Exemption visa Vietnam: Benefits and eligibility for international travelers

  • October 16,2023
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Vietnam, a land of breathtaking natural beauty has become an increasingly popular destination for international travelers. In recent years, the Vietnamese government has introduced various measures to promote tourism and facilitate the entry of visitors. One such measure is the “Exemption Visa Vietnam” program. This method offers an array of benefits to foreign tourists and simplifies the entry process. Let's delve into it now!

WHAT IS EXEMPTION VISA VIETNAM?

A visa exemption, often referred to as visa-free entry, is a significant travel facilitation policy implemented by many countries. This policy grants individuals from foreign countries the privilege of visiting and residing within a specific nation for a predetermined duration without the need to engage in the typically required visa application procedures or the payment of visa-related fees.

Visa exemption Vietnam is a policy established by the Vietnamese government, enabling foreigners to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specific duration. This privilege helps visitors without the need for them to go through the process of applying for a Vietnam visa or incurring any associated fees.

exemption visa vietnam - visa

Certificate of Visa Exemption Vietnam

WHAT ARE THE COUNTRIES THAT HAVE THE EXEMPTION VISA VIETNAM?

What countries enjoy the privilege of visa exemption when visiting Vietnam? Here is the list of countries that have the exemption visa Vietnam.

No.

Country's name

Visa exemption start date

Applicable passport types

Duration of stay

1

Argentina

13/11/1999

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

2

Albania

1/10/1956

Diplomatic passports, official passports, Group Passports for official mission

30 days

3

Algeria

02/01/1995

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

4

Afghanistan

26/2/1988

Diplomatic passports, official passports

30 days

5

Bangladesh

10/7/1999

Diplomatic passports, International Passports with "official" seal for Bangladesh citizens

90 days

6

Belarus

24/11/1993

Diplomatic passports, official passports

45 days

7

Brazil

12/2/2005

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

8

Brunei

1/11/1997

Diplomatic passports, official passports

14 days

9

Bulgaria

1/6/1966

Diplomatic passports, official passports, group passports, or ordinary passports for official mission

90 days within 180 days period from the date of entry

10

Cambodia

30/11/1979

Diplomatic passports, official passports, diplomatic and official Lassez-passers

30 days

11

Chile

25/6/2005

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days (for ordinary passport – from 11/8/2017)

12

China

15/3/1992

Diplomatic passports, official passports, ordinary passports for official mission

30 days

13

Cuba

Currently in force

Diplomatic passports, official passports, service passports or maritime passports for Cuban citizens

30 days

14

Czech

13/2/2000

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

15

Dominica

29/9/2007

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

16

Ecuador

29/9/2007

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

17

France

1/7/2005

Diplomatic passports

3 months within 6 months from the date of entry for a Diplomatic passport.

And 45 days for other passports

18

Hungary

1/8/1993

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

19

India

23/3/1995

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

20

Indonesia

19/9/1998

4/12/2003

Diplomatic passports, official passports

Ordinary passports with valid periods of at least 6 months

14 days for Diplomatic and Official passport.

30 days for an ordinary passport

21

Iran

1/6/1994

Diplomatic passports

30 days for a Diplomatic passport

90 days for an Official passport

22

Iraq

1/12/2001

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

23

Japan

1/5/2005

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days for Diplomatic and Official passport

45 days for other passports

24

Kyrgyzstan

Currently in force

Diplomatic passports, official passports, ordinary passports for official mission

30 days

25

Laos

17/7/1977

05/3/2004

Diplomatic passports, official passports, ordinary passports for official mission,

Ordinary passports with valid periods of at least 6 months

30 days

26

Malaysia

25/11/2001

Diplomatic passports, official passports, ordinary passports

30 days

27

Mexico

4/2/2002

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

28

Moldova

23/5/2003

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

29

Mongolia

6/2/2000

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

30

Montenegro

1/9/2000

Diplomatic passports, official passports, special passports

90 days

31

Morocco

19/12/2004

Diplomatic passports, official passports, special passports

90 days

32

Mozambique

9/2/2009

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

33

Myanmar

11/8/1998

Diplomatic passports, official passports

30 days

34

Nicaragua

Currently in force

Diplomatic passports, official or service passports

30 days

35

Pakistan

2/3/2007

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

36

Panama

4/11/2002

Diplomatic passports, official passports, special passports and consular passports

