visa free travel vietnamese

Vietnamese Passport

The citizens of Vietnam can visit 25 countries without a visa.

Vietnamese passport holders also have access to get 46 e-visas or 16 visas on arrival .

Vietnam has a population of 97.3M people and the capital is Hanoi 🇻🇳.

Visa-free map

Nearby countries.

The nearest visa free countries to visit for Vietnamese passport holders are Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei .

Visa free countries

So, where can Vietnameses travel without a visa? We have listed all the countries where Vietnam citizens can travel visa-free, eliminating the hassle of visa paperwork.

• 🇧🇧 Barbados (90 days)
• 🇨🇱 Chile (90 days)
• 🇩🇲 Dominica (21 days)
• 🇵🇦 Panama (90 days)
• 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (3 month)
• 🇸🇷 Suriname (90 days)
• 🇧🇳 Brunei (14 days)
• 🇰🇭 Cambodia (30 days)
• 🇮🇩 Indonesia (30 days)
• 🇮🇷 Iran (15 days)
• 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan (30 days)
• 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan (60 days)
• 🇱🇦 Laos (30 days)
• 🇲🇾 Malaysia (30 days)
• 🇲🇳 Mongolia (30 days)
• 🇲🇲 Myanmar (30 days)
• 🇴🇲 Oman (14 days)
• 🇵🇭 Philippines (30 days)
• 🇸🇬 Singapore (30 days)
• 🇹🇭 Thailand (30 days)
• 🇵🇸 Palestine (N/A)
• 🇫🇲 Micronesia (30 days)
• 🇼🇸 Samoa (90 days)
• 🇨🇰 Cook Islands (31 days)
• 🇵🇳 Pitcairn Islands (14 days or less)

This data has been sourced from Wikipedia and was last updated on 4/1/2024.

• Laos visa free countries
• Cambodia visa free countries
• Singapore visa free countries

Vietnam passport visa free countries 2024

What are the visa-free countries for vietnam passport holders, what countries provide visa on arrival for vietnam passport holders, electronic travel authorization (eta) countries for vietnam citizens, which countries do vietnam citizens need to apply for an e-visa, list of countries requiring visas for vietnam citizens.

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• Vietnam Visa Requirements
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New policies from 15th August 2023

Vietnam grants e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories with 90-day stay duration and valid for multiple entry.

Citizens of 13 coutries enjoying unilateral visa exemption can stay in Vietnam up to 45 days.

Vietnam visa exemption

Vietnam's new visa policy effective from 15th August 2023 extends stay duration for 13 countries enjoying unilateral visa exemption from 15 days to 45 days, regardless of passport type and entry purpose. The 13 coutries include: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus.

Below is the full list of 25 countries +Kazakhstan that are exempted from visa requirement:

Brunei, Myanmar, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, The UK, The Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Chile, Panama.

VIETNAM ELECTRONIC VISA (E-VISA) 

From 15th August 2023, Vietnam grants e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories with 90-day stay duration and valid for multiple entry.

Here is the list of border gates that allowed foreigners enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa.

13 international airports: Noi Bai (Ha Noi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Nang, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Phu Bai (Thua Thien Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Cat (Binh Dinh), Lien Khuong (Lam Dong).

16 land border gates: Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang).

13 sea border gates: Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau (Ba Ria - Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang).

Simply apply online for your tourist E-visa . You will receive your code by email to print your visa or access via official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department

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25 countries that enjoy Vietnam’s visa exemption

• Tắt chia sẻ

• Vietnam Passport Visa-Free Countries List

• Evisa.Express
• Requirements
• Visa Free Countries

Vietnamese passport visa-free information

There are a few things that Vietnam passport holders should know before going to another country.

As the 90th country in the world, according to the Passport index, Vietnamese passport holders have quite a few restrictions on where they can go without a required visa.

There are 28 visa-free countries open for Vietnamese citizens. 33 countries accept electronic visas and 32 destinations offer a visa on arrival.

A visa-free countries list is being constantly updated, so each time Vietnamese citizens plan to visit a country, they should check whether it offers visa-free access for Vietnam passport holders or not.

Adventures for Vietnamese citizens with visa-free travel 

If you're looking for an adventure and want to explore new places, you should consider traveling to visa-free countries. There are several countries without a required visa.

If you're willing to take the risk, traveling without a visa can be a great way to see new places and meet new people. Of course, getting familiar with the Vietnam passport visa-free countries list is essential before your travel begins.

How to successfully apply for a Vietnamese passport 

Applying for a Vietnam passport is a simple process that can be completed at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

To apply, you will need to submit a completed application form, two photographs, and your original birth certificate.

The application fee varies and depends on an applicant's age. For more information on how to apply for a Vietnam passport, please visit the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

If you want to obtain a Vietnam passport, you should know that the document will allow you to travel to many destinations with no required visa.

Thus you will save time and money, and you will plan a trip without being overwhelmed by formalities. Vietnam passport visa-free countries are numerous. Read on and find out where to go with no required visa.

Vietnamese enjoy many advantages when traveling visa-free 

One of the great things about traveling is that it broadens your horizons and gives you a new perspective on the world.

However, dealing with visas can be a real pain, and it can often be expensive and time-consuming to obtain the required visa.

Luckily, many countries are enlisted on a visa-free countries list that you can visit without applying for travel authorization.

Nothing is lost if you cannot find your motherland among many visa-free countries; there is still a chance that an electronic travel authorization with an entirely online application is accepted.

28 countries where Vietnamese passport holders can enter without a visa

Vietnam passport visa-free countries list:.

• Philippines
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Kish Island and Qeshm Island
• Brest and Grodno
• Northern Cyprus
•  Transnistria
•  Cook Islands
•  Pitcairn Islands

Vietnamese citizens can also travel to 32 countries with a visa on arrival and 33 countries with an electronic visa.

Visa on arrival countries

• Guinea-Bissau
• Marshall Islands
•   Nepal
• Saint Lucia
• Sierra Leone
• Timor-Leste

Electronic visa countries

• Papua New Guinea
• Antigua and Barbuda
• South Sudan
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Saint Helena
•  Montserrat

How can travelers find out if their destination is a visa-free country?

There's nothing worse than planning a trip only to find out that you need a visa to enter your destination country. Fortunately, there are a few ways to check whether or not you'll need a required visa.

You will find the most up-to-date information on the required visa at embassies. You can also use the above list or look for it on the embassy's website.

What should I do if my travel destination is not a visa-free country?

If you choose a destination with a required visa, there's no need to panic - obtaining a visa is usually fairly straightforward.

The first step is to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting.

Next, you fill out the required forms and gather other required documentation. The visa processing time can vary, so applying as early as possible is essential.

In the end, you just wait for the passport issue.

Travel preparation to non-visa-free countries

Visiting places with a required visa can be a bit more work than traveling to a country where you don't need a travel permit.

The first step is to ensure you have the necessary documents, like the passport, the required visa, and sometimes a vaccination certificate.

Usually, you can apply for a travel permit at the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting. Be sure to reserve enough time for going through the paperwork.

And finally, familiarize yourself with the customs and culture of your destination. Learning a few key phrases in the local language will go a long way toward making your trip more enjoyable.

Should I research the visa requirements of the country I plan to visit?

No matter where you're traveling, it's always important to do your research in advance. This is especially true when it comes to visa requirements, as each country has its own rules and regulations.

Failure to obtain the required visa can result in being turned away at the border, so it's important to know what is needed before you travel.

The best way to find out the visa requirements of a particular country is to contact the embassy or consulate.

Ecuador Passport Visa-Free Countries READ MORE

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• General Information

Vietnam Visa Exemption

• Special notes
• Map of visa-exempt countries
• List of countries with e-visa eligibility
• What is Vietnam visa exemption?
• Ordinary passports
• Diplomatic passports
• 5 year visa exemption for Overseas Vietnamese
• Phu Quoc Visa exemption
• APEC card visa exemption
• What to prepare
• How to extend
• Processing time & fee
• Exemption policy updates
• Frequently asked questions

As of 2024, citizens of 25 countries can travel to Vietnam without having to apply for a visa. To enter Vietnam, you only need a valid passport with at least two blank pages for stamping. You can find the full list of visa-free countries below. However, if your country is not on the visa exemption list, then you will need to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam.

