Vietnam Visa-Free Countries in 2025: Who Can Travel Vietnam Without a Visa?

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam, one of your first considerations may be whether you need a visa. Fortunately, there are several Vietnam visa-free countries whose citizens can enter Vietnam without needing to apply for a visa. This can simplify your travel plans, whether you’re going for a short vacation or a business trip.

Continue reading to find out which countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Vietnam and the specific requirements for each.

Overview of Vietnam’s Visa-Free Policy

Vietnam has revised its visa policies recently to bolster tourism and international business relations. These adjustments aim to simplify entry procedures and attract a broader range of visitors.

Policy Target: Promoting Tourism through Visa Exemptions

Vietnam’s visa exemption strategy is designed to make travel more accessible for citizens of specific countries, thereby stimulating tourism and enhancing the country’s appeal as a global destination. By waiving visa requirements for nationals from various nations, Vietnam seeks to:

• Increase tourist arrivals: Simplifying entry processes encourages more tourists to visit, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector.
• Strengthen international relations: Visa exemptions serve as a gesture of goodwill, fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties with other countries.
• Enhance regional connectivity: Facilitating easier travel from neighboring and distant countries alike promotes regional integration and cultural exchange.

Vietnam offers visa exemptions to boost tourism and attract visitors.

Recent Updates: Expansions and Changes in the Visa-Free List

As of early 2025, Vietnam has introduced several significant updates to its visa exemption policy:

• Extension of Visa-free duration: The visa exemption period for citizens from the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy has been extended to 45 days, up from the previous 15-day limit. This change aims to encourage longer stays and increased tourism from these countries.
• Inclusion of additional countries: Starting from March 1, 2025, nationals from Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic are granted a 45-day visa exemption when traveling under tour programs organized by Vietnamese international tour operators. This initiative is part of Vietnam’s strategy to attract more tourists from key European markets.
• E-Visa program expansion: Vietnam has expanded its e-visa program to include citizens from all countries, with the maximum stay extended from 30 to 90 days and multiple entries allowed. This development significantly simplifies the visa application process for a broader range of travelers.
• Removal of re-entry gap: The previous requirement mandating a 30-day gap between two visa-exempt entries has been lifted. Citizens from visa-free countries can now re-enter Vietnam immediately after exiting, providing greater flexibility for travelers.

The e-visa policy expanded in 2025 with new updates.

List of Visa-Free Countries and Duration of Stay

When planning your trip to Vietnam, knowing which countries are part of the Vietnam visa-free countries list can make your travel experience much smoother. As of February 2025, Vietnam offers visa exemption for citizens from 26 countries, with varying durations of stay depending on the nationality. This exemption covers a wide range of travel purposes, including tourism, business, and official duties.

Below is a detailed list of the Vietnam visa-free countries, along with their maximum allowed stay and applicable purposes for visiting:

Many countries get visa-free entry with different stay durations.

Important notes regarding Vietnam visa exemption:

• The 30-day interval between 02 stays with visa exemption has been removed in accordance with the new law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam which takes effect on July 1, 2020.
• The visa-free stay period is counted from the date of entry.
• Entry purpose restrictions: Some visa-exempt entries are limited to specific purposes, such as tourism or business. Engaging in remunerated activities may require obtaining a visa. 
• Duration of stay: The visa-free duration varies by nationality. Overstaying without proper authorization can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
• Multiple entries: Visa exemption typically allows for single entries. Re-entering Vietnam without a visa may not be permitted. If you plan to leave and return to Vietnam during your trip, you should obtain a visa.
• Traveling with minors: Travelers under 14 years old included in their parent’s passports may need to present additional documents, such as a birth certificate, to verify parental relationships.
• Transit passengers: If you are transiting through Vietnam to another destination and will not leave the airport’s international transit area, a visa may not be required. However, if you plan to exit the airport, you should obtain a visa.
• Visa Exemption Certificate: Vietnamese nationals residing abroad, their spouses, and children can apply for a Visa Exemption Certificate, valid for up to five years, allowing multiple entries with stays of up to 180 days each. 
• Recent policy changes: Vietnam has extended visa-free durations for citizens of certain countries. For example, as of August 2023, the visa-free stay for citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus was increased from 15 days to 45 days. 
• Phu Quoc Island: Travelers from visa-exempt countries can visit Phu Quoc Island without a visa for up to 30 days, provided they arrive directly from abroad or from another Vietnamese airport after completing immigration procedures.

Visa policies can change, so it’s essential to consult official sources, such as the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, for the most current information before planning your trip. 

>> Great News: Vietnam Visa Waiver Welcomes Tourists from Poland, Czech Republic, and Switzerland

Conditions for Making Vietnam Visa Exemption

• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date in Vietnam. This ensures that you have sufficient validity for your entire stay.
• Blank pages: Your passport must have at least two blank pages available for immigration stamps. These pages are required to handle the entry and exit stamps from Vietnam’s immigration authorities.
• Duration of stay: The duration of stay varies depending on the country of origin and the type of exemption granted. Most countries on the Vietnam visa exemption list allow stays ranging from 14 to 90 days without a visa. However, the specific duration is dependent on the nationality and purpose of the visit.
• Eligible countries: Vietnam provides visa exemptions to citizens of 26 countries as of 2025. This includes countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and several others. However, British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are excluded and require a visa to enter Vietnam.

Travelers must meet specific conditions for visa-free entry.

Special Cases for Vietnam Visa Exemption 

In addition to the general Vietnam visa exemption rules, there are a few special cases that allow travelers to enter Vietnam without a visa for a specific duration. These include entry into coastal economic zones and exemptions for holders of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC).

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders

Eligibility: Holders of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with a valid passport are granted a visa exemption for stays of up to 60 days.

This exemption is particularly beneficial for business travelers attending meetings or conferences within the APEC member economies.

Extended stay: If ABTC holders wish to stay longer than 60 days in Vietnam, they may need to check the specific regulations for extended stays under the ABTC visa exemption or apply for another visa type.

These special cases further streamline the visa process for specific travelers, making it easier for businesspeople and visitors to Vietnam’s coastal economic zones. Always confirm the eligibility and requirements before planning your visit.

APEC Business Travel Card holders get special visa exemptions.

Coastal Economic Zones

Eligibility: Travelers entering certain coastal economic zones in Vietnam can benefit from a 30-day visa exemption, provided the zone meets specific criteria set by the government.

Conditions:

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

Example: One of the prominent coastal economic zones that qualifies for this exemption is Phu Quoc Island. Travelers visiting Phu Quoc can stay up to 30 days without a visa. For further details, a comprehensive guide on Phu Quoc visa exemption is available.

Visa-Free Travel to Vietnam – Start Your Adventure Now!

Vietnam’s visa exemption policy continues to expand, offering more opportunities for travelers from Vietnam visa-free countries to explore the country without the hassle of applying for a visa. These updates not only make travel more convenient but also strengthen Vietnam’s position as an attractive destination for tourists.

Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended stay, these visa-free options open up endless possibilities. Ready to explore Vietnam? Contact Asia Pioneer Travel to plan your perfect journey today!