Vietnam Visa-Free Countries: Complete 2026 List (38 Countries)

Vietnam grants visa-free entry to citizens of 38 countries as of 2026, with stays ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality. If your country is on the list below, you can enter Vietnam without applying for any visa beforehand – just bring a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank pages.

This guide provides the complete, up-to-date list of all Vietnam visa-free countries organized by region, along with exact stay durations, entry conditions, and what to do if you need to extend your visit.

Vietnam Visa-Free Countries: Complete 2026 List

As of 2026, the following 38 countries have bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreements with Vietnam. Citizens of these nations can enter Vietnam without a visa for the specified number of days.

ASEAN Countries (Visa-Free for 14-30 Days)

Vietnam’s visa exemption for fellow ASEAN members is the broadest regional arrangement:

ASEAN citizens benefit from the closest diplomatic ties with Vietnam, and most of these exemptions have been in place for years. If you are an ASEAN passport holder, you can typically re-enter Vietnam immediately after leaving – the old 30-day waiting period between consecutive visa-free stays was removed in July 2020.

European Countries (Visa-Free for 30-45 Days)

Vietnam expanded its European visa exemption significantly, granting generous stays to citizens of 22 European nations:

Important: British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are NOT eligible for the 45-day visa exemption. BNO holders must apply for a Vietnam visa before traveling.

Asian Countries Outside ASEAN (45 Days)

Three additional Asian countries enjoy 45-day visa-free access to Vietnam:

Other Visa-Free Countries (14-90 Days)

Four additional countries outside Europe and Asia also have visa exemption arrangements with Vietnam:

Chile and Panama enjoy the longest visa-free stays at 90 days – nearly three months – making them the most privileged non-ASEAN nationalities for Vietnam entry.

Entry Conditions for Visa-Free Travelers

Even though you do not need a visa, you must meet these requirements at the immigration counter:

• Passport validity: At least 6 months remaining from your date of arrival in Vietnam
• Blank pages: At least 2 blank pages in your passport for entry/exit stamps
• Return or onward ticket: Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel
• Purpose of visit: Some nationalities have activity restrictions (e.g., non-remunerated activities only)

Your stay begins from the date of entry stamp, not from when you clear immigration. Overstaying even by one day can result in fines, detention, or future entry bans, so track your allowed duration carefully.

Can You Extend a Visa-Free Stay?

As of 2026, visa-free stays in Vietnam cannot be extended while you remain in the country. If you want to stay longer than your exemption allows, you have two practical options:

1. Visa run: Leave Vietnam before your exemption expires, travel to a neighboring country such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos, and re-enter Vietnam with a fresh visa-free stamp. This is a common and legal practice.
2. Apply for an e-Visa: If you need a longer uninterrupted stay, apply for a Vietnam e-Visa which allows up to 90 days with single or multiple entry for $25-$50 USD.

For detailed guidance on extending your stay, see our Vietnam visa cost guide for fee comparisons across all visa types.

Phu Quoc Island: Visa-Free for All Nationalities

Phu Quoc Island operates under a special economic zone exemption that grants all foreign visitors up to 30 days of visa-free stay, regardless of nationality. To qualify:

• You must arrive directly at Phu Quoc by air or sea from outside Vietnam
• You cannot transit through mainland Vietnam without a valid visa
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival

This exemption applies only within Phu Quoc Island. If you want to travel to mainland Vietnam after visiting Phu Quoc, you will need a valid visa.

Visa-Free vs. e-Visa: Which Should You Choose?

If your country is on the visa-free list, you may still wonder whether to apply for an e-Visa instead. Here is a quick comparison:

Choose visa-free entry if your allowed duration is sufficient. Choose an e-Visa if you need multiple entries or your visa-free period is shorter than your planned stay. Read our complete e-Visa application guide for step-by-step instructions.

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders

If you hold an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with “VNM” endorsed on the back, you can enter Vietnam visa-free for business purposes for up to 60 days, regardless of your nationality. This is separate from the bilateral visa exemption list and applies to citizens of all APEC member economies.

What If Your Country Is Not on the List?

If your nationality does not appear in the 38-country list above, you will need a visa to enter Vietnam. Your best options are:

• Vietnam e-Visa: Available to citizens of all countries and territories for $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry), valid for up to 90 days. Apply online at evisa.gov.vn.
• Visa on Arrival: Available at Vietnam’s international airports with a pre-arranged approval letter. See our Vietnam Visa on Arrival guide.
• Embassy visa: Apply in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.

FAQs About Vietnam Visa-Free Countries

Last updated: July 2026. Visa exemption policies are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Vietnam Immigration Department or your nearest Vietnamese embassy before traveling.