Vietnam Visa Exemption 2026: Who Can Enter Visa-Free and For How Long
Visa requirements for entry to Vietnam vary by nationality. In accordance with current regulations, eligible travellers may enter without a visa for a prescribed period.
What is visa exemption?
Visa exemption (also known as visa-free / visa-waiver) is a policy that allows foreigners to enter Vietnam for a limited period without submitting a visa application in advance. The purpose is to promote tourism, investment, diplomacy, and international exchange. The permitted length of stay is determined by unilateral/bilateral agreements or Government resolutions.
In 2026, Vietnam applies visa exemption to 39 countries, with permitted stays ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality. Vietnam also provides a 5-year visa exemption certificate for overseas Vietnamese and eligible relatives.
Who can use Vietnam’s visa exemption policy?
The groups mentioned include:
- Citizens of countries that Vietnam grants visa exemption under unilateral or bilateral agreements (a total of 39 countries).
- Overseas Vietnamese and their spouses and children holding a 5-year visa exemption certificate.
- Members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and international organizations under relevant international treaties.
- Special cases under Government resolutions/programs (tourism stimulus, international events, conferences, etc.).
Entry conditions for visa-free travel
Even if you qualify for visa exemption, you should still meet these basic conditions:
- Your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and has at least 2 blank pages.
- Your nationality is on the visa-exempt list.
- Your stay does not exceed the visa-free duration granted to your nationality.
- You are not subject to entry bans/restrictions under relevant regulations.
- Your purpose of entry is clear (tourism, visiting relatives, short-term business).
Length of stay and extensions
- The common visa-free stay period ranges from 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality.
- Visa exemption for ordinary passport holders: it is not extendable directly. If you want to stay longer, you usually need to exit Vietnam and re-enter under a suitable status/visa type.
- 5-year visa exemption certificate: valid for up to 5 years. Each entry allows a stay of up to 180 days, and you may apply for one additional extension of up to 180 days if you have a legitimate reason.
List of 39 visa-exempt countries for Vietnam (2026)
Note: The table below is divided into unilateral 45-day and bilateral visa exemption groups.
1) Unilateral visa exemption (45 days)
| No. | Country | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 45 days | Unilateral |
| 2 | South Korea | 45 days | |
| 3 | Germany | 45 days | |
| 4 | France | 45 days | |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 45 days | |
| 6 | Italy | 45 days | |
| 7 | Spain | 45 days | |
| 8 | Sweden | 45 days | |
| 9 | Norway | 45 days | |
| 10 | Finland | 45 days | |
| 11 | Denmark | 45 days | |
| 12 | Russia | 45 days | |
| 13 | Switzerland | 45 days | |
| 14 | Czech Republic | 45 days | |
| 15 | Poland | 45 days | |
| 16 | Austria | 45 days | |
| 17 | Belgium | 45 days | |
| 18 | Netherlands | 45 days | |
| 19 | Luxembourg | 45 days | |
| 20 | Portugal | 45 days | |
| 21 | Greece | 45 days | |
| 22 | Hungary | 45 days | |
| 23 | Slovakia | 45 days | |
| 24 | Slovenia | 45 days | |
| 25 | Australia | 45 days |
2) Bilateral visa exemption (14–90 days)
| No. | Country | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chile | 90 days | Not applicable for income-generating activities |
| 2 | Panama | 90 days | Not applicable for income-generating activities |
| 3 | Cambodia | 30 days | |
| 4 | Indonesia | 30 days | |
| 5 | Kyrgyzstan | 30 days | |
| 6 | Laos | 30 days | |
| 7 | Malaysia | 30 days | |
| 8 | Singapore | 30 days | Not applicable for income-generating activities |
| 9 | Thailand | 30 days | |
| 10 | Belarus | 30 days | Maximum 90 days/year |
| 11 | Kazakhstan | 30 days | Maximum 90 days per 180 days |
| 12 | Philippines | 21 days | |
| 13 | Brunei | 14 days | |
| 14 | Myanmar | 14 days |
How to enter Vietnam under visa exemption
The procedure is similar to standard entry procedures, except you do not need a visa sticker or e-visa in advance:
- Check eligibility (nationality, passport validity, and travel purpose).
- Prepare required documents: your original passport; return/onward ticket (recommended); and accommodation details.
- Complete immigration procedures at the checkpoint and receive an entry stamp stating your permitted stay period.
5-year visa exemption certificate for overseas Vietnamese
Eligible applicants may apply for a 5-year visa exemption certificate. Each entry allows a stay of up to 180 days.
Typical required documents
- Passport (original and copy).
- Documents proving Vietnamese origin.
- Documents proving family relationship (if applying as spouse/child).
- Visa exemption application form.
- Proof of overseas residence.
- One 4×6 portrait photo on a white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Where to submit
- Vietnam’s immigration authority in Vietnam or Vietnam’s diplomatic/consular missions abroad.
When visa exemption is NOT suitable
You generally should not use visa exemption if you fall into these situations:
- Working, long-term study, long-term investment, or establishing/operating a business (these purposes require the appropriate visa/permits).
- Planning to stay longer than the visa-free duration.
- Not meeting entry conditions or having previous violations.
- Misusing the 5-year visa exemption certificate.
- Using temporary/invalid travel documents.
Important notes
- Overstay may result in penalties and could affect future entries.
- Visa exemption is best for tourism, visiting relatives, and short-term business; it is not a “work visa.”
Frequently asked questions
Is there a required waiting period between two visa-free entries?
There is no mandatory waiting period, but frequent border runs with short intervals may be considered abuse of the policy.
Can I work in Vietnam under visa exemption?
No.
Can a visa-free entry (ordinary passport) be extended?
It is not directly extendable. The 5-year visa exemption certificate may be extended for up to 180 additional days once, if you have a legitimate reason.
Why can I be refused entry even if I’m visa-exempt?
Possible reasons include invalid documents, an unclear purpose of entry, or a prior violation history.
Can I change my purpose from tourism to work while in Vietnam under visa exemption?
No. You generally need to exit Vietnam and apply for the appropriate visa/status.
