A Guide to Using Vietnam Visa Exemption

Vietnam, a Southeast Asian nation known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, is a popular tourist destination. But before you pack your bags and book your flights, you need to understand the visa requirements. The good news is that citizens of many countries are eligible for visa exemption to Vietnam, making the entry process much smoother.

Who is Eligible for Visa Exemption?

As of January 2024, citizens of several countries enjoy visa exemption to Vietnam. This means you can visit for a specific period without needing to apply for a visa in advance. The exemption period varies depending on your nationality:

Meeting the Requirements

To be eligible for visa exemption, you must meet the following requirements:

– Eligible for Visa Exemption: You can check if your nationality has a Visa Exemption here in the Vietnam Visa Exemption List.
– Hold a valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months and 02 blank pages after your planned departure date from Vietnam.
– Have sufficient funds: You must be able to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Vietnam.
– Not be on a blacklist: You must not be on a list of people who are not allowed to enter Vietnam.

Using the Visa Exemption

If you meet the requirements, you can simply arrive at a Vietnamese airport or land border crossing and present your passport to the immigration officer. You can inform them that you want to use the Visa Exemption to enter Vietnam.

Important Things to Remember

– Visa exemption does not apply to all nationalities: Check the list of countries eligible for visa exemption before you travel. Have a look here on the Vietnam Visa Exemption List.
– The exemption period is limited: You cannot exceed the allowed stay duration under visa exemption.
– Extensions are not possible: Once your visa exemption period expires, you must leave Vietnam. You cannot extend your stay or apply for a visa on arrival.
– Visa runs are recommended: If your current valid duration is about to expire, you can do Visa Run
Trying to re-enter Vietnam immediately after your visa exemption expires to reset the clock is illegal and can lead to denied entry.

Additional Visa Options

If you are not eligible for visa exemption or if you plan to stay in Vietnam for longer than the allowed exemption period, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. There are different types of visas available, such as tourist visas, business visas, …. The application process for each type of visa varies, so it is important to research the specific requirements before you apply.

With a Tourist orĀ  Business Visa at the moment, you can stay 30 days or 90 days with single entry or multiple entry, based on your interest. You can check the Types of E-Visa here.


Vietnam Visa Exemption is a fantastic option for eligible travellers, offering a streamlined entry process to explore the beauty and diversity of this Southeast Asian gem. By understanding the steps involved and staying informed, you can make the most of your visa-free journey, creating lasting memories in this captivating country. But if you don’t have the Visa Exemption, don’t worry, the process of applying for an E-Visa is easy and quick. Don’t forget to update the newest information about Visa before travelling!

Related documents:

What is Vietnam E-Visa?

Types of Vietnam E-Visa

How to apply Vietnam E-Visa

What should I do before applying for an E-Visa?