Wondering whether you need a visa for Vietnam? Citizens of 39 countries can enter without one, for stays of 14 to 90 days depending on nationality. This guide lists every exempt country by length of stay, explains the entry conditions, and covers the latest changes so you can plan with confidence.

Quick answer

• 45 days: 24 countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Japan, South Korea, the Nordic countries and 12 more European countries.
• 90 days: Chile and Panama.
• 30 days: most ASEAN neighbors, plus Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Myanmar.
• 14-21 days: Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.
• Not exempt: the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and India, among others. These travelers need an e-visa.

Vietnam visa-free countries by length of stay

Maximum stay	Countries
90 days	Chile, Panama
45 days (Group 1, any purpose)	Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland
45 days (Group 2, tourism)	Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia
30 days	Belarus, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand
21 days	Philippines
14 days	Brunei, Indonesia

Phu Quoc Island: any foreign visitor arriving directly from abroad (or via the transit area of another Vietnamese airport) can stay on Phu Quoc for up to 30 days without a visa.

How long is the 45-day exemption valid?

The 45-day exemption runs under two separate government resolutions:

Group	Resolution	Valid	Covers
Group 1 (12 countries)	44/NQ-CP	March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028	Any purpose, any passport type
Group 2 (12 European countries)	229/NQ-CP	August 15, 2025 to August 14, 2028	Tourism

Both can be extended by the government, so check for updates before booking trips that fall near these dates.

Recent changes to know about

• Indonesia reduced to 14 days (July 15, 2026). Indonesian ordinary passport holders were previously allowed 30 days. They can now stay 14 days visa-free for tourism and family visits only, according to the Indonesian Embassy in Hanoi.
• Belarus gets 30 days, not 45. Since a bilateral agreement took effect on January 30, 2025, Belarusian citizens are covered by a 30-day exemption. Some older websites still list Belarus among the 45-day countries.
• Chinese tour groups (pilot, October 2026). Resolution 325/NQ-CP, issued October 12, 2026, allows Chinese ordinary passport holders to enter visa-free on group package tours organized by Vietnamese travel companies. The pilot is limited to Khanh Hoa province, requires a direct flight from mainland China to Cam Ranh International Airport, and runs until December 31, 2027. It does not apply to independent Chinese travelers, who still need an e-visa.
• Timor-Leste. Vietnam and Timor-Leste have signed a visa exemption agreement, but it is not yet in force.

Entry conditions

Visa exemption is not unconditional. Before you fly, check these:

• Ordinary passport. The conditions above apply to ordinary passports. Diplomatic and official passports follow separate rules.
• Passport validity. Your passport should generally be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have blank pages for entry stamps.
• Purpose of visit. The Group 2 exemption covers tourism only. Working is not allowed on any visa exemption.
• BNO passports. British National (Overseas) passport holders are not eligible for the UK’s 45-day exemption and need an e-visa.
• Onward travel. Some travelers, including Philippine citizens, may be asked to show a return or onward ticket.
• Kazakhstan. Kazakh citizens get 30 days per visit, with a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.

Can you re-enter and get a new exemption?

Yes. According to the Ministry of Public Security, each entry opens a new visa-free stay with no waiting period between two visits. Older guides still mention a 30-day gap, but that rule no longer applies. Border officers can still question frequent repeat entries, so keep your itinerary and onward tickets handy.

Can you extend a visa-free stay?

Not directly. If you want to stay longer, you usually need to leave Vietnam and re-enter, or apply for an e-visa before your visa-free days run out. Overstaying can lead to fines and problems on future entries.

Not on the list? Apply for an e-visa

If your country is not exempt, or you want to stay longer than the exemption allows, the e-visa is the simplest option. Since August 15, 2023, citizens of all countries and territories can apply online for an e-visa valid for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry. The fee is $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry, and processing usually takes about three working days.

New to the process? Read our step-by-step Vietnam e-visa guide and check the current Vietnam visa fees and processing times. You can apply through the official government portal (evisa.gov.vn) or with a trusted provider.

Visa exemption vs e-visa

	Visa exemption	E-visa
Cost	Free	$25 / $50
Application	None	Online, in advance
Maximum stay	14-90 days (by nationality)	Up to 90 days
Best for	Short trips by eligible nationalities	Longer stays or non-exempt nationalities

FAQ

Which countries can visit Vietnam without a visa in 2026?

39 countries, with permitted stays from 14 to 90 days. See the table above for the full list by length of stay.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

No. UK citizens with a regular passport can stay up to 45 days visa-free. BNO passport holders need an e-visa.

Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. US citizens are not exempt and need an e-visa, which is valid for up to 90 days. See our Vietnam visa guide for US citizens.

How long can I stay in Vietnam without a visa?

From 14 to 90 days depending on nationality. The most common limit is 45 days, for travelers from Japan, South Korea, Russia and most of Europe.

Is the 45-day exemption still valid?

Yes. It runs until March 14, 2028 for the first group of 12 countries, and until August 14, 2028 for the 12 additional European countries.

Can I re-enter Vietnam right after leaving and get another exemption?

Yes. There is currently no waiting period between visa-exempt entries.

Can I extend my visa-free stay?

Not directly. Leave and re-enter, or apply for an e-visa in advance.

Need help with your Vietnam visa?

Not sure which option fits your trip, or short on time? Vietnam Visa Guides can help you check your eligibility and apply for an e-visa or urgent visa.

Visa policies change frequently. Always confirm your eligibility on the official e-visa portal (evisa.gov.vn) or with a Vietnamese embassy before traveling. Vietnam Visa Guides is a private service and is not affiliated with the Vietnamese government.