Which countries do not need visa for Vietnam? MOFA lists 100+ visa-exempt nations 2025 such as Japan, South Korea, France, Italy, Germany, making travel easier.
When I researched the entry policy, I found that Vietnam currently exempts visas for more than 100 countries, making travel much easier and more comfortable. This policy not only shortens the time to prepare for the trip but also makes me feel that Vietnam is friendly, open and worth coming back to many times.
Which countries do not need visa for Vietnam?
I see that Vietnam is currently applying many visa exemption programs to facilitate international visitors. This makes me feel that traveling to Vietnam becomes easier, saving time and procedures compared to applying for a traditional visa. Depending on each case, I see that I or my relatives can enter Vietnam without a visa according to the following regulations:
#1. Unilateral visa exemption for 12 countries (45 days)
Vietnam applies the policyunilateral visa exemptionfor some countries to facilitate international visitors. The maximum period of stay for these cases is45 days, and visitors must meet basic passport and legal status requirements.
Countries include: Russian Federation, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy
#2. Visa exemption to stimulate tourism (45 days)
Vietnam applies a unilateral visa exemption policy under the 2025 Tourism Development Stimulus Program for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. The maximum temporary stay is 45 days from the date of entry, and applies to tourism purposes under programs organized by international travel agencies in Vietnam.
This means that if I enter the country on June 1, I can stay until July 15 without a visa. This period only applies to tourism purposes under programs organized by international travel agencies in Vietnam, and visitors need a certificate of participation in the program (according to the form of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism).
Personally, I find this policy very convenient for group or tour travel, helping my friends and I easily schedule to explore Vietnam without having to worry about visas or wondering how long can you get a visa for Vietnam.
#3. Visa exemption for tourists to Phu Quoc (30 days)
Through research, I learned that Vietnam applies a special visa exemption policy for Phu Quoc to encourage tourism on this famous pearl island. For those curious “Which countries do not need visa for Vietnam?”, all visitors, regardless of nationality, when arriving directly to Phu Quoc by air or sea are allowed to stay for up to 30 days without having to apply for a visa in advance.
This is especially useful for Australian visitors. Currently, Vietnam only exempts visas for Australian flight crew members under bilateral agreements, but any Australian citizen entering Phu Quoc directly will also be exempt from a 30-day visa. This period is calculated from the date of entry to Phu Quoc, making it easy for me to plan to explore the sights, relax or join short tours without worrying about visa procedures.
Personally, I find this policy very convenient, especially for those who want to explore Phu Quoc without having applied for a Vietnam visa before. This is one of the outstanding visa exemption policies, both promoting domestic tourism and creating opportunities for international visitors, including Australians, to experience Vietnam more easily.
#4. Visa exemption according to bilateral agreements (usually 90 days)
I noticed that Vietnam has signed Visa Exemption Agreements and Arrangements with over 90 countries, helping citizens of many countries enter Vietnam without a visa, often with maximum stay of 90 day seach time. This period applies primarily to carriers, diplomatic, official or special passport, depending on the agreement, and is calculated from the date of entry.
Currently, there are 03 Agreements with undetermined validity with countries: Burundi, Ethiopia and Namibia, so visitors from these countries need to check information before entering. For ease of visualization, I divide the countries by region as follows:
| Area | Representative country | Temporary residence period / Notes |
| ASEAN | Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Philippines | Mainly applicable to citizens holding diplomatic or official passports; convenient for official business or travel |
| Asia outside ASEAN | Japan, South Korea, China, India, Mongolia, North Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Israel, Oman | The temporary residence period is usually 90 days, applicable for official, business or official purposes. |
| Europe | France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia | 90-day temporary stay, convenient for business, commerce or official duties |
| America | Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Uruguay, Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica, Chile, Bolivia | 90-day temporary stay, convenient for business, diplomacy or official tourism |
| Africa & Middle East | Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Nigeria, South Africa, UAE, Qatar, Sudan | Temporary stay of 90 days, mainly for official or business purposes |
Personally, I find these bilateral agreements very useful, because if I carry a diplomatic or official passport from the above countries, I can enter Vietnam easily, saving time on visa application, especially when working or attending international events.
#5. Exemption for flight crew members and special cases
Vietnam applies the policy visa exemption for flight crew members to ensure smooth international and domestic flights. Visa exemption periodcalculated based on the waiting time for return departure on the same arrival flight or the next regular flight, and may vary by brand and country.
