Netherlands citizens enjoy 45-day visa-free entry to Vietnam. However, this policy also comes with some conditions. This guide also explains how the exemption applies to Dutch passport holders living in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
Vietnam allows Dutch citizens to enter visa-free for tourism purpose (Source: collected)
No, if you are visiting Vietnam for tourism and staying for no more than 45 days. The Netherlands (or Holland) is one of 12 European countries covered by Vietnam’s Tourism Development Stimulus Programme under Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP.
The exemption applies from 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028, regardless of passport type. To qualify, you must:
You do not need to apply for an e-visa or obtain a visa approval letter for a qualifying visa-free visit.
However, this exemption is specifically for tourism. If you intend to conduct business, work or study, you need to apply for an appropriate Vietnam visa and check the appropriate document requirement for each purpose.
Related blog post: Vietnam Visa Types Explained (Codes, Validity & Which to Choose)
Citizens in other countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands also gain Vietnam visa exemption (Source: tripadvisor)
Yes. Citizens of other countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands also gain visa exemption the same as citizens in the Netherlands, including sovereign countries and special municipalities. Citizens of all these countries and territories hold the same type of passport issued by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so their passport power is also equivalent.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of four constituent countries. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are public bodies within the country of the Netherlands.
|
Part of the Kingdom |
Status |
Eligibility for the Vietnam visa exemption |
|
Netherlands |
Constituent country |
Yes |
|
Aruba |
Constituent country |
Yes |
|
Curaçao |
Constituent country |
Yes |
|
Sint Maarten |
Constituent country |
Yes |
|
Bonaire |
Public body within the Netherlands |
Yes |
|
Sint Eustatius |
Public body within the Netherlands |
Yes |
|
Saba |
Public body within the Netherlands |
Yes |
Sint Maarten refers specifically to the Dutch part of the island. Travelers from the French part should check the rules applicable to the passport they use.
Related blog post: Vietnam Visa Requirements 2026 (Documents, Photo & By Nationality)
You cannot extend your stay to Vietnam (Source: Bao Thanh Nien)
The visa-free stay cannot be extended. If your stay exceeds 45 days, you will be considered to have overstayed and will be required to pay a fine upon departure.
You can go to another country and re-enter Vietnam. After getting a new immigration stamp, you will have another 45 days to stay in Vietnam.
However, you should not overuse "visa runs"; entering and exiting Vietnam repeatedly in quick succession may raise questions from customs officials. You could be denied entry on suspicion of long-term residence without proper documentation or suspected smuggling.
For a holiday longer than 45 days, applying for an e-visa before entering Vietnam is usually the more straightforward choice. An e-visa can be issued for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entries. Please note that you must apply for an e-visa while outside of Vietnam; therefore, you should plan your trip and apply for the e-visa in advance rather than applying for it after arriving in the country.
Related blog post: What to do if I overstay my Vietnam visa? Urgent fix guide
If your trip does not qualify for the 45-day tourist exemption, the appropriate application route depends on your travel purpose and circumstances. The main routes are an e-visa, an embassy-issued visa and, in qualifying cases, visa on arrival.
Vietnam online portal to apply for e-visa
For a tourist trip lasting more than 45 days and up to 90 days, a Vietnam e-visa is a practical option. You can apply through the official Vietnam National Electronic Visa Portal. Be careful, as there are many fake websites when searching on Google. These sites may charge higher fees, fail to deliver your visa, or steal your personal information.
Step 1: Prepare digital file of your portrait photo and your passport bio page.
Step 2: Complete the application with your passport information, travel dates, intended address and entry details.
Step 3: Select entry purpose, single or multiple entry according to your itinerary.
Step 4: Pay the government fee and retain your application reference. You can pay by card.
Step 5: Check the result and download the approved e-visa.
The government fee is $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry. The published processing time is 3-5 working days after receipt of the application and fee. Apply with additional time available in case of peak seasons or corrections are requested.