• British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for the 15-day free visa exemption. Hence, BNO passport holders are required to obtain a valid visa to visit Vietnam.
• Foreign passports are exempt from visa requirements to Phu Quoc island for no longer than 30 days. If they transit through other international airports in Vietnam before arriving Phu Quoc, they are still eligible for the exemption.
• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders with valid passports are exempt from Vietnam visa requirements for stay of no longer than 60 days.
• From July 01, 2020, the 30-day gap between 2 entries was removed . Therefore, visitors from visa-free countries can exit and re-enter Vietnam immedately without having to wait 30 days.
• There is a proposal for 45-day visa-exempt stay for travelers from European countries, Japan and South Korea. Update: This proposal was approved on 24/06/2023. ( See our news & updates )

List of countries with visa-free entry (2024)

Vietnam visa-waiver policy 2024.

Vietnam visa exemption (also called visa waiver or visa-free policy) is Government’s policy when a foreigner can enter and stay in Vietnam for a certain period of time without applying for a visa and paying related visa fees. Accordingly, foreigners must be citizens of one of the 25 countries eligible for Vietnam visa exemption and comply with the attached conditions. 

Visa exemption in brief

List of countries with visa exemption

In regard to Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP issued on 15 March 2022, there are a total of 25 countries that are exempted from the Vietnam visa. Foreigners just need an ordinary passport which is valid for 6 months minimum and includes 2 blank pages for the stamp. Besides, Vietnam supports many other foreigners with diplomatic passports to enter Vietnam without a visa.

Citizens with an ordinary passport from one of the 25 following countries will be waived from a visa to Vietnam:

With a diplomatic passport, foreigners can enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for 15 to 90 days.

Reference: The list below is based on data obtained from the official website: https://lanhsuvietnam.gov.vn/

Other visa exemptions

Apart from 25 countries whose citizens are eligible for the visa exemption as listed above, there are some other visa-free categories you can refer to.

According to Clause 5, Article 12 in the Law of entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners, Vietnam Government grants a 5-year visa exemption to the following objects:

• Overseas Vietnamese having a valid passport or international travel documents issued by competent foreign agencies and foreigners who are their spouses and children.
• Foreigners who are spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens.

A 5-year visa waiver allows foreigners/overseas Vietnamese to enter and exit Vietnam at any time during 5 years but the maximum stay for each entry is not exceeding 180 days. If you do not want to exit and en-enter Vietnam, you must extend your visa to continue to stay. The extension time is up to 180 days (6 months).

Requirements

To get a 5-year visa waiver, you have to submit all required documents at the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your residing country if you are staying outside Vietnam or at Vietnam Immigration Office if you are currently staying in Vietnam territory.

For the development of Phu Quoc Island (Kien Giang Province), Vietnam issued Decision 80/2013/QĐ-TTg on 27/12/2013 that foreigners can enter, exit, and stay on Phu Quoc Island without a Vietnam visa for no longer than 30 days. The decision is applied to both foreigners entering Vietnam directly on Phu Quoc Island and those transiting at a Vietnam border gate (airport or seaport) and moving to Phu Quoc Island thereafter.

In order to enter Vietnam with a Phu Quoc visa exemption, foreigners have to follow some requirements below:

• Owning a passport with 6-month validity upon arrival date.
• Flying from your residing country to Phu Quoc via Phu Quoc International Airport. No matter if direct/indirect/transit flights, your final destination must be Phu Quoc.
• A valid exit date (air ticket, cruise departure date, etc.) showing your duration of stay on Phu Quoc island is no longer than 30 days.
• Only airport or seaport is available for this visa type.

APEC card or APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a card granted to eligible senior government officials and business travelers by APEC (The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation). This card is used to support business trips within the APEC region for a short period of time.

Foreigners holding an APEC Business Travel Card and having a valid passport are exempted from the Vietnam visa for up to 60 days. Moreover, fast entry and exit through APEC’s separate lanes at the airport will be provided for foreigners with this visa waiver.

Each country in APEC has a distinct policy to grant an ABTC but applicants need to comply with some fundamental requirements including:

• Being citizens of economies participating in APEC
• Having a valid passport or equivalent travel document
• Business persons who frequently travel within the APEC region for a short term stay
• Government officials engaged in APEC business meeting certain requirements

Visa exemption extensions

As foreigners with a visa exemption certificate are allowed to stay in Vietnam for a certain period of time, you need to apply for an exemption extension if you want to continue to stay in Vietnam.

• Sponsored by Vietnamese agencies/organizations for reasonable reasons.
• Overseas Vietnamese and foreigners who are spouses or children of overseas Vietnamese or Vietnamese citizens holding foreign passports or equivalent international travel documents with at least 1 year of validity.
• Not being prohibited from entering or suspended from exiting Vietnam.
• A valid passport, or equivalent international travel documents, or permanent residence permit issued by a competent authority in a residing country to overseas Vietnamese.
• Application form for stay extension (Form NA5).
• Visa exemption certificate.
• Step 1 : Prepare all required documents
• If application is approved, the receipt will be made and given to the applicant.
• If application is not sufficient, applicants are required to amend or supplement the documents as required.
• Step 3 : Pay fee and get the visa exemption extension

Applicants present the receipt to Immigration Officer to get a response, pay the fee and sign for confirmation.

Processing time & fee

The review process for visa exemption extension is 05 working days. Applicants must pay a fee of USD10 after the review process finishes to get the certificate.

Since March 15, 2022, citizens of 13 countries unilaterally exempted from Vietnam visas for a period of 15 days, regardless of purposes, do not need to wait for at least 30 days from the last exit date to re-enter Vietnam on a unilateral visa-free basis. This is the most updated policy according to Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP by the Prime Minister.

Previously, all foreigners entering Vietnam under unilateral visa exemption must be at least 30 days from the time of their last exit from Vietnam regarding the provisions of Law No. 47/2014/QH13.

Questions and Answers (75)

I am UK citizen but my wife is USA CITIZEN. We are docking for only one day in Vietnam from cruise ship. Does she need a visa?

@Maria Wooldridge, if you do not exit the cruise ship or pass through customs at the entry port, you do not need a visa in this case.

As a Danish citizen, I can travel to Vietnam, then to Japan, then back to Vietnam and later back to Denmark within a 20 day period without having to apply for a visa - is that correct? I’m struggling to find decent documentation for it being allowed to have multiple entries without a visa.

@Heidi Sorensen, as long as each of your stays in Vietnam does not exceed 45 days, you can enter and exit as many times as you want. No visa is required!

We are Australians and will be on a cruise ship visiting 3 Vietnamese ports in March 2024. We have no intention of getting off the ship, as we have been to Vietnam several times already. Do we need a visa? Thanks

@Barbara Campbell, if you do not plan to disembark for offshore excursions or pass through the port immigration checkpoint, you will not require a visa.

Hello, Is it possible to enter Vietnam at the landport Nam Kan for a German citizen with the Visa exemption? Or is an e-visa necessary to enter Vietnam at a landport?

@Jan Moritz Ellinghaus, indeed, the exemption policy is applicable at all entry points in Vietnam. Therefore, you can enter Vietnam through the Nam Can landport without any issues.

How long can German citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?

As of August 15, 2023, German citizens are allowed to enter Vietnam without a visa for a period of up to 45 days.

We will be on Carnival Cruise Line in October 2024 with one port stop in Phu My (Ho Chi Minh) for one day (no overnight stay in port) we are United States citizens do we need a visa?

Hello, it depends on whether you will pass through the Immigration checkpoint for an offshore excursion or stay on the cruise. If you choose to stay on the cruise, no visa is required. However, if you plan to participate in the offshore excursion, you will need one.

Hello! I am planning a trip into Vietnam via the river from Phnom Penh in Cambodia. I’m a UK national and can see that we are eligible for 45 day visa free entry, is this still something I can acquire at the at the border crossing from the ferry?

Hello, you will just need your valid passport for entry into Vietnam, no additional documents are required.

I will be in Vietnam from February 10 to March 14, 2024. Single entry….Which e-visa do I need and the price please. THANKS

Hello, as your stay is more than 30 days, you can apply for a 90-day single-entry visa, which will cost 25 USD if you apply directly on the official website.

Hello! I am a South African passport holder living in Hong Kong and I am travelling to Phu Quoc tomorrow and I am wondering if I am exempt from needing a visa? My flight is not a direct flight to Phu Quoc as I land in Hanoi first before flying to Phu Quoc.

In your situation, a visa is required. To be eligible for a Phu Quoc visa exemption, you must fly directly to Phu Quoc and stay for no longer than 30 days.

Hi I’m crossing the border by land from Cambodia into Vietnam on the 24/12/23 I’ve got a uk passport I’m ready loads of different things but do I need a visa by land?

@Aaron Wells, If you hold a valid UK passport, you can enter Vietnam for a 45-day visa-free stay, either by land or air, without any issues.

