Complete Guide to Vietnam Visa 2026: All You Need to Know
If you are unsure which type of visa applies to your travel plans, this guide will help you understand the different visa options available for entering Vietnam.
Vietnam Visa Exemption
Vietnam Visa Exemption lets citizens of certain countries enter Vietnam without a visa. They can stay for a limited period and do not need to pay visa fees.
To enter Vietnam under a visa exemption scheme, travellers must:
Hold a passport issued by an eligible country;
Meet all applicable visa exemption requirements;
Have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry;
Have at least two blank pages available in their passport.
However, travellers who want to stay longer must apply for a visa. You can complete the application either through the e-Visa system or another appropriate visa category.
List of Countries Eligible for Vietnam Visa Exemption
Duration of stay - 90 Days: Chile, Panama
Duration of stay - 45 Days: South Korea, Japan, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Russia, France, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, Czech, Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland
Duration of stay - 30 Days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Belarus, Kazakhstan
Duration of stay - 21 Days: Philippines
Duration of stay - 14 Days: Brunei, Myanmar.
(Information updated as of 1 April 2025)
Important Notes on Vietnam Visa Exemption
Since 1 July 2020, the previous requirement for travellers under Vietnam's unilateral visa exemption programme to wait 30 days before re-entering Vietnam has been abolished.
Citizens of eligible countries may continue to enjoy visa-free entry according to the applicable exemption period.
Holders of British National (Overseas) passports (BNO) are not eligible for Vietnam's visa exemption programme.
Visa exemption applies to entry, exit, and transit.
The visa-free stay period is calculated from the date of entry into Vietnam.
Other Vietnam Visa Exemption Cases
In addition to the countries listed above, Vietnam also grants visa exemptions in the following circumstances:
Coastal Economic Zones
Foreign nationals may be granted a visa exemption of up to 30 days when entering designated coastal economic zones that satisfy all of the following conditions:
Possess an international airport;
Have a clearly separated geographical area;
Are geographically distinct from the mainland;
Comply with Vietnam's socio-economic development policies and do not adversely affect national defence, security, or public order.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders
Holders of a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) and passport are exempt from obtaining a visa and may stay in Vietnam for up to 60 days.
Vietnam e-Visa - How to do e-Visa for Vietnam immigration?
A Vietnam e-Visa is an official electronic visa issued by the Vietnamese Government that allows foreign nationals to enter Vietnam legally. If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, you may apply for an e-Visa by following the steps below.
Step 1: Access the official e-Visa website https://evisa.gov.vn/
The official Vietnam e-Visa website interface. Source: Ministry of Public Security Immigration Department.
Before entering your information, please review the Declaration Instructions and tick both confirmation boxes below to proceed:
✓ Confirm compliance with Vietnamese laws upon entry
✓ Confirmation of reading instructions carefully and having completed the application
Step 2: Complete the application form
Then, fill in all required information accurately. You need to ensure that your passport details match exactly.
Step 3: Make payment
Select your preferred payment method and complete the payment process. - How to do Evisa Vietnam
After that, enter the payment information and click Continue to finalise your e-Visa application.
Step 4: Receive e-Visa online
You will receive the application result via email or by checking the status on the official Vietnam e-Visa website.
Notes:
Vietnam e-Visas are issued electronically and are valid for up to 90 days.
e-Visas may be granted for either single or multiple entries.
e-Visa holders can only enter and leave Vietnam through approved international checkpoints.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) allows travellers to obtain a visa stamp upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport after receiving a Visa Approval Letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
As an added benefit, travellers who book their Vietnam tour with Vietravel will receive complimentary support in arranging the Visa Approval Letter for their Vietnam Visa on Arrival application.
How to Obtain a Vietnam Visa on Arrival
Step 1: Check whether you need a visa for Vietnam (I. Visa Exemption)
Step 2: Submit your application if you need a visa for your trip.
Step 3: Get confirmation about processing time and service fee, and make payment.
Step 4: Get visa approval letter delivered to your registered email.
Step 5: Show visa approval letter to get on board, and then get visa stamped at Vietnam airport upon arrival.
Documents Required for Vietnam Visa on Arrival
Firstly, passport – valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Secondly, printed approval letter – issued by Vietnam Immigration.
Thirdly, two passport-sized photos (4x6cm).
Fourthly, You can completed Visa application form (NA1) at the airport or in advance.
Finally, stamping fee $25 in cash at the airport.
Conclusion
Vietnam offers a variety of entry options, including visa exemptions, e-visa, and visa on arrival arrangements, making travel to the country more accessible than ever. Before travelling, it is important to verify your eligibility, ensure your passport meets all validity requirements, and choose the visa option most suitable for your itinerary.
By understanding the latest Vietnam visa regulations and following the correct application procedures, you can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free arrival experience in Vietnam.
As the leading DMC in the country, Vietravel consistently provides high-standard services at the most competitive prices so that you can discover the beauty of not only Vietnam but all of Southeast Asia.
Please contact us for more information
Vietravel – Vietnam’s Leading DMC
Hotline: (84) 35 235 61 61
Email: info.asia@vietravel.com
Website: www.vietraveldmc.com
#Vietnam #Vietravel #VietravelDMC #TravelGuide #Vietnamvisa