90 days

37

Korea (Democratic People's Republic)

01/10/1956

01/4/1966

Diplomatic passports, official passports, group passports for official mission

Ordinary passports for official mission

30 day

38

Peru

2/6/2006

Diplomatic passports, special passports for Peruvian citizens

90 days within 180 days period from the date of entry

39

Philippines

19/02/1997

16/2/1999

1/4/2000

Diplomatic passports

Official passports, holders of ordinary passports having an invitation to join ASEAN activities organized by ASEAN Secretariat or Governmental agencies

Ordinary Passports with valid periods of at least 6 months, together with return air tickets or air tickets for leaving the country

30 days for Diplomatic and official passport

21 days for Ordinary passport

40

Paraguay

26/10/2008

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

41

Romania

1/12/1956

Diplomatic passports, official passports, group passports, or ordinary passports for official mission

30 days

42

Russia

20/2/1994

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days for Diplomatic and Official passport

30 days for a Seaman passport

45 days for an Ordinary passport

43

Serbia

1/9/2000

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

44

Singapore

10/5/1997

01/12/2003

Diplomatic passports, official passports

Ordinary passports with valid periods of at least 6 months, together with return air tickets or air tickets for leaving the country

90 days for Diplomatic and Official passport

30 days for an Ordinary passport

45

Slovakia

10/8/1992

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

46

South Africa

23/6/2007

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

47

Republic of Korea

13/1/1999

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days for Diplomatic and Official passport

45 days for other passports

48

Sri Lanka

19/9/2003

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

49

Thailand

10/5/1997

9/7/2000

Diplomatic passports, official passports

Ordinary passports

30 days

50

Tunisia

20/1/2009

Diplomatic passports, special passports

90 days

51

Turkey

1/10/1998

Diplomatic passports

90 days

52

Ukraine

6/12/1993

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days for Diplomatic and Official passport

30 days Seaman passports

53

Uruguay

15/6/2008

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

54

Venezuela

17/11/2006

Diplomatic passports, official passports

90 days

55

Norway

15/8/2023

No specified

45 days

56

Finland

15/8/2023

No specified

45 days

57

Denmark

15/8/2023

No specified

45 days

58

Sweden

15/8/2023

No specified

45 days

59

United Kingdom

15/8/2023

No specified

45 days

60

France

15/8/2023

No specified

45 days

61

Germany

15/8/2023

No specified

45 days

62

Spain

15/8/2023

No specified

45 days

63

Italy

15/8/2023

No specified

45 days

WHAT ARE THE GUARANTEED CONDITIONS FOR APPLYING FOR VISA EXEMPTION VIETNAM?

To enter Vietnam under the visa exemption program, citizens of eligible countries must have:

  • A passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of their intended entry into Vietnam.

  • A passport with a minimum of 2 empty pages.

Meeting these two criteria is essential for a smooth and hassle-free entry into Vietnam for travelers benefiting from the “Exemption Visa Vietnam” program.

WHAT ARE OTHER VIETNAM EXEMPTION VISA CASES?

At present, aside from the previously mentioned visa exemption scenarios, exemption visa Vietnam includes the following circumstances:

  • A 30-day visa exemption is granted to foreigners who enter coastal economic zones as per the government's decision, provided they meet the following criteria:

    • Possess an international airport.

    • Occupy distinct and separate geographic areas.

    • Have well-defined geographical boundaries, isolated from the mainland.

    • Conform to socio-economic development policies and do not pose any threat to Vietnam's national defense, security, social order, and safety.

  • APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders with valid passports are exempt from visa entry and stay in Vietnam for up to 60 days.

Application Vietnam Visa Online

IS IT POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION?

In the past, foreign tourists visiting Vietnam had the option to extend their visas to prolong their stay in the country. However, currently, according to the new policy, all cases of entering Vietnam with visa exemption cannot be extended.

Tourists entering Vietnam with a visa exemption and wanting to continue staying in Vietnam after the visa exemption period can leave Vietnam for neighboring countries or countries in the region, such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, and so on. Then they can return with a new visa exemption.