I have an Irish Passport how do I get a visa for Vietnam?

@Maureen Mc Daid, You can apply for an e-visa via the government website, or if you are flying to Vietnam by air in emergency situations, you can apply for an approval letter for a visa on arrival.

We land in hcmc on 9th Jan and fly out of hanoi on March 27th with VA. We will be visiting cambodia in the middle of iur stay for 3 weeks. Can we use 45 day visa free when we first land in vietman. We have nothing booked yet for cambidia.

Yes, that's fine. Once you exit Vietnam, you can re-enter with a new 45-day visa exemption.

Hello, I will travel to Vietnam and stay there for 17 days, then travel to Australia for 1 week before heading back to Vietnam for another 2 days. I have a Norwegian passport. Do I need to apply for a visa?

@Leo, No, you do not need a visa for Vietnam for both entries.

is there any limit on the number of entries for visa-exemption passport holders? A german passport holder can enter Vietnam on 19 - 23 November 2023 and again on 28-30 November 2023 visa free? Or he needs to apply for a visa for 28-30November 2023?

@Tania Babina, once you exit Vietnam, you can immediately re-enter with a new visa exemption. There is no wait time required between each entry for the new visa-exempt stay.

Hey. I have Finnish passport and I left Vietnam 16th of October, can I enter there again tomorrow 14th November?

Yes, that is fine. You can enter Vietnam tomorrow for another 45-day visa-free stay.

We have two long layovers in Vietnam on our way to and from a trip to Taiwan. If we enter Vietnam using the 15 day UK visa exemption at Ho Chi Minh on our way out, are we still eligible for a second 15 day UK visa exemption at Hanoi on our way back two weeks later? I don't want to find that we are unable to exit the airport at Hanoi (longer layover and I want to visit the city more). Any advice?

UK passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for stays up to 45 days; therefore, you can enter Vietnam for tourism purposes or for connecting flights to other countries without a visa in both cases.

Hi, I live in Ireland and am travelling to Thailand and then to Vietnam. I am hoping to stay in Vietnam for approx 45 days, what kind of visa do I need?

You can apply for a 3 month single entry Evisa to stay in Vietnam for a trip of less than 90 days.

Hello, I live in Usa , I am a permanent resident but my passport is still european citizen. I am flying to Vietnam , Hanoi at the end of January through Hong Kong for 4 days, can I ask what kind of visa I need?

If you plan to stay in Vietnam for 4 days, you can apply for a 30-day e-visa on your Romanian passport. You can use the e-visa to fly to Vietnam from either the USA or Romania.

Hi. Do Australian passport holders require a transit visa to transit through Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh enroute from London to Sydney? Onward travel within 24 hours.

@Tina Hopkins, If you remain in the transit area, a visa is not required for your connecting flight.

Can I use eVisa to enter the Hanoi cruise port and tour the Halong Bay?

@Raymond Liu, That is fine; the e-visa is valid for both sea and air entry. There is no problem with entering Vietnam through any eligible seaport.

Hi, Me and my family are Malaysian citizens visiting from KL to Hong Kong will get a transit pass through immigration at HCMH airport on the 22nd and on 29th we will fly back from Hong Kong to HCMH and have a couple days stay at the city. Do i need to apply e-visa for the multiple entry?

@Jasmine, You do not need a visa for both of your entries mentioned above, as long as your stay for each entry does not exceed 30 days.

We are UK citizens visiting Vietnam on 25th October until 28th November, returning on 2nd November until 18th November. Am I covered by the visa waiver?

@Mandy FORREST, UK passports are exempt from visa requirements for up to 45 days per entry. Therefore, you do not need a visa for your travel from October 25th to November 28th (2 entries).

My wife and I are Danish citizens and Will visit Vietnam from Thailand for app. 21 days. Are we required to apply for visa?

@Jonas Nielsen, As a Danish passport holder, you are exempt from a visa for Vietnam for a maximum of up to 45 days.

We are US citizens visiting Philippine, Singapore for 3 days and Vietnam for 4 days, Our flight to Vietnam is coming from Singapore how do we apply for visa?

@Maria Luz Soriano, US passports are eligible for the e-visa; therefore, you can apply for an e-visa to visit Vietnam from Singapore.

Our cruise ship will stay at Phu My for one day, 20 November. We are EU passport holders (The Netherlands). Do we need a visa to go onshore that day? And do we need a visa if we stay on the ship that day?

@Michael Kuczynski, Dutch passport holders are still required a visa for Vietnam. If you plan to go onshore, you will need to apply for a visa. However, if you choose to stay onboard and not pass through the immigration counter, a visa is not required.

Hi I’m a British National travelling from Cambodia to Vietnam, staying in Vietnam for a total of 17 days. Do I need a visa?

@Tilly grossman, No, you do not need a visa for 17 day stay. UK passport holders are eligible for the 45-day visa free exemption policy!

Hi, I have an Italian and Argentinean passport (double citizenship) can I use my Italian passport to avoid the visa requirement?

@Santiago Cicchetti, Yes, you can use the Italian passport for entering Vietnam for a 45-day visa-free stay.

I will arrive to Vietnam on the 14th AUG and will fly to Thailand on the 29th AUG, will I need to apply for Visa or can I enter with visa free entry? How long does it take for me to enter Vietnam again with the visa free entry? Can I return to Vietnam immediately?

@Toddington Toons, There is a total of 15 days between August 14th and August 29th. Therefore, you do not need a visa in this case, and once you exit Vietnam, you can re-enter immediately without having to wait for a couple of days.

There are supposed to be changes to the free entry regulations (British passport holders can now enter for up to 30 days without a visa from 15th August). If I fly to Thailand and back from Vietnam on 15th August can I then stay for 30days after that? (I arrived in Vietnam on 1st August and entered without a visa).

@Alice Ledzion, The 45-day visa exemption policy has been approved; however, we are still unsure if UK passports are included in the exemption list. Please check back on our website after 15 August for further information and updates.

https://www.myvietnamvisa.com/vietnam-visa-policy-updates-news.html

I have a British passport and am visiting for 15 days. I’m getting a bus from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh, is it still visa free at the land borders?

@Carla, Yes, you can enter Vietnam at any land borders, there is no restriction on that.

I hold an Australian passport, but are currently in China and want to cross over into Hanoi via Xishuangbanna for about 2 weeks to visit a friend. Do I need a visa?

@Nick, Yes, Australian passport holders still require a valid visa for Vietnam. You can either contact the embassy of Vietnam in China for visa instructions or apply online for an e-visa for entry via a land border.

I have an Irish passport do I need a visa for Vietnam. I will be staying 10 days!

@Gill Knight, Yes, we are afraid that Irish passports still require a visa for Vietnam regardless the length of your stay!

I am British, my wife Spanish, therefore we are Visa exempt, we are in Hanoi, our 7th day in Vietnam, can we leave Vietnam to visit Hong Kong, and then return back to Vietnam?

@Michael Warwick, Yes, you can immediately return Vietnam for another 15 day visa-free stay from Hong Kong!

Hi! I am a US Passport holder, however, I also have a valid APEC Business Travel Card. Am I still required to get a visa prior to entering Vietnam?

@Richard Ferrin, As an APEC travel card holder, you are exempt from visa requirements for Vietnam for 60 days. Therefore, you do not need a visa for your entry to Vietnam.

Hi! I hold a British Passport so can visit visa-free for 15 days but how about my boyfriend? He holds an Irish passport. Will he need a visa?

@HELEN CHAN, Yes, Irish passport holders are still required a valid visa to visit Vietnam. Your friend can apply for an e-visa online, which will allow him to stay in the country for 30 days.

Hi, I am US citizen and have a US passport, but I was born in Vietnam. Based on your information here, I can qualify for a visa exemption, and my US-born spouse and US-born child can also qualify for the visa exemption, is that correct? We are going to live in Vietnam for about 4 months sometime next year so my child can learn Vietnamese. What is the turnaround time for the visa exemption application and how much does it cost if I do the process myself versus hiring you to do that for me?

@Hang Ngo, To answer your question, may we know if you still hold a Vietnamese ID or birth certificate?

We are currently in Cambodia, and plan to travel to Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow by bus. Can we get a visa on arrival at the land border, or do we need to apply for an e-visa?

@Josh Peacock, UK passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 15 days, whether entering Vietnam by bus or air from Cambodia. Therefore, you do not need to apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival.

Hi. My Family and I, with danish passports, will be in Vietnam from 1-22 November 2023. We will travel one or two days to Singapore during this period. Will we need a visum for this period (due to the new visum rules rom 15th august 2023)?

