Ordinary passport holders from 28 countries can enter Vietnam visa-free in 2026, with stays of 14 to 90 days.
Here is the current list, how long you can stay, and what to do if your country isn’t on it.
Vietnam Visa-Free Countries in 2026 (At a Glance)
Vietnam grants unilateral visa exemption to ordinary passport holders from 28 countries for tourism. Stay durations range from 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality.
The list below covers ordinary passports only. Diplomatic and official passport exemptions are separate and far broader.
| Stay Duration | Countries |
|---|---|
| 90 days | Chile, Panama |
| 45 days | Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
| 30 days | Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Singapore, Thailand |
| 21 days | Philippines |
| 14 days | Brunei, Myanmar |
The 12 newest additions (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland) joined under Resolution 229/NQ-CP, effective 15 August 2025 through 14 August 2028.
Note: All ASEAN nationals get visa-free entry for 14 to 30 days. Cambodian and Malaysian ordinary passport holders can enter for tourism without a visa under separate ASEAN bilateral arrangements.
Visa-Free Entry Conditions and Passport Rules
Visa-free entry is not automatic. You must meet every condition the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs sets, or you’ll be turned away at the airport.
What You Need at Immigration
- An ordinary passport with at least 6 months’ validity from your date of entry
- At least one blank page for the entry stamp (two pages recommended)
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of accommodation in Vietnam
- A clear tourism or short-visit purpose, with no entry ban on record
The 30-Day Rule (For Some Nationalities)
Some bilateral exemptions, including the older Japan and South Korea agreements, traditionally required 30 days between visits. Under the current 45-day unilateral programme, this gap rule does not apply for tourism.
If you want to stay longer than your visa-free allowance, leave and re-enter on an e-visa, or apply for an e-visa before your first arrival.
What If Your Country Isn’t on the List?
If your passport is not on the visa-free list, you have two main options for tourism: the e-visa, or a visa on arrival via an approval letter.
The Vietnam e-Visa (Open to All Nationalities)
Since 15 August 2023, the Vietnam National Electronic Visa system issues e-visas to citizens of every country and territory.
- Validity: up to 90 days
- Entry type: single or multiple entry
- Fee: USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry), non-refundable
- Processing time: usually 3 working days
- Where to apply: the official portal at evisa.gov.vn only
Apply online, upload a passport photo and bio-data page, and pay by card. You’ll receive a PDF e-visa to print and present at the border.
Visa on Arrival
This route requires a pre-approval letter arranged through a licensed travel agent in Vietnam before departure. You collect the visa stamp at the airport on arrival.
For most travellers, the e-visa is faster, cheaper, and avoids airport queues. Use visa on arrival only if you can’t apply online or need a longer stay than 90 days.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption (30 Days for All Nationalities)
Vietnam runs a separate visa exemption for Phu Quoc Island that is open to every nationality, including travellers from countries with no other exemption.
You can stay on Phu Quoc visa-free for up to 30 days, but you cannot leave the island for the mainland without a separate visa.
How to Qualify
- Arrive at Phu Quoc International Airport directly from a third country, or transit through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City without clearing immigration into mainland Vietnam
- Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months
- Show proof of departure within 30 days (return ticket or onward booking)
- Stay only on Phu Quoc Island for the entire visit
Tips Before You Travel to Vietnam
- Submit the Digital Arrival Card: every foreign visitor must complete the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card within three days of arrival, regardless of visa status
- Book onward travel before you fly: immigration officers can ask for proof of departure even on visa-free entry
- Carry hotel bookings on your phone: printed copies are not required, but you may be asked to show them
- Track your stay limit: overstaying triggers fines and re-entry bans, with no exceptions
- You cannot extend a visa-free stay from inside Vietnam: leave and re-enter on an e-visa, or arrange a longer-term visa through a Vietnamese sponsor before entry
- Compare flights early: search flights to Vietnam on Wego to find the best routing into Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang
- Sort accommodation in advance: browse hotels in Hanoi or hotels in Ho Chi Minh City before you fly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indians enter Vietnam visa-free?
No. Indian ordinary passport holders need an e-visa or visa on arrival. The Vietnam e-visa is the easiest option, with 90-day validity and single or multiple entry. See our Vietnam visa guide for Indians for the full process.
Do UAE citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
UAE ordinary passport holders need an e-visa to enter mainland Vietnam. UAE diplomatic and official passport holders enjoy 90-day visa exemption. The Phu Quoc 30-day exemption is available to UAE travellers arriving directly on the island.
How long can UK citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?
UK ordinary passport holders can stay up to 45 days visa-free per entry under Vietnam’s unilateral exemption programme.
Can I extend my visa-free stay in Vietnam?
No. Visa-free stays cannot be extended from inside Vietnam. You must leave before your allowance expires and re-enter on an e-visa, or arrange a longer-term visa through a Vietnamese sponsor in advance.
Is the Phu Quoc visa exemption really open to every nationality?
Yes. Any traveller arriving directly on Phu Quoc by air or sea from a third country can stay up to 30 days without a visa, provided they remain on the island and have proof of onward departure.
Sources
- Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa Exemption
- Vietnam National Tourism Authority — New Visa Exemption Policies (Aug 2025)
- Embassy of Vietnam in Japan — Resolution 229/NQ-CP
- Vietnam National Tourism Authority — Visa Requirements
- Vietnam National Electronic Visa System
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
