To enter Vietnam, besides a valid passport, travelers need to apply for a visa issued by the competent authority of the host country. However, there are some countries and regions that have visa exemption agreements with Vietnam and you will see full details as below.
What is the visa exemption?
Visa exemption is a country that allows citizens of another country to enter and stay for a certain period of time without having to go through the procedures as well as paying fees related to immigration.
Who does not need a visa to Vietnam?
Currently, Vietnam visa exemption for citizens of some countries with 04 following main forms:
1. Visa exemption under bilateral agreements: visa exemption for citizens from Southeast Asian countries (Asian) And these countries also exempt visas for Vietnamese citizens when entering these countries. The bilateral visa exemption period does not exceed 30 days and here are the details:
- 14 days: Brunei
- 21 days: Philippines
- 30 days: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos.
- 90 days: Chile
2. Unilateral visa exemption (Vietnam unilateral visa exemption): Currently Vietnam visa exemption for citizens of 13 countries including Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. The period of this unilateral visa exemption does not exceed 15 days.
Note: For foreigners entering unilaterally visa-free, it’s required a gap of at least 30 days away from the time of the previous exit to Vietnam.
3. 5-year visa exemption certificate: The longest form of visa exemption that the Vietnamese Government gives priority to foreigners originating from Vietnam or having a spouse; a child with Vietnamese. Travelers, who use this type of certificate, will be exempted 180 days for each entry time. There is no limit placed on the number of entries or exits during the stay or minimum waiting time needed in between each entry.
4. APEC business travel cards (ABTC): The holders of this type of cards can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 60 days. ABTCs are issued to nationals include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Chile, Peru, Russia.
5. Phu Quoc Island: Foreigners and Vietnamese citizens holding foreign nationalities entering directly to Phu Quoc airport or from airports in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where they will clear immigration and proceed to the domestic terminals, without a visa valid for up to 30 days.
