Vietnam grants visa-free entry to citizens of 38 countries, with allowed stays ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality. As of 2026, the policy has been significantly expanded through Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, which extended 45-day visa exemptions for 12 key countries until March 2028. This guide covers every visa-exempt nationality, the conditions you must meet, and what to do if your country is not on the list.
Complete List of Vietnam Visa-Exempt Countries (2026)
Vietnam’s visa exemption policy applies to ordinary passport holders from 38 countries. The allowed stay duration depends on bilateral agreements and ranges from 14 to 90 days.
90-Day Visa Exemption
| Country | Stay Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chile | 90 days | No remunerated activities |
| Panama | 90 days | No remunerated activities |
45-Day Visa Exemption (Resolution 44 Countries)
These 12 countries benefit from an extended 45-day exemption under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, effective March 15, 2025 through March 14, 2028:
| Country | Stay Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| Finland | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| France | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| Germany | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| Italy | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| Japan | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| Norway | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| Russia | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| South Korea | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| Spain | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| Sweden | 45 days | All passport types, all purposes |
| United Kingdom | 45 days | Not applicable to BNO passports |
45-Day Visa Exemption (Other Countries)
| Country | Stay Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Belarus | 45 days | Max 90 days in any 12-month period |
| Belgium | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Bulgaria | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Croatia | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Czech Republic | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Hungary | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Kazakhstan | 45 days | Max 90 days in 180 continuous days |
| Luxembourg | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Mongolia | 45 days | Added March 2024 |
| Netherlands | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Poland | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Romania | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Slovakia | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Slovenia | 45 days | Standard exemption |
| Switzerland | 45 days | Standard exemption |
30-Day Visa Exemption
| Country | Stay Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cambodia | 30 days | ASEAN member |
| Indonesia | 30 days | ASEAN member |
| Kyrgyzstan | 30 days | Unilateral |
| Laos | 30 days | ASEAN member |
| Malaysia | 30 days | ASEAN member, tourism and select purposes |
| Singapore | 30 days | ASEAN member, no remunerated activities |
| Thailand | 30 days | ASEAN member |
21-Day and 14-Day Visa Exemptions
| Country | Stay Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | 21 days | ASEAN member |
| Brunei | 14 days | ASEAN member |
| Myanmar | 14 days | Visiting only |
The 12-Country Extended Exemption: Resolution 44/NQ-CP
On March 7, 2025, the Vietnamese Government issued Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, extending visa exemptions for citizens of 12 countries. This replaced the earlier Resolution No. 32 (2022) and Resolution No. 128 (2023), which had expired.
Key details of Resolution 44:
- Effective period: March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028
- Stay duration: 45 days per entry
- Applies regardless of passport type and purpose of entry
- Entry conditions per Vietnamese law still apply
- Will be considered for further extension
The 12 countries covered are: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
This policy reflects Vietnam’s strategic effort to attract tourists and business visitors from its key partner nations. If you hold a passport from one of these 12 countries, you can enter Vietnam for up to 45 days without any visa application.
ASEAN Visa Exemptions
As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam has mutual visa exemption agreements with other ASEAN member states. Citizens of these countries enjoy visa-free entry as part of regional integration:
| ASEAN Country | Visa-Free Stay in Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Cambodia | 30 days |
| Indonesia | 30 days |
| Laos | 30 days |
| Malaysia | 30 days |
| Philippines | 21 days |
| Singapore | 30 days |
| Thailand | 30 days |
| Brunei | 14 days |
| Myanmar | 14 days |
These exemptions are part of the ASEAN framework for facilitating intra-regional travel and promoting economic cooperation among member states.
Special Visa Exemptions
Beyond the standard visa exemption program, Vietnam offers several special exemption categories.
Phu Quoc Island Visa Exemption
Phu Quoc Island enjoys a unique visa-free policy that applies to citizens of all countries. If you arrive directly at Phu Quoc by air or sea from outside Vietnam, you can stay on the island for up to 30 days without a visa.
Conditions for the Phu Quoc exemption:
- You must arrive directly from a third country (or transit through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City airports)
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
- You must stay within Phu Quoc Island (you cannot travel to mainland Vietnam)
- The exemption is available regardless of your nationality
This makes Phu Quoc one of the most accessible destinations in Southeast Asia for any traveler. If you plan to visit mainland Vietnam after Phu Quoc, you will need a visa or e-visa.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card with “VNM” endorsed on the back can enter Vietnam without a visa for business purposes for up to 60 days. The ABTC is issued to citizens of APEC member economies and streamlines business travel across the Asia-Pacific region.
Certificate of Visa Exemption (5-Year Exemption)
Overseas Vietnamese citizens and their family members can apply for a Certificate of Visa Exemption, which allows visa-free entry for up to 180 consecutive days. This certificate is valid for up to 5 years (or 6 months before passport expiration, whichever is shorter). Eligible persons include:
- Vietnamese citizens residing abroad
- Spouses of Vietnamese citizens
- Children of Vietnamese citizens or Vietnamese residing abroad
There is no limit on the number of entries and exits during the certificate’s validity period.
