Vietnam Visa Exemption 2023: Countries, Conditions & Updates

Vietnam visa exemption before you apply for a visa to Vietnam, it is advisable to check the visa requirements for your nationality. This can help you save time and money, especially if you need a visa urgently. According to the official announcement, as of 2023, there are 25 countries whose citizens can visit Vietnam without a visa for 14 to 45 days (depending on their country of origin). They only need to present a valid passport with at least 2 blank pages. You can see the full list of these countries below. In this article, we will explain the Vietnam visa exemption policy in detail.

Vietnam visa exemption

What is Vietnam Visa Exemption?

Some foreign nationals can visit Vietnam without applying for a visa in advance, based on the bilateral/unilateral visa exemption agreements that the Vietnam government has with their countries. This is often referred to as visa exemption for Vietnam.

This type of visa exemption is not the same as a Vietnam visa exemption certificate (also known as Vietnam 5 years visa).

Those who enter Vietnam under visa exemption will receive the following exemption stamp on their passport.

Vietnam’s Visa Exemption List for 25 Countries

The following is a list of 25 countries whose regular passport holders are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter Vietnam as of August 2023. The visa exemption for Vietnamese policy details the duration of the visa-free stay, which varies depending on the country. Please refer to the table below for details.

90 Days – Excluding remunerated activities:

  • Chile
  • Panama

30 Days:

Not specified:

  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Thailand

Excluding remunerated activities:

  • Singapore

Specific purposes (Tourism, attending conferences, official duty, visiting relatives, business negotiation, investment, sports, attending seminars or conferences):

  • Malaysia

21 Days – Not specified

  • Philippines

14 Days:

Not specified:

  • Brunei

Visiting only:

  • Myanmar

45 Days – Not specified:

  • Belarus
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Norway
  • Russia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom (Not applicable to BNO)

Vietnam’s Visa free travel policies

If you are planning to visit Vietnam without a visa, please be aware of the following points regarding visa exemption to Vietnam:

  • The new law on foreigners’ entry, exit, transit, and residence in Vietnam, which came into effect on July 1, 2020, has abolished the 30-day gap requirement between two visa-free visits.
  • British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders do not qualify for the 15-day visa exemption scheme and must obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam.
  • The visa exemption covers entry, exit and transit purposes.
  • The duration of the visa-free stay is calculated from the date of arrival.
  • The information above about the Vietnam visa exemption (updated on March 15, 2021) is for reference only. Please verify with the official authorities in your current country before departure.

Vietnam Visa-Free Zones & APEC Card Benefits

If you enter one of the coastal economic zones that the Government has designated for 30-day visa exemption, you do not need a visa for Vietnam. These zones have the following features:

  • They have an international airport;
  • They have their own space;
  • They have clear geographical boundaries and are separate from the mainland;
  • They are in line with socio-economic development policies and vietnam visa regulations do not pose any threat to the national defense, security, social order, and safety of Vietnam. Phu Quoc island is an example of such a zone. You can read more about Phu Quoc visa exemption in our detailed guide.

You also do not need a visa for Vietnam if you have an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with a valid passport. You can stay in Vietnam for up to 60 days with this card. If you want to extend your stay without leaving Vietnam, see how to do it with ABTC.

How to Travel to Vietnam Without a Visa

Some travelers can visit Vietnam without a visa for a certain period of time, depending on their nationality. To qualify for this option, they need to make sure that:

  • Their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their arrival date in Vietnam; and
  • Their passport has at least 02 empty pages.

How to Stay Longer in Vietnam Without a Visa

Due to Covid, travelers who enter Vietnam without a visa cannot extend their stay in the country. For those coming from vietnam visa waiver countries, if they wish to stay longer than their allowed period, they have 02 choices as follows:

  • They can use the visa exemption to enter Vietnam, and then exit the country for a nearby country (such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos) when their exemption period expires and return with a new visa exemption. This method of extending the stay is called Visa Run. You can find more information about it here.
  • They can apply for a 90-day Vietnam evisa before traveling to the country.

In conclusion

Understanding the nuances of Vietnam visa exemption is crucial for travelers hoping to make the most of their visit to this beautiful country. Whether you’re benefiting from the coastal economic zones or the privileges offered by the APEC Business Travel Card, vietnam visa waiver continues to be a topic of significance. Vietnam continues to pave the way for a more accessible and tourist-friendly experience. Always stay updated with the latest guidelines to ensure a smooth journey and relish the rich cultural tapestry that Vietnam has to offer.