| Country / Region | Airlines | Temporary stay / application period |
| Australia | Jetstar Airways | Effective from November 30, 2006, visa exemption period is calculated by flight. |
| China | Chinese companies & third-country TVTB | From 1 November 2008, maximum 30 days between flights or due to force majeure |
| France | Air France | From 01/03/2004, calculated according to mission time |
| Hong Kong (China) | Hong Kong Airlines: 28/10/2007; Hong Kong Express: 30/04/2011; Cathay Pacific: 20/11/2012 | Temporary residence according to mission time |
| Japan | JAL: 01/10/2002; ANA: 01/07/2010; Vanilla Air: 01/09/2016 | Temporary stay period calculated by flight |
| Kazakhstan | Crew | April 11, 2010, based on flight crew card and mission |
| Kenya | Kenya Airways | 01/08/2015; visa exemption and travel throughout the territory (except restricted areas) while waiting for the next flight |
| South Korea | Korean Air, Asiana, Air Busan, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T’Way, Eastar Jet, Air Premia | From 02/2003 – 05/12/2022; temporary residence period according to flight duties |
| Luxembourg | CargoLux | From March 15, 2011, temporary residence according to duty time |
| New Zealand | Air New Zealand | From June 4, 2016; visa exemption nationwide, calculated based on flight waiting time |
| Poland | LOT | 11/10/2010; temporary stay at airports, maximum 30 days between flights |
| Qatar | Qatar Airways | June 1, 2007; visa exemption period based on mission |
| Russia | Transaero Airlines: 21/01/2007, Valdivostok Air: 20/09/2004; Aeroflot, Air Bridge Cargo, Siberia Airlines, Globus, Ural, Azur, IrAero, Royal Flight | Maximum 30 days; applicable to TVTB citizens of both countries and TVTB of third countries on the principle of reciprocity |
| Taiwan (China) | China Airlines: 01/03/2015; Starlux Airlines: 05/12/2022 | Temporary stay period according to flight waiting time |
| UAE | Emirates Airlines | June 20, 2012; temporary residence period calculated according to flight duties |
| deer | Continental, Delta, Northwest, FedEx, United Airlines | 2004 – 2011; temporary residence period according to flight |
| Uzbekistan | Uzbekistan Airways | January 20, 2004; temporary residence according to flight duties |
| Switzerland | Edelweiss Air | June 15, 2018; temporary residence period calculated based on duties |
03 Conditions for entering Vietnam under visa exemption
When I went to Vietnam on a visa exemption, I found it important to prepare all the entry requirements to make the trip go smoothly. For travelers wondering “Which countries do not need visa for Vietnam?”, here are the things I needed to pay attention to:
- Valid passport:I must make sure my passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Passport must have at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Not subject to entry ban: I am not blacklisted by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Previous violations of the law or refusal of entry will also result in visa exemption being denied.
- Legitimate purpose of entry: I need to enter the country for a clear purpose such as tourism, visiting relatives, official business, business or transit. If I am eligible for a visa exemption under a tourist or official program, I need to prepare a certificate of participation in the program or work assignment.
Thanks to fully preparing these conditions, I entered the country quickly and conveniently, making the most of my visa-free stay in Vietnam.
Fast-track entry procedures for visa-free visitors
When I came to Vietnam as a tourist visa-free, I find that understanding immigration procedures saves time and avoids unnecessary trouble.
- Normal procedures upon entry: When I get to the airport, I just need to show valid passport and relevant document sat the Security gate. If I meet all the visa exemption conditions, I can go straight without having to queue for visa procedures. The processing time depends number of visitors entering the country at that time.
- Fast-track service at the airport (optional): To save more time, I can use the serviceFast-trackwith costs from30 USD – 65 USD. This service includes: Guide through Priority Security Door, reducing waiting time; Staff welcome at the entry area and assist in completing procedures quickly. With a full package (Full Fast Track),I also get supportpick up luggage and hand it over to the person picking up, especially useful if I carry a lot of luggage or travel with family.
Thanks to Fast-track, my immigration experience became smoother, faster, more convenient and more comfortable, especially when going to a crowded airport or traveling on a tight schedule.
05 Notes on visa exemption extension in Vietnam
When I entered Vietnam as a tourist visa-free, I realized that the length of stay is limited, so please be aware of the issues regarding extensions to avoid violating immigration laws when you travel Vietnam.
- Cannot be renewed in Vietnam: If you enter with a visa exemption, you cannot be extended directly in Vietnam, as visa exemption programs come into effect temporarily and limited.
- Visa run, leave Vietnam and return: A popular way to continue your stay is toleave Vietnam for neighboring countries like Laos, Cambodia, Thailand or Singapore, then return with the new visa exemption.
- Apply for 90-day e-visa: If you do not want to leave Vietnam, you can apply for 90-day e-visa through sites like Vietnam-visa.com to continue staying legally.
- Track length of stay: You always need to pay attention to the visa exemption expiration dateon the entry stamp to avoid fines or refusal of entry or exit.
- Compliance with entry purposes: Even if you want to renew, you still have to maintain lawful entry purposes, such as tourism, visiting relatives, official or business purposes, if violated, may be refused extension or handled according to Vietnamese law.
Conclusion
Through experience and research, I found that Vietnam’s visa exemption brings many conveniences to tourists from all over the world. For those wondering “Which countries do not need visa for Vietnam?”, mastering the length of stay, entry requirements, and airport express procedures helps me plan my trip more easily, avoiding unnecessary trouble.
