter is a separate document that grants a 5-year visa validity for specific eligible individuals. Both are distinct in their application and benefits.
This is a simple exemption stamp as follows on their passport:
Vietnam Visa Exemption countries
s of January 2022, citizens holding regular passports from 25 countries are no longer required to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. Here is the complete list of countries eligible for Vietnam visa exemption:
| No. | Country | Maximum visa-free duration | Applicable purpose of visit (if any) |
| 1 | Chile | 90 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| 2 | Panama | 90 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| 3 | Cambodia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 4 | Indonesia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 5 | Kyrgyzstan | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 6 | Laos | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 7 | Malaysia | 30 days | Tourism, attending press, conference/coverage, official duty, visiting relatives, business negotiation, investment, sports, or attending seminars or conferences |
| 8 | Singapore | 30 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| 9 | Thailand | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 10 | Philippines | 21 days | Not mentioned |
| 11 | Brunei | 14 days | Not mentioned |
| 12 | Myanmar | 14 days | Visiting only |
| 13 | Belarus | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 14 | Denmark | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 15 | Finland | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 13 | France | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 17 | Germany | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 18 | Italy | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 19 | Japan | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 20 | Norway | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 21 | Russia | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 22 | South Korea | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 23 | Spain | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 24 | Sweden | 15 days | Not mentioned |
| 25 | United Kingdom (Not applicable to BNO) | 15 days | Not mentioned |
Important Notes for Vietnam visa exemption:
- According to the new law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, which took effect on July 1, 2020, the 30-day interval between two stays with visa exemption has been removed.
- However, it's important to note that British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for the 15-day Vietnam visa exemption. Therefore, they must apply for a visa to visit Vietnam.
- The visa exemption covers entry, exit, and transit purposes, and the visa-free stay period is calculated from the date of entry.
- The Government grants a 30-day visa exemption to individuals entering coastal economic zones that meet the following conditions as determined by the authorities.:
- having an international airport
- having their own space
- having defined geographical boundaries and being separate from the mainland
- being in line with socio-economic development policies while posing no threat to the national defense, security, social order, and safety of Vietnam. So, Phu Quoc Island is one of those zones. See Phu Quoc visa exemption
- APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders with valid passports enjoy a Vietnam visa exemption for a stay of up to 60 days. If you wish to extend your stay beyond this period without departing Vietnam, you will need to follow the appropriate visa extension procedures, see the exemption of Vietnam stay with ABTC.
Vietnam Visa Exemption Conditions
To enter Vietnam with a Vietnam visa exemption, eligible travelers are required to ensure:
- Their passport is valid for at least 6 months following their date of arrival in Vietnam; and
- Their passport has at least 02 blank pages.
Vietnam Visa Exemption Extension
Prior to the Covid outbreak, it was possible to extend the Vietnam visa exemption while in the country. However, this is no longer feasible at present.
Individuals who wish to prolong their stay in Vietnam beyond the duration of the visa exemption must depart from Vietnam to a neighboring country such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos, and then return with a fresh visa exemption. This method of extending one's stay is commonly referred to as a "Vietnam visa run."
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