Vietnam Visa Exemption: Who Qualifies and How It Works

Vietnam is a stunning country in Southeast Asia. With 3000 km of coastline, woods, mountains, rivers, and a plethora of amazing caverns and grottos, the country spans an area of more than 331,000 km². Because of its physical and cultural richness, Vietnam is an intriguing place for tourists of all stripes.

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering if your country is on the list of Vietnam visa-exemption countries?

A visa exemption is the act of allowing international citizens to enter and remain in a nation's territory for a specified amount of time without having to pay the required fees or undergo the required processes. So, which citizens of which countries are exempt from the visa requirement to enter Vietnam? Your questions will be answered in this article.

What is the Vietnam Visa Exemption?

The situation where a foreign national is allowed to enter Vietnam and remain there for a predetermined amount of time without having to go through the standard Vietnam visa application process is known as Vietnam Visa Exemption, also known as Vietnam Visa Waiver or Vietnam Visa Free. This is made possible by a bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreement that the Vietnamese government has formed with the applicants' home country.

It is crucial to note that this type of visa exemption is not the same as the Vietnam Visa Exemption Certificate, also referred to as the Vietnam 5-year visa.

Passengers who enter Vietnam without a visa will have their passports stamped with an exemption.

Vietnam is an intriguing place for tourists of all stripes

List Of Vietnam Visa Exemption Countries

The complete list of countries that do not require a visa is shown below.  You only need a regular passport with a minimum of two blank pages for visa stamping. However, you are required to get a visa if your country is not on the list of Vietnam tourist visa-exempt countries.

• ASEAN Countries: Citizens from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, and Brunei can visit Vietnam without a visa for 14 days, 21 days, or 30 days, depending on nationality.
• European Countries: Travelers from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, and other EU countries enjoy a Vietnam visa exemption for up to 45 days under the updated policy.
• Other Countries: Nationals of Japan, South Korea, Russia, and select countries in the Americas and Oceania also qualify. The length of visa-free stays varies, so check the visa requirements for your country here.

Other Visa Exemptions

Vietnam's policy extends to 5 other groups of individuals in addition to the visa exemption granted to citizens of specific countries.

• Foreigners are protected under the international agreements Vietnam has signed.
• Foreign nationals who possess current Vietnam-issued temporary or permanent residency cards.
• Foreign visitors to particular economic zones that the Vietnamese government has designated.
• Foreigners entering coastal economic zones in accordance with particular agreements that Vietnam has established.
• Vietnamese citizens holding international passports.

Vietnam Visa Exemption is also known as Vietnam Visa Waiver or Vietnam Visa Free

Conditions for the Vietnam Visa Exemption

To take advantage of an exemption of entry visa to Vietnam, visitors need to meet the following requirements:

• After the date of your arrival in Vietnam, your passport must remain valid for at least six months.
• There must be a minimum of two blank pages in your passport for the immigration stamp and visa sticker.

>>>> Read more: Vietnam Travel insurance

Vietnam Visa Exemption Extension

The stay with the visa exemption is currently not extendable.

The following are the two options available to anyone who wants to stay in Vietnam for longer than the permitted exemption period:

• Enter Vietnam with a visa exemption and then leave the country for a neighboring country (such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos) when the exemption duration ends, and come back with a new visa exemption. This way of staying is called a visa run.
• If you plan to stay in Vietnam longer than the visa-free period, you should apply for a visa. Visitors can now apply for a Vietnam e-Visa. This Vietnam tourist visa application is simple and easy; you can complete it at home.  The Vietnam e-Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

The stay with the Vietnam visa exemption is currently not extendable

Procedure For Issuance Of Visa Exemption Certificate

The four steps to apply for a Vietnam Visa Exemption certificate are as follows:

• Step 1: Collect your documents. You’ll need:

- Passport (or, if you have one, a valid international travel document)

- A Vietnam visa exemption form

- Birth certificate, marriage registration certificate to a Vietnamese national (if applicable), or other pertinent documents attesting to your eligibility for a visa exemption.

• Step 2: Submit your application. Your application can be sent by mail or in person to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
• Step 3: To complete your application, make sure to pay the visa exemption fee for a Vietnam visa along with any applicable postage costs.
• Step 4: Obtain your certificate of visa exemption, if applicable.

You should normally receive your visa exemption certificate back within 3–7 working days after your application has been processed and approved.

Apply For A Vietnam E-Visa Online

If your country is not on the list of Vietnam visa-exempt countries or you want to have more time to stay in the beautiful country, you can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa via our website.

Step 1: Fill out the Vietnam visa application form, including your full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, and date of arrival/departure.

Step 2: After paying for your visa services, submit the needed documents so that your application can be processed.

Step 3: After completing the process, a valid Vietnam e-Visa will be sent to the email address you provided. During your time in Vietnam, be sure to print it off and keep it with you.

You can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa via our website

About the Vietnam Tourist Visa Requirements

For the smooth process, applicants need to prepare the following Vietnam tourist visa requirements:

• A copy of your passport that is valid for at least six months after the date you plan to arrive.
• A photograph of the applicant.
• A copy of your passport's biographical information.
• A debit card is required for online payment
• A current email address

Conclusion: Vietnam Visa Exemption

The changes to the Vietnam visa exemption policy in 2025 make it easier for travelers to visit this beautiful country. With a straightforward process and a variety of eligible countries, planning your trip will be simpler than ever.

If you want to stay longer than the visa-free period or you need a visa to enter Vietnam, our website provides a convenient service for obtaining a Vietnam eVisa. By using our platform, you may finish the application process entirely online from the convenience of your home, doing away with the need to travel to embassies or consulates. This makes the process simple and hassle-free while also saving you time and effort.