What is Vietnam Visa Exemption?
Vietnam visa exemption refers to the policy that enables citizens of eligible countries to enter and stay in Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 or 30 days, depending on nationality. With a visa exemption, travelers can enter Vietnam through international airports for visa-free short term stays for tourism or business purposes.
The visa exemption policy aims to boost tourism, trade investment, and people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and the world. It provides an easier and more convenient way for eligible citizens to experience Vietnam’s culture, cuisine, and attractions without the hassle of applying for a visa.
Who Is Eligible for Vietnam Visa Exemption?
As of October 1, 2023, citizens from 13 countries are eligible for visa exemption when entering Vietnam:
- Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Belarus.
Citizens of these countries do not need to apply for a visa if they intend to stay in Vietnam for 15 days or less.
In addition, citizens of ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand) are eligible for a 30-day visa exemption in Vietnam.
To qualify for the visa exemption, travelers must have a passport with at least 6 months validity and proof of onward travel, such as an airline ticket exiting Vietnam.
How Does Vietnam Visa Exemption Work?
Taking advantage of the visa exemption to visit Vietnam is easy and straightforward:
- Check your eligibility. Make sure your nationality is on the approved list for 15 or 30-day visa exemption. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date into Vietnam.
- Book a flight to Vietnam. You can fly into any international airport in Vietnam, including Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Danang International Airport, Can Tho International Airport, Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong), Lien Khuong Airport (Da Lat), or Phu Bai Airport (Hue).
- Bring proper documentation. Have your valid passport, proof of onward/return travel, and other supporting documents (e.g. hotel bookings) ready to present to immigration officers upon arrival.
- Obtain visa exemption stamp. At immigration, inform officers you are entering under the visa exemption scheme and show your documentation. They will stamp your passport with a visa exemption entry valid for 15 or 30 days.
- Enjoy your stay! With the entry stamp, you can now enter and travel freely around Vietnam without having to apply for a separate tourist or business visa.
Key Things to Know About Vietnam Visa Exemption
Here are some key facts about how to best utilize Vietnam’s visa exemption policy:
- The 15 or 30 day duration begins from the date of entry stamped in your passport, not the date of arrival.
- Extensions are not possible. If you wish to stay beyond 15 or 30 days, you must exit Vietnam and re-enter with a new visa exemption stamp.
- You can enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the validity of the entry stamp before its expiration date.
- Visa exemption does not allow working in Vietnam. Engaging in any business or paid activities is prohibited.
- Border runs to renew exemption status are not permitted. You must travel onward to another country before re-entering Vietnam.
- Violating the conditions may result in fines or blacklisting from future entry into Vietnam.
- Visa exemption cannot be converted into other long stay visas. A proper visa must be applied for at Vietnamese embassies/consulates.
- Travelers can still choose to apply for regular tourist visas even if eligible for exemption. This provides more flexibility for longer stays.
By following these rules carefully, you can fully enjoy Vietnam visa-free without any problems or complications!
List of countries exempted a Vietnam visa:
Vietnam is a beautiful Southeast Asian country that has been attracting a lot of tourists from around the globe. If you’re planning to visit Vietnam, it’s crucial to check if you need a visa to enter the country, or if you are exempted from getting one. Fortunately, there is a list of countries whose citizens are exempted from obtaining a Vietnam visa for a specified duration. Here’s an in-depth look at the countries exempted from a Vietnam visa:
- Brunei: Brunei citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 14 days without a visa.
- Belarus: Citizens of Belarus can stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa.
- Cambodia: Cambodian citizens do not require a visa to enter Vietnam for stays of up to 30 days.
- Chile: Citizens of Chile can stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden: The citizens of these four countries can stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa.
- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom: Citizens of these five countries can stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa.
- Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand: Citizens of these five countries can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without a visa.
- Japan, South Korea: Citizens of Japan and South Korea can stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa.
- Philippines: Filipino citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 21 days without a visa.
