Updated 2024: Vietnam Visa Exemptions and E-Visa Guidelines

As of November 2023, Vietnam has updated its visa exemption policy, allowing regular passport holders from 26 countries to enter the country without a visa for a specified duration. This new policy aims to simplify entry procedures, making Vietnam a more attractive destination for tourists, business travelers, and international visitors. In this comprehensive guide, we provide the latest list of visa-exempt countries, detailed guidelines on how to apply for an e-visa through Evietnamvisa.com, and other important considerations for travelers.

Vietnam Visa Exemption: Full List of Countries and Duration (Updated November 2023)

Here is the full list of countries that are granted visa exemptions, along with the maximum duration of their visa-free stay and the applicable purposes of visit, where specified:

No.

Country

Maximum Visa-Free Duration

Applicable Purpose of Visit (if any)

1

Chile

90 days

Entries that do not include remunerated activities

2

Panama

90 days

Entries that do not include remunerated activities

3

Cambodia

30 days

Not mentioned

4

Indonesia

30 days

Not mentioned

5

Kyrgyzstan

30 days

Not mentioned

6

Laos

30 days

Not mentioned

7

Malaysia

30 days

Tourism, attending press, conference/coverage, official duty, visiting relatives, business negotiation, investment, sports, attending seminars or conferences

8

Singapore

30 days

Entries that do not include remunerated activities

9

Thailand

30 days

Not mentioned

10

Philippines

21 days

Not mentioned

11

Brunei

14 days

Not mentioned

12

Myanmar

14 days

Visiting only

13

Belarus

45 days

Not mentioned

14

Denmark

45 days

Not mentioned

15

Finland

45 days

Not mentioned

16

France

45 days

Not mentioned

17

Germany

45 days

Not mentioned

18

Italy

45 days

Not mentioned

19

Japan

45 days

Not mentioned

20

Norway

45 days

Not mentioned

21

Russia

45 days

Not mentioned

22

South Korea

45 days

Not mentioned

23

Spain

45 days

Not mentioned

24

Sweden

45 days

Not mentioned

25

United Kingdom (excluding BNO)

45 days

Not mentioned

26

Kazakhstan

30 days

Not exceeding 90 days within 180 continuous days

Important Notes Regarding Visa Exemption

  1. 30-Day Interval Removal: As of July 1, 2020, the 30-day interval between two visa-exempt entries has been removed under the new law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.
  2. BNO Passport Holders: British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for the 45-day visa exemption. These individuals will need to apply for a visa to visit Vietnam.
  3. Visa Exemption for Entry, Exit, and Transit: The visa exemption applies to entry, exit, and transit for the specified countries.
  4. Visa-Free Period Calculation: The visa-free stay duration is calculated from the date of entry into Vietnam.

Other Vietnam Visa Exemption Cases

Certain special visa exemptions are available for those entering coastal economic zones designated by the Vietnamese Government. These zones must meet the following conditions:

  • The zone must have an international airport.
  • It must have defined geographical boundaries and be separate from the mainland.
  • The zone must align with socio-economic development policies and not pose a threat to national defense, security, or social order.

For example, Phu Quoc Island is a designated zone where a 30-day visa exemption applies. For more information on the Phu Quoc visa exemption, refer to the official guide.

Additionally, holders of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with valid passports are exempt from Vietnam visa requirements for stays of up to 60 days. For more information on how to extend your stay using an ABTC, visit the official exemption guide.

Conditions for Entering Vietnam with a Visa Exemption

To enter Vietnam under the visa exemption scheme, travelers must meet the following conditions:

  1. Their passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Vietnam.
  2. Their passport must have at least two blank pages available for entry and exit stamps.

Visa Exemption Extensions

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam allowed extensions of visa exemptions within the country. However, as of now, visa exemption extensions are no longer possible. Travelers who wish to stay longer in Vietnam after their visa exemption period expires have two options:

  1. Visa Run: Exit Vietnam to a neighboring country (e.g., Thailand, Cambodia, Laos), and then return to Vietnam to take advantage of a new visa exemption. Detailed information on how to perform a visa run can be found here.
  2. Applying for a 90-day visa before entering Vietnam is the most cost-effective way for long-term travelers. This visa allows you to stay in the country for an extended period without the need for frequent renewals or border runs, which can quickly add up in cost and time. By securing a 90-day visa in advance, you avoid the hassle of short-term visa extensions and save money on repeated application fees, making your stay more convenient and affordable.

How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa

For those who are not eligible for a visa exemption or plan to stay beyond the allowed visa-free period, applying for an e-visa is a simple and efficient process. Vietnam’s e-visa allows travelers from over 80 countries to apply for and receive a visa online.

To apply for an e-visa, visit Evietnamvisa.com, which is a trusted platform that provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions for international travelers. Here’s how you can apply for your Vietnam e-visa:

  1. Visit the Website: Go to Evietnamvisa.com and select the e-visa application option.
  2. Complete the Application Form: Enter all required information, including personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
  3. Upload Required Documents: You will need to upload a passport-sized photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s main page.
  4. Pay the Processing Fee: Payment can be made securely online using various payment methods.
  5. Receive Your E-Visa: After submitting your application, your e-visa will be processed within 3-5 business days. Once approved, the e-visa will be sent directly to your email address.
  6. Print Your E-Visa: Upon receiving your e-visa, print it out and present it at the port of entry in Vietnam.

Why Choose Evietnamvisa.com?

Choosing Evietnamvisa.com offers several advantages for travelers looking to apply for a Vietnam visa:

  • User-Friendly Interface: The website is designed for easy navigation, providing clear instructions and a simple step-by-step guide for visa applications.
  • Secure Payment: All payments made on Evietnamvisa.com are protected by secure encryption, ensuring that your financial information remains safe.
  • Fast Processing: With efficient processing times, you can receive your e-visa in as little as 3-5 business days, allowing you to plan your trip with ease.
  • Reliable Customer Support: If you encounter any issues or have questions about the visa application process, the customer support team is readily available to assist.

Conclusion

Vietnam's updated visa exemption policy provides a hassle-free entry experience for travelers from 26 countries, making it easier than ever to visit this beautiful country. However, if you are not eligible for visa exemption or wish to extend your stay, applying for an e-visa through Evietnamvisa.com is the best option for fast, secure, and reliable service. Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or other purposes, understanding these visa guidelines will help ensure a smooth journey to Vietnam.

 

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