Entry Conditions for Visa-Free Travel
Even if your country is on the visa exemption list, you must meet certain entry requirements at the Vietnamese border.
Passport Requirements
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam
- Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps
- You must carry a return or onward flight ticket (recommended)
Other Conditions
- You must not be on Vietnam’s entry ban list
- You must comply with Vietnamese laws during your stay
- The 30-day gap between consecutive visa-free stays has been removed since July 1, 2020 (under the new Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners)
- The visa-free stay period begins from the date of entry, not the date of arrival in Vietnam
Important Note for British Passport Holders
British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for Vietnam’s visa exemption. If you hold a BNO passport, you must apply for a visa or e-visa before traveling. Standard British passports (with the endorsement “British Citizen”) are eligible for the 45-day exemption.
Visa Exemption vs e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival
If your country is not on the visa exemption list, or if you need to stay longer than the exemption allows, you have other options. Here is how the three main entry methods compare:
| Feature | Visa Exemption | e-Visa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $25 (single) / $50 (multiple) | $25 stamping fee + approval letter |
| Stay duration | 14-90 days | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Entry type | Single | Single or multiple | Single or multiple |
| Application | None needed | Online | Approval letter online, stamp at airport |
| Processing time | None | 3 business days | 2-5 business days (letter) |
| Who is eligible | 38 countries | All nationalities | All nationalities |
| Extendable | No longer possible | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Short stays within exemption period | Travelers not eligible for exemption | Flexible travel plans |
If you are eligible for the visa exemption and your stay falls within the allowed duration, it is the simplest option. For longer stays or if you need multiple entries, the Vietnam e-visa is the most convenient option. For a detailed comparison of all visa types, see our guide to Vietnam visa types.
How to Extend Your Stay Beyond the Exemption Period
As of 2026, visa exemption stays cannot be extended within Vietnam. If you need to stay longer than your exemption allows, you have two options:
-
Leave Vietnam and re-enter: You can exit to a neighboring country (Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand) and re-enter Vietnam to start a new visa-free period. There is no mandatory waiting period between stays.
-
Apply for an e-visa before your trip: If you know you will stay longer than the exemption period, apply for a Vietnam e-visa in advance. The e-visa allows stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry.
For information on visa fees and costs, see our Vietnam visa fees guide. For a complete overview of entry requirements, visit our Vietnam visa requirements page.
If you need a visa and are arriving by air, the Vietnam visa on arrival is another option available to all nationalities.
FAQs About Vietnam Visa Exemption
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. The United States is not on Vietnam’s visa exemption list. US citizens must apply for an e-visa ($25 single entry, $50 multiple entry) or a visa on arrival. The e-visa allows stays of up to 90 days.
How many countries are visa-free for Vietnam in 2026?
As of 2026, citizens of 38 countries can enter Vietnam without a visa. The allowed stay ranges from 14 to 90 days depending on the country of nationality.
Can I extend my visa-free stay in Vietnam?
No. Visa exemption stays cannot be extended within Vietnam. If you need to stay longer, you can either leave and re-enter the country, or apply for an e-visa in advance for up to 90 days.
What is the 45-day visa exemption for Vietnam?
Under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP (effective March 15, 2025), citizens of 12 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland) can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa. This policy is valid until March 14, 2028.
Is Phu Quoc visa-free for all nationalities?
Yes. Phu Quoc Island has a special visa exemption for all foreign visitors arriving directly by air or sea from outside Vietnam. You can stay on the island for up to 30 days without a visa, but you cannot travel to mainland Vietnam during this period.
Do Indian citizens get visa exemption for Vietnam?
No. India is not on Vietnam’s visa exemption list. Indian citizens must apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival before traveling to Vietnam.
What is the difference between visa exemption and visa exemption certificate?
Visa exemption allows short stays (14-90 days) for citizens of specific countries. A visa exemption certificate (also called the 5-year visa) is for overseas Vietnamese and their family members, allowing stays of up to 180 days with a validity of up to 5 years.
Can I work in Vietnam on a visa exemption?
Some visa exemptions have purpose restrictions. For example, Chilean and Panamanian passport holders can stay 90 days but not for remunerated activities. The 12-country 45-day exemption (Resolution 44) applies regardless of purpose. Always check the specific conditions for your nationality.
What happens if I overstay my visa exemption in Vietnam?
Overstaying your visa exemption period in Vietnam can result in fines, detention, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Vietnam. It is essential to leave before your exemption period expires or apply for an extension/visa before it runs out.
Do children need a visa for Vietnam if their parents are visa-exempt?
Yes. Visa exemption is based on the individual’s passport nationality, not their parents’ status. Children holding passports from visa-exempt countries receive the same exemption. Children with passports from non-exempt countries need their own visa or e-visa.