@Benedikte Johansen, You do not need a visa for Vietnam as long as your stay is less than 15 days. If you exit and re-enter from Singapore, you can immediately return with a new 15-day visa exemption!

Hello. I have a British passport and my wife and two children have Japanese passports. We will have a one-day stay in July and another one-day in August. We don’t need a visa for that, right? I’ve tried calling the embassy in Tokyo many times but cannot get through.

@Michael Prime, Yes, you (UK passport) and your family members holding Japanese passports do not need a visa for either entry as long as your stays are less than 15 days on each occasion.

Hi. We’re from the uk and we travel to Vietnam staying in Ho Chi Minh City for 5 days. We then travel to Cambodia for 6 days. We then return to Vietnam for a further 12 days. As they are two separate visits do we qualify for visa exemption?

@Richard Hope, You do not need a visa for both entries as your stays are less than 15 days.

Hi, I am a Polish citizen with a Polish passport and want to visit Vietnam in mid-September for 2 weeks. I then want to visit neighbouring countries Cambodia & Laos and re-enter Vietnam for another week in November. Can I apply for a multiple entry, 90-day e-visa or need 2 separate 30-day visas? Thanks in advance for your help!

@Michal Z, Starting from 15 August, 2023, you will be able to apply for a 3 month multiple entry e-visa. That will cover your whole trip in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia without having to apply for 2 seperate visas.

Hello, I am an Australian Citizen with a current Passport. I will be on a cruise ship with excursions to Nha Trang (9 Hours) & Ho Chi Minh City (11 Hours). Do I need a Visa?

@Doris Waters, We are afraid that you still need a visa for this short cruise excursions. As an Australian citizen, you are eligible for the 30-day e-visa scheme. You can apply online and use the e-visa for your entry into Vietnam.

Hey I’m US citizen and my passport expire July 2024 planning to stay for 41 days can I still apply for visa to stay for 41 days?

@Hoang le, Sure, you can apply for a 3 month e-visa to cover your 41-day trip in Vietnam!

Hi I am a UK citizen travelling to Phuket from Singapore by cruise ship. The ship will be docked only for the day. Do I need a visa?

@Maureen Westgarth, You do not need a visa for your cruise trip if you visit Vietnam for less than 15 days!

Hi, I am an Italian citizen arriving in Vietnam on the 19th of July and will leave from Bangkok, Thailand on the 2nd of August. I don't have any train or bus ticket going from Vietnam to Thailand as I was thinking of buying it there, however I do have a flight ticket from Bangkok to Italy. Will this be enough for proof of onward travel, even if I don't have bus/train/flight tickets from Vietnam to Thailand?

@Mauro Camara, In most cases, it is not required to provide proof of onward travel and you can book your train/flight tickets to Bangkok later when you are in Vietnam!

hello there, Im a uk citizen, I will be entering Vietnam from Laos on the 21st July, then traveling down Vietnam and leaving Vietnam for Cambodia on the 3rd august (14 days). I was wondering when I enter Vietnam do I need proof of my exit, so they know Im not staying longer than the 15 days ? if so what would proof be? bus tickets?

@rob redwood, You can show your onward travel proof, such as a flight reservation or bus tickets; however, in most cases, this information is not required!

Hey, I'm a UK citizen, I arrived in Vietnam on the 4th of June - was able to stay 15 days so on the 16th I went to the border to Nam Phao, which i was turned away due to not having the exit documents - I then went to Lao Bao and was given another 15days when I entered (visa free). When I leave from Ho Chi Min airport on the 30th - what do I need to have in order to leave?

@Filippo Romano, As we know, for stays of less than 15 days under the visa exemption, no exit documents are required at Ho Chi Minh City airport.

Hello I am a UK citizen. I arrive in Vietnam on the 20th June (10.50am) and leave on the 6th July (15.45pm). So 15 and a half days. Annoyingly I didn't know I could stay 15 days without a visa. Do I still need a visa? Thanks

@Morgan, There are a total of 17 days between 20 June to 06 July, therefore, you will need a visa for this stay!

Hi, I am a UK passport holder and am planning on flying to Hanoi and staying for 7 days before flying out to Bali for 2 weeks and then returning to Vietnam at Ho Chi Minh for 2 nights and then flying home. Do I need to apply for a visa for this trip as I will be entering Vietnam twice? Thank you.

@Nicole R, You do not need visa for those entries as both of them are less than 15 days!

Hi, I am a Portuguese citizen, so I will need a visa right?

@Andreia Roldao, Yes, Portuguese passports are still required a valid visa to visit Vietnam!

Hi there, thanks for all the useful information. I'm a UK passport-holder and will be travelling to Vietnam for 15 nights. (arrive 4th January, depart 19th January) I guess that technically this trip would therefore be 15 nights/16 days. Does that mean that I will need to apply for a visa? I'll be in Phuc Quoc for 4 nights, if that makes a differnce. Thanks in advance for any advice.

@Jordan G, Based on the information you have provided, we recommend that you apply for a 30-day visa to cover your entire trip, as you would overstay the 15-day visa exemption by one day. The visit to Phu Quoc does not make any difference to this requirement, as it is considered part of your overall trip to Vietnam.

Hi ! As a Mexican national that holds a US Visa, can I enter the country as of of the visa exemptions, or should I apply for the eVisa?

@Juan Jose Medina, As of June 2023, Mexican passports are still required a valid visa to visit Vietnam and you are eligible to apply for the e-visa online.

I understand I can enter Vietnam as a UK passport for up to 15 days I am entering Vietnam on 15th September 2023 for 13 days and leaving on the 27th September 2023 for Cambodia, which is acceptable under the visa exemption policy we can enter and leave without a e-visa. We will be returning to Vietnam 7 days later via Song Tien land port arriving 4th October 2023. On our second entry on the 4th October 2023 do we need an e-visa? or are we allowed entry through the visa exemption policy for up to 15 days?

@Richard D, You do not need a visa for these two entries, as both of them are less than 15 days. When you exit Vietnam, you can re-enter with a new 15-day visa exemption.

My wife and I are British citizen and we will be visiting Vietnam in November am I right in thinking we can enter under the Vietnam visa exemption. Kind regards Graham

@Graham Jeffers, UK/British passports are exempt from visa for Vietnam for 15 days. Therefore, if your stay is less than 15 days, you do not need a visa for this visit!

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam from Australia for an eight night stay?

@Maz, Yes, a visa is still required for Australian passports visiting Vietnam, as of June 2023. Thank you!

Hi, I have a UK passport and will land in Hanoi on July 6th, but plan on heading straight into Laos that day or the next. I will re-enter Vietnam around the 16th and fly out of Hanoi on the 3rd of August. Am I correct in thinking that my initial landing on the 6th will fall under the 15 day tourist exemption, and I can cover the longer stay with the E-Visa? Thanks in advance

@Joel, Yes, that is correct. You can enter Vietnam for a 15-day visa-free stay on your first entry, and then you can apply for an e-visa to return to Vietnam on 16 June to cover the second part of your trip.

Im having a US Passport. I'll be arriving from USA to Hanoi on Sunday June 18. I plan to visit Malaysia on Wednesday June 21, and return to Hanoi on Saturday June 24. Then fly out of Hanoi same day Saturday June 24 night. What kind of visa would I need for this multiple entry in short window?

@Joe, If your return flight to Vietnam is just for a transit and you do not plan to exit the airport, you may not need a visa in this case.

My wife is a Russian citizen so Vietnam is visa free for her and I am an Indian passport holder so i can also get any visa free or visa on arrival as spouse of visa free country passport holder ??

@MJ, That is not the case, you still require a valid visa to visit Vietnam as an Indian passport holder !

I'm staying in Vietnam for 15 days, but I'm having trip to Penang for 5 days do I need a multi entry visa?

@teddy, If you hold a valid UK passport, you can fly to Penang and return Vietnam for another 15-day visa exemption! No visa is required for both trips if they are less than 15 days!

My husband and I are Canadian passport holder on a celebrity cruise next March,2024 . Our cruise starts in Hong Kong ,and will be docks in Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh . Do we need a visa or cruise will arrange for us .Jenny Canada May 27, 2023

@Jenny Tam, Yes, you will need a visa for your entry to Vietnam by cruise. You can either contact the cruise operator for visa assistance or apply for an e-visa for visiting Halong bay and Ho Chi Minh city.

I'm a UK passport holder on a princess cruise next February. My cruise starts in Singapore, but docks on two consecutive days in Vietnam. Will the UK visa exemption cover me for this? Ports are Nha Trang and Phu My.

@Sarah, You do not need a visa in this case as the 15-day visa-free exemption will cover both entries to the two mentioned ports.