- Russia: Russian citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa.
- Myanmar: Citizens of Myanmar can stay in Vietnam for up to 14 days without a visa.
- Cambodia: Cambodian citizens do not require a visa to enter Vietnam for stays of up to 30 days.
- Thailand: Thai citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without a visa.
- Brunei: Brunei citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 14 days without a visa.
- Indonesia: Indonesian citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without a visa.
- Laos: Laotian citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without a visa.
- Malaysia: Malaysian citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without a visa.
- Singapore: Singaporean citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without a visa.
- Philippines: Filipino citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 21 days without a visa.
- Cambodia: Cambodian citizens do not require a visa to enter Vietnam for stays of up to 30 days.
It’s worth noting that the exemption duration is subject to change, so you should always refer to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information on visa requirements. It’s also essential to check if you meet all other entry requirements and have the necessary documents for your trip to Vietnam.
In summary, these are the countries whose citizens are exempted from obtaining a Vietnam visa for a specified duration. While it’s great news for travelers from these countries, it’s still essential to ensure that you have all the necessary documents for a smooth entry into Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions by travelers regarding Vietnam’s policy on exemption from visa requirements.
1. I have dual citizenship. Can I use my other passport to qualify for visa exemption?
Yes, you can use any passport that is from one of the approved 13 or ASEAN countries to enter Vietnam visa-free under the exemption program.
2. Do I need to show any bank statements or proof of funds?
No financial documents are required. As long as you have an onward ticket out of Vietnam before the visa exemption period ends, you can enter without showing funds.
3. Can I arrive by land border crossing from Cambodia, Laos, or China?
No, the visa exemption program is only valid when entering by air through international airports in Vietnam. Land borders require a proper visa.
4. Is there a limit on how many times I can enter Vietnam on the visa exemption?
There is no limit. As long as your passport remains valid, you can benefit from the visa exemption program multiple times and during multiple trips.
5. Can I extend my stay past the 15 or 30 days granted by the visa exemption?
Unfortunately no, the visa exemption does not allow any extensions of stay. You must exit Vietnam and re-enter to reset the validity period.
6. How to check if my nationality is required for a Vietnam visa?
Here are some steps to check if your nationality requires a Vietnam visa:
- Step 1: Check the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department
The official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department provides reliable and up-to-date information about visa requirements. Visit the website (https://immigration.gov.vn/) and look for the section on Visa Information. You will find a list of countries that are exempted from a visa or require a visa to enter Vietnam.
- Step 2: Consult with the Embassy of Vietnam in your country
If you cannot find the necessary information on the Immigration Department website, consult with the Embassy of Vietnam in your country. They can provide you with accurate and updated information on visa requirements. The embassy can also inform you of any changes in visa regulations that may affect your travel plans.
- Step 3: Contact a travel agency
Another option is to contact a reputable travel agency that specializes in visa services. These agencies have a thorough understanding of all the visa requirements for various countries, including Vietnam. They can guide you through the process of obtaining a visa, including the necessary documents and fees.
- Step 4: Use an online visa checker tool
Several online visa checker tools are available that allow you to check if your nationality requires a visa to enter Vietnam. These tools are easy to use and provide quick results. Some popular visa checker tools include iVisa, VisaHQ, and Vietnam-Visa.
In conclusion, checking visa requirements for your nationality when visiting Vietnam is crucial. It helps you avoid any legal issues arising due to improper documentation or lack of visa. By following the above four steps, you can easily confirm your visa requirements and prepare accordingly for your trip to Vietnam.
Conclusion
Vietnam has introduced a flexible visa exemption program that makes it simpler for eligible travelers to visit the country. By planning ahead, you can benefit from this policy and conveniently explore Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes, culture, cuisine, and cities for up to 30 days without any difficulties. However, it is important to adhere to the entry requirements and regulations in order to avoid any issues during your travels. With some preparation, you can fully enjoy your visa-free experience in Vietnam!
