Vietnam has significantly liberalized its visa policy in recent years, particularly from 2023 onward. Effective August 15, 2023, Vietnam extended unilateral visa exemptions for many countries to 45 days (up from 15 days), and e-Visas became available to all nationalities for up to 90 days. Vietnam is a major Southeast Asian tourism destination known for its history, cuisine, and natural beauty.

2. Visa-Free Entry by Duration

2.1 Up to 90 Days — Chile and Panama

Citizens of Chile and Panama may enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 90 days per visit under bilateral agreements.

2.2 Up to 45 Days — Major Markets

The following countries receive unilateral visa exemption for up to 45 days per visit (effective 2023):

Europe	Asia-Pacific	Other
Germany	Japan	United Kingdom
France	South Korea	Ireland
Italy	Australia	Switzerland
Spain	New Zealand	Norway
Netherlands		Denmark
Belgium		Sweden
Luxembourg		Finland
Austria

2.3 Up to 30 Days — ASEAN and CIS Countries

The following countries receive up to 30 days visa-free entry:

Country	Notes
Indonesia	ASEAN member, 30 days
Malaysia	ASEAN member, 30 days
Singapore	ASEAN member, 30 days
Thailand	ASEAN member, 30 days
Myanmar	ASEAN member, 30 days
Cambodia	ASEAN member, 30 days
Laos	ASEAN member, 30 days
Timor-Leste	Southeast Asian, 30 days
Russia	Bilateral agreement, 30 days
Belarus	Bilateral agreement, 30 days
Kazakhstan	Bilateral agreement, 30 days

2.4 Up to 21 Days — Philippines

Philippine passport holders are entitled to a 21-day visa-free stay in Vietnam.

2.5 Up to 14 Days — Brunei

Citizens of Brunei Darussalam may enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 14 days.

3. Special Provisions

3.1 APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with ‘VNM’ printed on the back may enter Vietnam without a visa for business purposes for up to 60 days. The ABTC is available to qualifying business travelers from APEC member economies.

• Entry must be through international airports
• ABTC must be valid
• Entry is for legitimate business purposes only
• Consecutive ABTC entries are permitted

3.2 Certificate of Visa Exemption

Eligible foreign nationals (typically those with close ties to Vietnam or working for specific entities) may obtain a Certificate of Visa Exemption (Giay mien thi thuc). This certificate allows multiple entries and stays for the validity period (typically 2–5 years). Eligible categories include:

• Foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens (with supporting marriage documentation)
• Foreign nationals with Vietnamese heritage (Viet Kieu and their direct relatives)
• Foreign experts and skilled workers with valid contracts

3.3 Phu Quoc Island — Visa-Free for All Nationalities

Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam’s largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand) has a special visa-free policy:

• All nationalities: visa-free entry for up to 30 days
• Entry must be directly to Phu Quoc — not a connection from mainland Vietnam
• International arrival through Phu Quoc International Airport or by sea
• Travelers wishing to continue to mainland Vietnam must obtain an appropriate visa

4. Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Vietnam expanded its e-Visa program significantly in 2023. Since August 15, 2023, the e-Visa is available to all nationalities and allows stays of up to 90 days.

4.1 e-Visa Features

• Available to: All nationalities worldwide (since August 15, 2023)
• Duration: Up to 90 days
• Type: Single-entry and multiple-entry available
• Fee: USD $25 (single entry) / USD $50 (multiple entry)
• Processing time: 3–5 business days
• Application: Online at xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (official portal)

4.2 e-Visa Application Requirements

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Digital passport photograph (white background)
• Arrival and departure information
• Accommodation details or invitation from host
• Credit/debit card for fee payment
• Completed online application form

4.3 e-Visa Entry and Exit Points

The e-Visa is valid for entry and exit through a wide network of border crossings. Key international airports accepting e-Visa:

• Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City
• Da Nang International Airport
• Cam Ranh International Airport, Nha Trang
• Cat Bi International Airport, Hai Phong
• Phu Bai International Airport, Hue
• Phu Quoc International Airport

4.4 Land Border Crossings Accepting e-Visa

e-Visa is also accepted at many major land borders. Select crossings with China:

• Mong Cai — Dongxing (Quang Ninh Province / Guangxi, China)
• Lao Cai — Hekou (Lao Cai Province / Yunnan, China)
• Huu Nghi — Youyi Guan (Lang Son Province / Guangxi, China)

Select crossings with Laos:

• Nam Can — Nong Het
• Cau Treo — Nam Phao
• Bo Y — Phou Keua

Select crossings with Cambodia:

• Moc Bai — Bavet
• Xa Mat — Trapiang Phlong
• Le Thanh — Oyadav

5. Visa-on-Arrival

Vietnam’s visa-on-arrival is primarily available when pre-arranged through a licensed Vietnamese travel agency or visa service (which provides an ‘approval letter’). Travelers present this letter at the airport to receive their visa stamp upon arrival.

• Available primarily at the main international airports (not land borders)
• Requires prior approval letter from licensed Vietnam immigration agency
• Single or multiple entry options
• Fee: USD $25 (single) or USD $50 (multiple)
• Stamp fee: USD $25 payable in cash upon arrival
• This system has largely been replaced by the e-Visa for most travelers

6. General Entry Requirements

6.1 Passport Requirements

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure date
• Minimum 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps
• Must match all visa/e-Visa information exactly

6.2 Health Requirements

• No mandatory vaccinations required (except Yellow Fever if arriving from endemic country)
• Travel health insurance strongly recommended
• Malaria precautions advised for travel to remote and highland areas

7. Entry Points Overview

7.1 Main International Airports

• Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi (HAN)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
• Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
• Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) — Nha Trang
• Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) — Hai Phong
• Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)

7.2 Main Sea Ports

• Ho Chi Minh City Port
• Da Nang Port
• Chan May Port (near Hue)
• Ha Long Bay (Cai Lan Port — Quang Ninh)

8. Extension of Stay

Visitors who wish to extend their stay must apply at the nearest Department of Immigration (Cuc Quan Ly Xuat Nhap Canh):

• Extension applications must be submitted before the current visa/exemption expires
• Multiple extensions may be possible depending on visa type and circumstances
• Overstaying is a serious violation subject to fines, detention, and deportation
• ‘Visa runs’ (exiting and re-entering to reset the visa-free clock) have become more difficult — check current policies

9. Notes for Travelers

Vietnam is a popular destination for both tourism and business. Travelers should be aware of:

• The country uses the Vietnamese dong (VND) as currency — USD is widely accepted in tourist areas
• Traffic can be intense in major cities — exercise caution
• Street food is excellent but take care with hygiene, especially in hot weather
• Respect for local customs, especially in temples and religious sites, is expected
• Photography of military installations and government buildings is restricted
• Verify all visa requirements with the Vietnam Embassy or official immigration portal before travel