Before traveling, check the approved visa carefully, particularly your name, passport number, validity dates and number of entries. Its validity may be up to 90 days, but you must follow the dates actually granted.
Vietnam embassy in the Netherlands located in The Hague (Source: Google Map)
You can contact the Embassy of Vietnam in The Hague when you need guidance on an embassy-issued visa or a category requiring additional supporting documents. Vietnam embassy in the Netherlands is located in The Hague (Den Haag). When handling administrative or consular procedures at the embassy, please prepare cash, as the embassy does not accept card payments.
Other countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands do not currently have a Vietnamese embassy. For instance, diplomatic and consular matters in Curaçao are handled concurrently by the Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba.
|
Contact detail |
Information |
|
Telephone |
+31 (0)70 364 8917 |
|
|
Before visiting or sending documents, ask the embassy to confirm:
Do not send your original passport or payment until you have confirmed the submission instructions for your case.
A visa on arrival requires approval before you travel. It is available in qualifying urgent or special circumstances under Vietnam’s immigration rules.
An approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department is required to get a visa on arrival.
The process generally involves:
Step 1: Confirming that your case qualifies for airport visa collection.
Step 2: Arranging the required approval through the relevant inviting or sponsoring organization.
Step 3: Receiving an approval letter authorizing collection at the designated international airport.
Step 4: Presenting the letter, passport and required documents at the visa-on-arrival counter.
Step 5: Paying the applicable issuance fee and collecting the visa before proceeding through immigration.
If you require a visa on arrival for work or business purposes, you need a legal entity in Vietnam to obtain sponsorship documentation for inclusion in your application for the pre-approval letter.
Can Dutch travelers use the 45-day exemption for a business trip?
Dutch citizens cannot enter Vietnam for business trip without a visa (Source: Vinpearl)
Do not rely on the Dutch tourist exemption for a business trip. Vietnam’s exemption for Netherlands citizens under Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP explicitly covers tourism.
This is a useful distinction when reading general Vietnam visa advice: some other nationalities are covered by different exemption policies. A rule described for another European passport may therefore not apply to a Dutch traveler.
For example, a Dutch traveler taking a two-week sightseeing holiday may qualify for visa-free entry. Someone traveling for commercial negotiations, an employment assignment or study should check the visa and any additional permissions required for that activity.
Whether an activity generates income is not the only consideration. The purpose of the trip matters, and obtaining a visa does not automatically authorize employment.
If your departure is approaching and you are unsure which route fits your itinerary, contact UrgentVisaToVietnam with your passport nationality, travel purpose and intended dates for assistance with the appropriate application. [email protected]
In addition to official public holidays in the Netherlands, the Vietnamese Embassy also closes for Vietnamese public holidays. If you plan to apply for a visa around these dates, allow extra time for processing.
|
Vietnam holiday |
Day |
|
Lunar New Year |
January 1st (Lunar calendar) |
|
Hung King’s Festival |
March 10th (Lunar calendar) |
|
Reunification Day |
April 30th (Solar calendar) |
|
National Independence Day |
September 2nd (Solar calendar) |
Vietnam Airlines operates nonstop flights from Hanoi to Amsterdam (Source: VOV)
Vietnam Airlines operates nonstop flights between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). Launched on 16 June 2026, the route offers three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This allows Dutch travelers to reach Vietnam without a layover in another country.
Does Vietnam’s visa exemption apply to all countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands?
Yes. It applies to Dutch passport holders across the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
How long can Dutch citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?
Dutch citizens can stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days for tourism.
Can Dutch citizens extend their Vietnam visa exemption?
No. You cannot extend the 45-day tourist exemption. To stay longer, you need to arrange an appropriate visa or leave Vietnam and re-enter.
Can Dutch citizens use Vietnam’s visa exemption for business purposes?
No. The exemption for Dutch citizens applies to tourism only. For a business trip, you need an appropriate visa.