My sister arrives from UK to Hong Kong, then from Hong Kong we will travel to Hoi An. We're both British Passport holders, does she/we still need a visa to enter Vietnam?

@Betsy, You do not need a visa if your stay in Vietnam is less than 15 days.

I’m from Myanmar. We will go to visit the whole country starting from 23rd May and return on 7th June, so total 16 days. For 2 days overstay, how can we do?

@Nick, Myanmar passports are exempt from visa requirements for Vietnam for up to 14 days. Therefore, if you plan to stay longer than 14 days, you will need to obtain a visa for your entry.

Hi I have a Mexico passport, planning to go for 8 days. Do I need a visa?

@Orlando, Yes, you still require a visa for your entry to Vietnam regardless of the duration of your stay.

Hi, We plan to arrive in Hanoi on May 20th, then leave on the 22nd to go to laos for 4 nights. We return on the 26th and leave again on 3rd June to go to Bali. We then arrive back on the 16th June for 1 night before leaving to travel home to the UK. Total days in Vietnam = 14 but entry in and out =3. Do we need any visa and if so which one?

@Timothy Rhodes, You do not need a visa for all entries into Vietnam as long as you stay for no longer 15 days for each entry!

Hello, I am a Myanmar Passport holder and I will need to re-enter Vietnam after just a few days of leaving from Vietnam. Will I need to apply for a visa for re-entering?

@Poe, No, you can re-enter for another 21-day under visa exemption. No visa is required in your case!

Hi I am a Filipino and I am visiting Vietnam for 15 days then I will visit Singapore for 5 days. I want to go back to Vietnam for another 20 days visit. Does the count for my 21 day max stay start anew after I re enter Vietnam from Singapore?

@Jovie, Your exemption period will start again from the date you enter Vietnam from Singapore. Therefore, you can stay for another 21 days without any issues.

Hi. I am a UK passport holder. I'm wanting to visit Vietnam for 4 days before going to visit Singapore for 5 days and then return to Vietnam for 5 days. Am I allowed to do this without purchasing a visa as it is still within the 15 day stay?

@Liam Hale, As long as you stay for no longer 15 days for each entry, you can exit and return Vietnam anytime you wish!

Hi! I'm still a Filipino/Philippine citizen but a U.S. Greencard holder (legal resident in U.S.A). But Im not a U.S. Citizen yet. As a Philippine passport holder (with U.S. greencard), do I need to apply for Vietnam visa?

@Katrina Arceo, As long as you still hold a valid Philippine passport, you are eligible for the visa-waiver policy for 21 days.

I am travelling from Thailand to Vietnam i am a uk 🇬🇧 citizen and my girlfriend is a Thai citizen do we both need visa’s?

@Andrew Wright, Hereunder you find the exempt-visa period for both passports:

• Thai passorts: 30 days
• UK passports: 15 days

We are new zealand citizens travelling from Cambodia to Vietnam for 5 days will I require visa?

@Gablin Prasad, Yes, New Zealand passports still need a valid visa to visit Vietnam regardless your length of stay!

Can US citizen’s stay 15 days or less no visa?

@Josiah, US citizens must obtain a visa before entering Vietnam, regardless of the length of stay. Therefore, it is advise that you apply for a visa prior to visiting Vietnam.

We are traveling to Ho Chi Minh City on July 3, 2023 and we have booked a B&B. However, they do not reveal their address until 3 days before arrival. Can we apply for the evisa now? Or, do we apply for the landing visa at the airport?

@Ng Chong Fai, Yes, that is fine. You can just fill in the name of the hotel or B&B that you plan to stay or put the name of the street address where you will be staying at.

Do I need a flight and hotel booked before applying for an E-Visa?

@Haejin Mattsen, Yes if you apply on the official website, proof of flight booking and hotel reservation will be required!

Hi I am travelling to Vietnam on 15th or 17th of Nov and returning back to UK on 1st of December as a British citizen. But I will go to Thailand in-between for a week. Will I need a Vietnamese tourist multiple entry visa or do I get 15 days exemption each time I visit Vietnam?

@Sam Bayraktar, According to the new visa policy, you are allowed to re-enter Vietnam immediately after your trip in Thailand. Therefore, you do not a multi-entry visa in this case.

1. Do I have to prepare something for the entry procedure at the airport if I am exempted from the Vietnam visa?

No. If you are a citizen of 25 countries exempted from a visa, you only need to prepare a minimum 6-month valid passport with 2 blank pages for the check-in at the airport.

2. How long does it take to get a stay extension if my exemption of visa is expired?

The process of stay extension is 05 working days. It might take longer if your documents are not sufficient and need to be fixed or supplemented.

3. How many times can I apply for a visa exemption extension continuously?

Foreigners entering Vietnam with a visa waiver certificate can apply for the extension only once after arriving in Vietnam.

4. How long is the visa exemption certificate valid?

A visa exemption has a maximum validity of 5 years. However, it will expire 6 months in advance of the expiration of foreigners’ passports or valid equivalent international travel documents.

5. I overstay my visa exemption for 1 day, what can I do?

If you overstay your Vietnam visa for less than 3 days , you are not required to contact the Immigration office, instead you can go to the airport and pay the fine there upon exit, it is about 500,000 VND (~$23 US) fine per overstay day!

6. Can I use visa exemption for multiple entries in Vietnam?

According to the new policy in 2020, you can re-enter Vietnam with a new visa exemption certificate right after your exit date instead of waiting for 30 days as before. Please make sure your passport is 6 months valid and includes 2 pages for stamping the visa exemption certificate.

7. Is there a visa exemption for 45 days in Vietnam?

Yes, the Vietnamese Government is considering the proposal for a 45-day free-visa waiver program for travelers from certain markets such as European countries, South Korea, and Japan .

8. How long can I visit Vietnam without a visa?

The length of visa-free stay will depend on your nationality. Currently, citizens of the following countries are eligible for visa exemptions and can stay in Vietnam without a visa for the specified period of time:

• Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia for a stay of up to 30 days.
• Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Russia for a stay of up to 45 days.
• Laos and Cambodia for a stay of up to 30 days.
• Panama, Chile for a stay of up to 90 days.
• Philippines for a stay of up to 21 days.

Contact sales if you have additional questions.

Contact support if you already submitted your visa application on our website.

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Vietnam visa exemption – Country list for visa-free entry

Since 2023, Vietnam allows citizens from 25 countries to travel without the requirement of obtaining a visa beforehand. To enter Vietnam, all you need is a valid passport with a minimum of two blank pages available for visa stamps. The complete list of countries eligible for visa-free travel can be found below. However, if your country is not included in the visa exemption list, it is necessary to obtain a visa in order to enter Vietnam.

Important to know

• British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for the 15-day free visa exemption. Therefore, individuals holding BNO passports must obtain a valid visa in order to visit Vietnam.
• Foreign passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days when visiting Phu Quoc island. Even if they transit through other international airports in Vietnam before arriving in Phu Quoc, they are still eligible for this exemption.
• Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTC) with valid passports are exempt from Vietnam visa requirements for stays of up to 60 days.
• Since July 01, 2020, the previous 30-day gap requirement between two entries has been removed. Visitors from visa-free countries can now exit and re-enter Vietnam immediately without having to wait for 30 days.
• There is a proposal under consideration for a 45-day visa-exempt stay for travelers from European countries, Japan, and South Korea (Source: vnexpress )

List of countries for visa exemption

According to Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP released on 15th March 2022, there is a list of 25 countries whose citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter Vietnam. Foreign individuals from these countries simply require a valid ordinary passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and at least 2 blank pages for stamping purposes. Additionally, Vietnam extends visa-free entry to many individuals holding diplomatic passports.

What is Vietnam visa exemption?

Vietnam’s visa exemption policy, also known as visa waiver or visa-free policy, allows foreigners to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specific duration without the need to apply for a visa or pay visa fees. This policy is implemented by the government and applies to individuals who are citizens of one of the 25 eligible countries for Vietnam visa exemption, provided they meet the prescribed conditions.

Other visa exemptions

Phu quoc visa exemption.

The Phu Quoc Visa Exemption refers to a special policy that allows foreign passport holders to visit Phu Quoc Island, located in Vietnam, without the need for a visa. Under this exemption, travelers can stay on the island for a maximum period of 30 days. This policy applies to both tourist and business purposes.

It’s important to note that the visa exemption only applies to visits specifically to Phu Quoc Island. If you plan to visit other areas in Vietnam or transit through other international airports in the country before arriving at Phu Quoc, a valid visa is required.

