Vietnam has long been a favorite destination for travelers worldwide, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. If you’re planning to visit this beautiful Southeast Asian country, one of the first questions you might ask is: “Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?”
The answer depends on your nationality. While many travelers still need a visa, some are lucky enough to belong to Vietnam visa free countries, meaning they can enter Vietnam without applying for a visa beforehand. Let’s explore the updated list of visa-free countries, conditions, and how to handle urgent visa applications if you’re not eligible for visa exemption.
Contents
- 1 What Does Vietnam Visa-Free Entry Mean?
- 2 List of Vietnam Visa Free Countries (as of 2025)
- 3 Conditions for Visa-Free Entry into Vietnam
- 4 What If Your Country Is Not on the Visa-Free List?
- 5 How to Get Urgent Vietnam Visa in Case of Emergency
- 6 Advantages of Vietnam’s Visa-Free and e-Visa Policies
- 7 Useful Tips for Visa-Free and Visa-Required Travelers
What Does Vietnam Visa-Free Entry Mean?
A Vietnam visa-free entry allows citizens from certain countries to travel to Vietnam without applying for a visa for a limited period. This policy is part of Vietnam’s effort to promote tourism and international cooperation.
Visa-free travelers can enjoy short-term visits — often ranging from 15 to 45 days, depending on their nationality — without going through the formal visa process. However, if they wish to stay longer or re-enter Vietnam soon after leaving, a valid visa will still be required.
List of Vietnam Visa Free Countries (as of 2025)
As of early 2025, Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens from 25+ countries and territories. Here’s the updated list and their allowed stay durations:
- ASEAN countries – up to 30 days: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos.
- Philippines – up to 21 days.
- Brunei, Myanmar – up to 14 days.
- South Korea, Japan, Russia, and Scandinavian countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland) – up to 45 days.
- United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain – up to 45 days.
- Belarus – up to 45 days.
- Chile, Panama, and Kyrgyzstan – up to 90 days.
In addition, travelers entering Phu Quoc Island directly by air or sea can stay up to 30 days without a visa, regardless of nationality.
It’s important to check the latest updates before departure since visa policies can change depending on diplomatic agreements or tourism trends.
See more>> Vietnam visa requirements for Dutch citizens
Conditions for Visa-Free Entry into Vietnam
To qualify under the Vietnam visa free countries policy, travelers must meet these general conditions:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- You must have a return or onward ticket.
- You should not have violated Vietnamese immigration laws during previous visits.
- Your stay must not exceed the permitted duration for your nationality.
If you plan to travel beyond the visa-free period or re-enter Vietnam soon after exiting, you’ll need to apply for an appropriate visa beforehand.
What If Your Country Is Not on the Visa-Free List?
If your nationality is not part of the Vietnam visa free countries, don’t worry — obtaining a visa for Vietnam is now easier than ever. You can apply for:
- Vietnam e-Visa – valid for 90 days, single or multiple entries, processed online.
- Visa on arrival (VOA) – for air travelers with pre-approval letters.
- Embassy or consulate visa – for long-term or specific purposes.
Most tourists prefer the e-Visa, which can be completed entirely online within 3–5 working days.
However, if you need to travel soon and don’t have time to wait, you can use urgent visa services. Let’s explore that next.
How to Get Urgent Vietnam Visa in Case of Emergency
Travel emergencies happen — sometimes you book a flight at the last minute or realize you forgot to apply for a visa. Luckily, there’s a solution: you can still learn how to get urgent Vietnam visa through same-day processing services.
These expedited services allow you to receive visa approval within a few hours, depending on when your application is submitted.
Here’s how it works:
- Submit your urgent visa request online through a trusted platform like entryvietnamvisa.com.
- Provide your passport scan, travel dates, and arrival airport.
- Pay the urgent processing fee (usually higher than standard applications).
- Receive your visa approval letter via email and present it upon arrival in Vietnam.
This is especially useful for travelers who face unexpected flight changes or last-minute business meetings.
Advantages of Vietnam’s Visa-Free and e-Visa Policies
Vietnam’s flexible visa system provides a range of benefits for international travelers:
- Encourages tourism by allowing short-term visits without bureaucratic delays.
- Simplifies travel planning, especially for frequent visitors.
- Supports international business growth by making it easier to enter the country for meetings or events.
- Offers multiple options — from visa-free entry to urgent online applications.
The combination of visa exemptions and efficient e-Visa services ensures that all travelers can visit Vietnam smoothly, regardless of nationality.
Useful Tips for Visa-Free and Visa-Required Travelers
- Always check your eligibility before booking tickets.
- Print your visa approval letter or e-Visa to present upon arrival.
- Avoid overstaying your permitted period to prevent penalties.
- For non-visa-free countries, apply online at least 7 days before travel.
- Keep digital copies of your documents and approval letters for safety.
By preparing ahead, you can enjoy your trip without interruptions or immigration issues.
The Vietnam visa free countries policy is a wonderful advantage for many travelers, offering effortless access to one of Asia’s most exciting destinations. Even if your nationality isn’t on the visa-free list, applying for a Vietnam visa is now fast and straightforward.
