Vietnam Visa Exemption 2026: Who Can Enter Vietnam Without a Visa?
Vietnam has become one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia thanks to its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and incredible cuisine. To make travel easier for international visitors, the Vietnamese government has introduced a Vietnam visa exemption policy for citizens of several countries.
As of 2026, Vietnam has expanded its visa-free policy to encourage tourism and international travel, allowing visitors from many countries to stay from 14 to 90 days without a visa.
In this guide, Viet Orchid Travel explains the Vietnam visa exemption policy, the full list of visa-free countries, entry requirements, and options such as the Vietnam e-visa for longer stays.
1. What is the Vietnam Visa Exemption?
Vietnam visa exemption allows citizens of certain countries to enter Vietnam without applying for a visa in advance.
Instead of submitting a visa application before traveling, eligible visitors can simply present a valid passport at the airport or border checkpoint, where immigration officers will stamp their passport and allow them to stay in Vietnam for a limited period.
The duration of visa-free stay depends on the traveler’s nationality.
2. List of Countries Eligible for Vietnam Visa Exemption (Updated as of March 2026)
The Vietnamese government has issued several resolutions to expand its visa exemption policy in order to boost tourism and international travel.
Depending on nationality, visitors can stay in Vietnam from 14 days to 90 days without a visa.
(1) 45-Day Visa Exemption (Government Resolution)
Under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP of the Vietnamese Government, citizens of the following 12 countries can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport type or entry purpose, on the basis of fulfilling the entry conditions as prescribed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Viet Nam.
The unilateral visa exemption policy shall be effective from 15 March 2025 until 14 March 2028.
|
Germany |
France | Italy | Spain |
|
United Kingdom |
Russia | Japan | Republic of Korea |
| Denmark | Sweden | Norway |
Finland |
(2) Additional Visa Exemption for 12 European Countries (Effective August 15, 2025)
In accordance with Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP dated 8 August 2025 issued by the Government of Viet Nam, under the Tourism Stimulus Program, citizens of 12 countries enjoy visa exemption upon entry into Viet Nam for a stay of up to 45 days from the date of entry for tourism purposes, regardless of passport type, subject to the fulfillment of the entry conditions under Vietnamese law.
The unilateral visa exemption policy shall be effective from 15 March 2025 until 14 March 2028.
|
Belgium |
Bulgaria | Republic of Croatia | Czech Republic |
|
Hungary |
Louxembourg | Netherlands |
Poland |
| Romania | Slovak | Slovenia |
Switzerland |
(3) Visa Exemption for ASEAN Countries
Citizens of several Southeast Asian countries are eligible for visa-free entry
30 days
| Thailand | Malaysia | Kyrgyzstan |
Mongodia |
|
Indonesia |
Cambodia | Laos |
Kazakhstan |
| Belarus | Singapore |
Myanmar |
21 days
- Philippines (30 days for Diplomatic and Official passport/ 21 days for Ordinary passport)
14 days
- Brunei
(4) 90-Day Visa Exemption (Bilateral Agreements)
Some countries benefit from bilateral agreements allowing visa-free stays of up to 90 days, including:
- Chile
- Panama
3. Vietnam Entry Requirements for Visa-Free Travelers
- Holding a passport that is valid for at least 06 months from the date of entry.
- Not falling into the cases of entry refusal as prescribed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Viet Nam.
4. Important Notes About Vietnam Visa Exemption
- Travelers should keep the following points in mind.
- The visa-free stay begins from the date of entry.
- Overstaying the permitted period may result in fines or immigration penalties.
- Please note that holders of British National (Overseas) passports (BNO) are not eligible for Vietnam visa exemption.
5. Other Vietnam Visa Exemption Cases
Phu Quoc Island Visa Exemption
International visitors can travel to Phu Quoc Island visa-free for up to 30 days if they:
- Arrive directly in Phu Quoc
- Stay only on the island
- Meet Vietnam entry requirements
6. Vietnam Visa Exemption Entry Procedure
Whether entering Vietnam with a visa or visa exemption, travelers must complete immigration procedures at the airport or border checkpoint.
The processing time may vary depending on the number of arriving passengers.
Understanding that travelers may feel tired after a long journey, Viet Orchid Travel also provides Airport Fast-Track services, helping visitors complete immigration procedures quickly and comfortably.
Entry Procedure
- Prepare your passport and required travel documents.
- Arrive at an international airport or border checkpoint in Vietnam.
- Present your passport at the immigration counter.
- Immigration officers will check your documents and stamp your passport with the permitted length of stay.
Want to Stay Longer? Apply for Vietnam E-Visa
If your visa-free stay is not long enough for your travel plans, you can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa. Key features of the Vietnam e-Visa include:
- Valid for up to 90 days
- Single or multiple entry
- Fully online application
- Processing time of 3–5 working days
- Travelers can apply online via the official immigration website: https://evisa.gov.vn/
The information in this article is based on official documents published by the Vietnam Immigration Department. You can view the original source here.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
(1) Do I need to apply for anything before arriving in Vietnam if I am visa-exempt?
No. If your nationality is eligible for visa exemption, you only need to present your passport at the immigration checkpoint.
(2) Can I extend my visa-free stay?
In most cases, visa-free stays cannot be extended. Travelers should apply for a visa or e-visa if they plan to stay longer.
(3) Can I work in Vietnam with visa exemption?
No. Visa exemption is intended for tourism, family visits, or short business trips only.
(4) What happens if I overstay in Vietnam?
Overstaying may result in fines, penalties, or restrictions on future entry.
Vietnam visa exemption makes traveling to Vietnam easier than ever. Whether you plan to explore vibrant cities, cultural heritage, traditional villages, or breathtaking landscapes, Vietnam offers endless experiences for international travelers.
To best prepare for your trip, you can also read 10 Things You Need to Know Before Travelling to Vietnam, which provides important information to help international travelers better understand the culture, regulations, and essential tips before visiting Vietnam.
If travelers wish to explore Vietnam through carefully designed cultural journeys, you may explore our Vietnam private tours offered by Viet Orchid Travel.
Thank you for reading and discovering Vietnam with us. We look forward to sharing more authentic journeys with you.
Source: Vietnam Immigration Department
Viet Orchid Travel