To take advantage of the Phu Quoc Visa Exemption, you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
• Intend to stay in Phu Quoc for no longer than 30 days.
• Have a confirmed return ticket or onward travel arrangements.

It’s always advisable to double-check the current visa regulations and requirements before planning your trip to Phu Quoc, as immigration policies can change over time.

Certificate of visa exemption

The Certificate of Visa Exemption is an official document issued by the Vietnamese government that exempts certain individuals from the requirement of obtaining a visa to enter Vietnam. It serves as an alternative to a traditional visa and allows eligible travelers to visit Vietnam for a specific duration without the need for visa application and fees.

The Certificate of Visa Exemption is generally granted to the following categories of individuals:

• Vietnamese citizens living abroad: Vietnamese citizens who hold foreign passports or have acquired foreign nationalities are eligible for the certificate when returning to visit their home country.
• Foreign nationals with Vietnamese heritage: Individuals of Vietnamese descent, regardless of their nationality, can apply for the certificate to facilitate their visits to Vietnam.
• Individuals eligible for visa exemption agreements: Vietnam has bilateral agreements with certain countries that allow their citizens to enter Vietnam without a visa for a specified period. The Certificate of Visa Exemption serves as proof of eligibility under these agreements.

Staying longer than maximum days

If you wish to stay longer in Vietnam beyond the maximum duration allowed by your visa exemption, it is understandable as most visa exemptions only grant a stay of up to 15 days. While it is possible to extend your stay, the process can be quite cumbersome. Extension requests require sponsorship from Vietnamese agencies or organizations, and there are additional costs involved.

Considering the potential difficulties and expenses associated with extending a visa exemption, a more convenient option would be to apply for a Vietnam e-visa. The e-visa allows a longer stay of up to 30 days and can be easily obtained online. The application process is straightforward, and the cost is $25 USD.

Read here how to obtain an Vietnam e-visa .

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Vietnam Visa-Free Countries List in 2023

Planning to visit Vietnam? Check if you are eligible for a visa-free entry. If not, explore the other visa options available to you

25 Countries are exempted from the Vietnam visas

Citizens from these 25 countries can travel to Vietnam without a visa (as of 2023):

Condition to entry into Vietnam on a visa-free

Please make sure that:

1. Your passport is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Vietnam;

2. Your passport has at least 2 blank pages.

3. You do not fall into cases of not being allowed to enter Vietnam, including:

• Children under 14 years of age without parents, guardians, or authorized custodians.
• Forging papers or providing false information to obtain entry/exit/residence permits.
• Any person suffering from a mental disease or infectious disease that threatens the public health.
• Any person who was deported from Vietnam within the last 03 years.
• Any person who was compelled to leave Vietnam within the last 06 months.
• For reasons of epidemic prevention, natural disasters, national defense, national security, social order, and social safety.

Other visa options

If you are not from the countries listed above, or if you plan to stay in Vietnam for an extended period, you may consider applying for an e-visa. Starting from 15 August 2023, foreigners from all countries worldwide visiting Vietnam may be eligible for e-visas. The e-visa application process is easy, fast, convenient, and can be completed 100% online by you . It allows for a stay duration of 90 days with multiple entries. However, please note that the e-visa cannot be extended. Alternatively, you can explore applying for a Visitor Visa, Business Visa , Work Visa , or Investor Visa .

Should you require help in obtaining Vietnam visas promptly, please feel free to reach out to Nova Law.

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Embassy of the

Socialist republic of vietnam, in the united states of america.

• Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh (2014 - 2018)
• Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong (2011-2014)
• Ambassador Le Cong Phung (2008 - 2011)
• Ambassador Nguyen Tam Chien (2001 - 2007)
• Ambassador Le Van Bang (1995 - 2001)
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Search form

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 22:44:30 -0400

You are here

I. to apply for a visa to come to vietnam, you have the following options:.

For you best convenience in applying tourist visa to Viet Nam, you can leave the required information on our visa application assistant portal:  https://vnmvisa-assistant.web.app

1. APPLY AT THE EMBASSY (STANDARD VISA)

a) Apply in-person at the Embassy ;

b) Apply by mail to the Embassy .

Address and contacts: see Part IV below

2. APPLY THROUGH  THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT (EVISA)

Access the link administered by the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn)

Note: If have any difficulties or problems occur while applying for the e-visa, please contact the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security via email: [email protected] or hotline: +84.24.382.640.26

II. Processing time (at the Embassy of Viet Nam)

1. If applicant hasn't had the letter of approval: Five (05) working days after submission of complete application with all required documentation and fee

* Expedited service: 1 (one) to 4 (four) working days upon your request (to be issued at the Embassy). In case applying by mail, kindly attach an Expedited service or URGENT note/label on your envelope or in your application package.

2. If applicant already had the letter of approval: Three (03) business days after submission of complete application with all required documentation and fee.

* Expedited service: 24-hour processing time (additional fee is required). Kindly attach an Expedited service or URGENT note/label on your envelope or in your application package.

*Note: You can request your hosting/ inviting organization or individual to carry out the procedures to request the competent authority of Vietnam to grant the approval

III. Other important notices

* Make sure you check all personal information printed on your visa. In case you find any inaccuracy, please contact the Embassy immediately for correction.

* Visa’s length and number of entries: your visa can be issued with the length and the number of entries not exceeding that indicated in the visa approval by the competent authority of Vietnam. US citizens can be granted multiple visas with the length up to 01 year.

* Duration of stay: the length of your visa validity is indicated on the visa. You can only enter Viet Nam from the date of entry printed on the visa and must leave by the end of the expiration date.

* The Embassy reserves the right to request further information and documentation from applicants and reject any visa application without explanation

IV. ​​​​   For more information (only for visa applicant at the Embassy) , please contact the Consular Division of the Embassy:

* Business hours: 9:00 A.M – 12:00 P.M and 02:00 P.M – 04:30 P.M from Monday through Friday, except on  Viet Nam and United States holidays .

- Address: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington D.C., 20036.

- Telephone: (202) 999 6589 (text message/call); (202) 716 8666 (text message/call); (202) 999 6938 (text message/call).

- Fax: 202-861-0917; Email:  [email protected]

• The Embassy
• Consular Services
• Vietnam - US Relations

Add: 1233 20th St NW, Ste 400, Washington, DC 20036

Tel: 202-861-0737

Consular emergency: 202-716-8666 

For visa inquiries only: 202-999-6589

Fax: 202-861-0917

[email protected] (consular affairs)

[email protected] (general information)

Hours of Operation (EST)

Embassy: Mon - Fri, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm    

Consulate: Mon - Fri, 09:00 am to 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Vietnam - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.                    Exercise normal precautions in Vietnam.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Vietnam.

 If you decide to travel to Vietnam:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Vietnam.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

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Quick Facts

Must have six months’ validity remaining.

One visa page required for entry stamp.

Not required.

None. However, Vietnamese Dong in excess of VND 15,000,000 or foreign currency in excess of 5,000 U.S. dollars or equivalent must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Hanoi - Consular Annex 170 Ngoc Khanh Ba Dinh District Hanoi, Vietnam Telephone:   From outside Vietnam: +84-24-3850-5000 From the U.S.: 011-84-24-3850-5000 From landline within Hanoi: 3850-5000 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 024-3850-5000

Emergency:   From outside Vietnam: +84-24-3850-5000 or +84-24-3850-5105 From the U.S.: 011-84-24-3850-5000 From landline within Hanoi: 3850-5000 or 3850-5105 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 024-3850-5000 or 024-3850-5105 Fax: (+84-24) 3850-5010 Email:   [email protected] Facebook

U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City 4 Le Duan, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Telephone: From outside Vietnam: +84-28-3520-4200 From the U.S.: 011-84-28-3520-4200 From landline within Ho Chi Minh City: 3520-4200 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 028-3520-4200

Emergency: From outside Vietnam: +84-28-3520-4200 From the U.S.: 011-84-28-3520-4200 From landline within Ho Chi Minh City: 3520-4200 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 028-3520-4200 Fax: (+84-8) 3520-4244 Email: Contact Us Here

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS WITHIN VIETNAM

Police: 113 Fire brigade: 114 Ambulance: 115

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Entry Requirements:  You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page (not including the endorsement page). Visit  Mission Vietnam’s website  for the most current information. If you arrive in Vietnam without an appropriate visa (which could be an e-visa) or pre-approval for a visa on arrival, you will be denied entry . The U.S. Mission to Vietnam cannot assist U.S. citizens who arrive in Vietnam without required visas. U.S.-Vietnam dual nationals should consult the Department of State’s information page for Travelers with Dual Nationality and the Embassy of Vietnam for travel requirements. You must enter and exit Vietnam on the same passport. If using a Vietnamese passport to enter and exit the country, your passport must have at least six months’ validity from your return date to the United States.