HOW TO ENTER VIETNAM UNDER VISA EXEMPTION?

If you qualify for a visa exemption (with the exception of the 5-year visa exemption), there's no need to make any advance preparations.

Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Vietnam and that it contains a minimum of 2 blank pages. Once these passport requirements are met, you are all set.

Upon arriving at the Vietnamese border checkpoint, you'll simply present your passport to the immigration authorities for entry into Vietnam. This straightforward process ensures that eligible travelers can smoothly enter the country without the hassle of visa applications.

exemption visa vietnam - airport

It is easy for you to enter Vietnam if you are exempt from visa

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF EXEMPTION VISA VIETNAM?

The advantages of the exemption visa Vietnam program include:

  • Simplified entry: Visa exemptions streamline the entry process, eliminating the need for visa applications and associated fees, and making it easier and more convenient for travelers.

  • Cost savings: With no visa fees to pay, travelers can allocate their funds to other aspects of their trip, such as accommodations, activities, and dining.

  • Time efficiency: Visa exemptions save time by bypassing the often lengthy visa application process, allowing for more spontaneous travel plans.

  • Increased tourism: Visa exemptions encourage tourism by attracting more international visitors, which, in turn, can boost the local economy.

  • Enhanced diplomacy: Visa exemptions promote positive international relations and cultural exchange, fostering goodwill between countries.

  • Tourist-friendly: These policies are particularly appealing to tourists and are designed to make the travel experience more visitor-friendly.

  • Support for official missions: Visa exemptions for official missions promote diplomatic activities and official visits between countries.

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT NOTES FOR THE EXEMPTION VISA VIETNAM?

Before planning your trip to Vietnam, it's crucial to be aware of the following key points regarding exemption visa Vietnam:

  • Eligibility: Exemption visa Vietnam is typically available to citizens of specific countries and regions. Travelers from these eligible nations can enjoy visa-free entry for a predetermined period, making it crucial to check if your country is on the list.

  • Duration: The duration of your visa exemption may vary depending on your nationality and purpose of travel. It's essential to be aware of the allowed length of stay, which can range from 15 days to 90 days.

  • Entry and exit points: Visa exemptions are often limited to certain entry and exit points, such as international airports or specific border crossings. Make sure you arrive and depart through designated locations to benefit from the exemption.

  • Purpose of travel: Visa exemptions may be granted for different purposes, such as tourism, business, or official missions. Ensure your activities align with the specific purpose granted in your visa exemption.

  • Local laws: Respect and abide by the laws and regulations of Vietnam during your stay. Violating local laws can lead to legal consequences and even deportation.

  • Verification: Always double-check the latest visa requirements and conditions before your trip, as regulations can change over time. Consulate websites and government sources are reliable sources of information.

  • Border crossings: Confirm whether your visa exemption allows for multiple entries or is limited to a single entry. Understanding this is vital if you plan to leave Vietnam and re-enter during your trip.

  • Currency and financial requirements: Have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay, as this may be a requirement for visa exemption eligibility.

  • Consult an expert: If you have any doubts or questions about your eligibility for a visa exemption, consider consulting with a Vietnamese consulate or embassy in your home country or seek advice from a travel expert.

  • People with British citizen passports abroad – BNO (British National Overseas) are not eligible for Vietnam visa exemption.

  • Visa exemption encompasses entry, exit, and transit without requiring a visa.

  • A visa-free temporary stay period is calculated from the date of entry.

exemption visa vietnam - notes

Remember to take notes for the exemption visa

In conclusion, an exemption visa Vietnam serves as a gateway to a rich and diverse destination that beckons travelers with its cultural treasures, natural wonders, and warm hospitality. The benefits of this visa-free program, combined with a clear understanding of eligibility criteria and important considerations, make Vietnam an even more enticing and accessible destination for international travelers. 

As you plan your journey to this enchanting land, keep in mind the opportunities that exemption visa Vietnam offers, and embark on a memorable exploration of all that this country has to offer. Have a safe and memorable trip!

For further assistance with Vietnam visas or E-visas, please contact us at +84 28 7303 6167 or email [email protected]. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you and ready to provide the help you need!

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