Visas:   The Government of Vietnam requires a “visa sponsor” for all visa categories, except for E-visa. A visa sponsor is a local business or travel agent to apply for a pre-approval letter with a Vietnamese Immigration Office in Vietnam on behalf of the traveler. Only on receipt of the pre-approval letter can a foreigner apply for an appropriate visa at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate abroad, or for a visa on arrival. For more information about this process, please visit the website of the Vietnamese Embassy here . When you apply for a visa to enter Vietnam, be sure to request the visa category that corresponds to your purpose of travel. Please refer to  Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website  for information detailing visa categories. If you plan to work in Vietnam, you must obtain a work permit  before  applying for your visa. If you change the purpose of your visit after you have received your visa, you must obtain a new visa outside of Vietnam appropriate for your new activities before beginning those activities. Under local immigration law, employment-based visas are based on a petition from a specific employer, and workers may be unable to switch jobs without securing a new visa. In addition, employers may prevent the departure of contracted employees from Vietnam if they violate contract terms. Before accepting employment in Vietnam, make sure you understand the conditions of contracts and employment-based visas.

Note that travelers with a U.S. APEC Business Travel Card will still need a valid visa to enter Vietnam.  The United States is a transitional member of APEC and does not reciprocate with other economies regarding full pre-clearance benefits to applicants.  As such, no countries are listed on the back of U.S. APEC Business Travel Cards and card holders are required to present any travel or identity documentation, such as a passport and visa (where applicable), required by Vietnam. If a  U.S. APEC Business Travel Card  holder does not conform to Vietnam’s entry requirements, the card holder may be refused entry.

Please consult  Mission Vietnam’s website  for more information.

Please note that Vietnam requires a valid visa, residence card, or approval from the Immigration Department to leave the country. Immigration officials will apply a fee to replace lost/stolen visas or will assess a fine for any visa overstays. The Government of Vietnam has recently increased the penalties for visa overstays, and fines can be substantial. In addition, the processing of exit visas for cases involving visa overstays can take one to two weeks, and longer for more complex cases.

If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Vietnam, you will need both a replacement passport and a replacement Vietnamese visa to legally remain in or depart Vietnam. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City can usually issue you a limited validity replacement passport in as little as one business day for emergency purposes; however, the Vietnamese government requires three to five working days to issue a replacement visa. For lost and stolen passports, immigration officials will also request a police report. You must file a report of a lost or stolen passport with the police in the location where the loss or theft of your passport occurred, or authorities may refuse to accept the report. The U.S. Embassy and the Consulate General cannot expedite the replacement of your Vietnamese visa.

If you plan to travel from Vietnam to Laos by land, you should request that an adhesive visa be affixed to your passport instead of a detachable one. Lao immigration officials require proof that travelers have departed Vietnam, something that can only be shown with an adhesive visa. Vietnamese officials remove detachable visas from passports when travelers depart Vietnam, leaving travelers with no proof of their Vietnam departure. This situation can result in Lao officials requiring travelers to return to Vietnam.  

Pre-approval for Visa on Arrival:   The Government of Vietnam has authorized some businesses and travel agencies to arrange for pre-approval for a “visa on arrival” at the airport. On a receipt of a pre-approval letter, travelers may then travel to Vietnam and apply for a visa upon landing to Vietnam. Please be advised that you should not travel to Vietnam without having been issued a pre-approval letter as it may result in a denial of entry by immigration authorities. To avoid having to rearrange your travel date, please do not make travel arrangement before you receive your pre-approval letter.

E-visa:  U.S. citizens can apply online for an E-visa on the  Vietnam Immigration website . The E-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry, and does not allow for renewal or extension from within the country.   The E-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry, and does not allow for renewal or extension from within the country. An E-visa is usually processed within three to five working days after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives the completed application and E-visa fee. E-visa holders must present the printed E-visa and valid passport at the port of entry. Prior to your travel with an E-visa to Vietnam, we recommend travelers to carefully check their E-visa to make sure all information is correct, and that you will enter/exit Vietnam through a port of entry that you had selected at the time of application. An error on E-visa, including minor differences between the information on the application and the biographical information on the passport, may result in a denial of entry by immigration authorities. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General are unable to change the information on your E-visa or help expedite the process as Vietnamese E-visa is under the sole jurisdiction of the Vietnamese government. 

Certificate of Visa Exemption:  Vietnamese nationals residing abroad indefinitely, their spouses, and their children may apply for a Certificate of Visa Exemption. The certificate has a maximum validity of five years, during which time the holder can enter Vietnam and stay for up to six months without applying for a visa. More information can be found on the  Vietnam Embassy website .

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Vietnam. 

Immunization information for travelers can be found on the  Centers for Disease and Control’s website .

Information about  dual nationality  or the  prevention of international child abduction  can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our  Customs Information page . 

Safety and Security

The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens overseas always maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness while traveling internationally. Please visit  www.travel.state.gov  for up-to-date information. 

Messages regarding weather-related events are posted  here  and on the Embassy/Consulate General  website . 

While in Vietnam you are subject to Vietnamese laws. U.S. citizenship will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, expelled, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Vietnamese authorities routinely do not provide timely notification of the arrest of a U.S. citizen to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General or approval for consular officials to visit U.S. citizens. The delays for both – particularly for access – can take several weeks. Note that if you enter Vietnam with a non-U.S. passport, the Government of Vietnam has different notification and access responsibilities for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. See our  webpage  for further information. 

Small-scale, peaceful protests occasionally occur in Vietnam’s major cities, but large-scale demonstrations are rare. As in any country, you should avoid large protests, as they can become violent with little or no warning. 

The Government of Vietnam may not allow or authorize travel to certain areas of the country that are deemed sensitive. Check with local authorities before visiting border areas to see if you need to obtain a travel permit issued by local authorities. U.S. citizens have been detained after traveling in areas close to the Vietnamese borders with the People’s Republic of China, Cambodia, and Laos. These areas are not always marked, and there are no warnings about prohibited travel.

Safety standards in Vietnam are not at the same level as those in the United States and vary greatly from company to company and province to province. This is especially true for fire safety codes. Travelers should be aware that many buildings, including hotels, shops, and restaurants, have limited or no fire safety equipment or emergency exits. Ground and water transportation also lack safety regulations. 

Travelers to Vietnam should have no expectation of privacy and should safeguard all personal documents and electronic devices. Exercise caution when discussing sensitive or proprietary information.

Crime:  Crime in Vietnam is rated high. Exercise vigilance and the same commonsense security precautions you would in any major metropolitan city in the United States.  

Violent crime against foreigners is rare; however, petty crimes, such as theft, bag grabs, and pickpocketing occur regularly, especially in crowded areas and tourist locations. Typically, there is a rise in petty crime during the Christmas and Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday seasons, including during the day and in well-lit areas. Motorcyclists are known to snatch bags, cameras, cell phones, and other valuables from individuals riding or walking on the street.   If you are targeted by thieves, do not resist, and report the incident immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Keep a tight hold on bags as you enter and exit vehicles and as you walk around. Hold tightly to cell phones when using them outside and lock and stow phones until you actually need to use them.

Some U.S. citizens have reported threats of death or physical injury connected to business-related disputes. You should report such threats to local authorities and if you feel unsafe, you should depart the country. 

Keep your passport and other important valuables in your hotel in a safe or another secured location at all times and carry both photo and digital copies of your passport. You should immediately report the loss or theft of your U.S. passport to the local police and the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General. See section on “Visas” for information on what to do if your passport/visa are lost or stolen.

Sexual Assault:  Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Sexual assault, harassment and rape do occur. To minimize the risk avoid travelling alone, especially at night; remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas; and be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances. Local authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Male violence against women and sexual harassment is often ignored by the police. In areas foreigners frequent, women have reported harassment and assault such as men exposing themselves, asking for sexual favors, and groping.

Drugs:  Recreational drugs available in Vietnam can be extremely dangerous and can result in death. Drugs sold in Vietnam may be fake, synthetic, or laced with toxic ingredients undetectable to the buyer. This includes nitrous oxide balloons widely available in nightlife establishments. You should also avoid purchasing liquor or cigarettes from street vendors or strangers, as the authenticity of the contents cannot be assured. 

Victims of Crime:   U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance. Vietnam’s local equivalent of an emergency line is 113. Local police will issue a report of a crime, but generally will only initiate investigations for crimes they determine serious, which do not always equate with U.S. standards. Investigations can take several months or even years to complete.

In the event you are a victim of a crime, local police will issue a crime report in Vietnamese, but generally will only initiate investigations for crimes they determine serious. While the overall situation is improving, some police have asked for bribes, ostensibly to support local police efforts or to facilitate investigation of a crime. If you are involved in a situation where a police officer is soliciting money, contact American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy or Consulate General for assistance .  Note that local authorities take a different attitude towards domestic violence cases and are hesitant to get involved in cases involving foreigners. Vietnam has very limited infrastructure to support victims of domestic violence.

Tourism:   The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to Vietnamese laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Vietnam are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines, or even the death penalty. Police periodically raid nightlife establishments suspected of engaging in the drug trade and during these raids will subject all patrons present to drug testing at the police station. A positive result, regardless of whether drugs were consumed in Vietnam or before entry, may result in criminal charges.

In Vietnam, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have proper ID, such as a passport or a copy of your visa. Driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in a fatal accident could lead to immediate imprisonment. If you break local laws in Vietnam, your U.S. passport  will not  help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Note that the Vietnamese legal system allows for lengthy criminal investigation periods that can lead to prolonged pre-trial detention; some investigations can last years without any explanation.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. You can be  prosecuted in the United States  for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under the host country’s laws.

Arrest Notification in Vietnam:    If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General immediately. There are often delays in notification by the Vietnamese authorities to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General and officials have been known to delay consular access to prisoners for several weeks. 

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or forfeit them upon return to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.  

Gambling:  Gambling is highly regulated by the government and persons or businesses running games or gambling halls are required to be licensed. The Government of Vietnam pursues cases of running or playing in unlicensed games aggressively. There are currently U.S. citizens serving jail sentences of three to five years because of illegal gambling.

Dual Nationality:  Dual nationality is accepted by the Vietnamese government in some, but not all, circumstances. However, dual nationals should be aware that Vietnam recognizes their Vietnamese citizenship as primary before others. In such cases, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General may be limited in the consular services we are able to provide. U.S. citizens who also hold Vietnamese citizenship and are currently residing in Vietnam may wish to contact local authorities and/or seek competent legal advice on how local laws may affect their status. For detailed information on Vietnamese nationality law and other legal issues visit the  Embassy of Vietnam website . 

Work Authorization:  The Government of Vietnam maintains strict laws with respect to foreign workers. U.S. citizens planning to work in Vietnam should make sure that they are in full compliance with Vietnamese regulations. Penalties can be severe and include deportation, fines, or detention. Vietnam immigration law allows for companies sponsoring foreign employees to exercise control over their employees’ visas, including prohibiting their exit from the country if they have any outstanding debts.

Teaching English:  We advise those considering accepting an English teaching job in Vietnam to carefully review the terms of the contract regarding working and living conditions and to ask for multiple references from persons familiar with the institution, especially former U.S. citizen employees, before committing to contracts. Some U.S. citizens have reported their employers have reneged on contract terms, including offering significantly lower salaries than agreed or seizing their passports, and employers have caused complications with the exit visa process for employees who quit, complicating the exit visas required to depart the country. 

Hotels:  Hotels in Vietnam require you to present your passport (and visas, if issued separately) upon check-in so that your stay can be registered with local police. Every guest in a hotel room or private residence must be registered, regardless of nationality. If you stay at a private residence (i.e., at the residence of family or friends), you must comply with registration requirements by visiting the local police station and registering your stay within 24 hours. Some provinces allow registration online.

Exports:  Vietnamese law prohibits the export of antiques. However, these laws are vague and unevenly enforced. Customs authorities may inspect and seize your antiques without compensating you, and the determination of what is an “antique” can be arbitrary. If you purchase non-antique items of value, you should retain receipts and confirmation from shop owners and/or the Ministry of Culture and the Customs Department to prevent seizure when you leave the country.  

Imports:  Vietnamese authorities have seized documents, audio and video tapes, compact discs, literature, and personal letters they deem to be pornographic or political in nature or intended for religious or political proselytizing. It is illegal to import weapons, ammunition, explosives, military equipment and tools (including uniforms), narcotics, drugs, toxic chemicals, pornographic and subversive materials, firecrackers, or children's toys that have "negative effects on personality development, social order, and security."    For up-to-date information on Vietnam Customs information, please visit the  Vietnam Customs website .

Freedom of Expression:   The Government of Vietnam maintains strict control over all forms of political speech, particularly dissent or speech it deems as critical of the government and/or party. U.S. citizens have been detained, tried, and convicted for political activities (including criticizing the government or its domestic/foreign policies or advocating alternatives to Communist Party rule), possession of political material, and non-sanctioned religious activities (including proselytizing). Authorities have also detained U.S. citizens for posting messages on blogs or online chatrooms that are perceived to be political or critical of the government. U.S. citizens of Vietnamese descent should be especially careful with their online postings. Review the latest version of the  Vietnam Human Rights Report  for the latest information on Freedom of Expression in Vietnam.

Association with Groups:   Persons whom the Government of Vietnam perceives to be associated with dissident or political groups may be denied entry to Vietnam, prevented from departing, detained, interrogated, placed under surveillance, or even tried and convicted. Note that if arrested, you could be subject to lengthy detention without access to an attorney or family members. U.S. citizens of Vietnamese descent should be especially careful about associating with dissident groups. U.S. citizen travelers have been summoned by immigration or local security officials for reasons that are unclear or not explicitly related to any suspected or alleged violation of law. We recommend that U.S. citizens finding themselves in this situation contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General immediately for further information and/or assistance.

Photography: Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in questioning by authorities, fines, or delayed travel. You should be cautious when traveling near military bases and avoid photography in these areas.     Disputes: The Vietnamese government has occasionally seized the passports and blocked the departure of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. U.S. citizens whose passports have been seized by Vietnamese authorities should contact the Embassy or Consulate General for assistance . 

Civil Procedures:  Civil procedures in Vietnam, such as marriage, divorce, documenting the birth of a child, and issuance of death certificates, are highly bureaucratic and can be slow. Local authorities may refuse a request to include a non-Vietnamese name on a birth certificate. In addition, for those wishing to get married in Vietnam, you will need a notarized affidavit of single status. Please contact the  Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, D.C. , or the  Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco  or  Houston  concerning documentary requirements for these services. Enforcement of civil orders is frequently difficult or non-existent. 

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for  Women Travelers . 

LGBTQI+ Rights:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or in attending LGBTIQ+ events in Vietnam. See   our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report   for further details.

Accessibility: Most public places and public transportation are  not  accessible to persons with disabilities. Sidewalks, curb ramps, restrooms, road crossings, and tourist areas are not equipped to assist such individuals. New, modern buildings and facilities in larger urban cities are regularly built with ramps and accessible entryways. 

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Medical facilities in Vietnam, including emergency response services, frequently do not meet international standards and may lack medicine and supplies. We strongly recommend travelers purchase medical evacuation insurance before visiting Vietnam.

• Medical personnel generally speak little or no English. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. You may obtain lists of local English-speaking physicians from the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City from our  website . 
• International health clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can treat minor illnesses and injuries, but more serious problems often require medical evacuation to other cities in the region. 
• Although you can purchase many prescription and non-prescription medications at pharmacies, some common U.S. medications may not be available. You should bring adequate supplies of medications for the duration of your stay in Vietnam and ensure with the Ministry of Health that the medicine you need is allowed to enter Vietnam. You should carry a copy of your prescription if carrying medicine in a travel case or container.
• We strongly recommend travelers purchase medical evacuation insurance before visiting Vietnam. 
• Travelers to Vietnam are at risk of the following diseases: Tuberculosis, Dengue Fever, Zika, Avian Influenza (H5N1), and HIV. You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the  CDC website .  

We do not pay medical bills. The U.S. government cannot pay medical bills and does not provide medical assistance. Also, be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept upfront payments. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. If covered by TriCare, check the TriCare website ( https://www.tricare.mil/ ) for additional information about overseas coverage. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation as it can cost many thousands of dollars. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

It is extremely important  that travelers have sufficient funds and/or insurance to cover any potential medical costs.  Frequently hospitals will hold onto a patient’s passport as collateral for payment, and patients may have difficulty getting their passport back without paying their medical bills in full.  Patients who do not pay their medical bills in full also run the risk of being barred from departing the country.  

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Air quality: Air pollution is a significant problem in Vietnam’s major cities, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact that seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. To obtain information on the air quality in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, please follow the link to the Environmental Protection Agency’s  AirNow website . Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City’s Air Quality Index (AQI) can be observed either by clicking on the Vietnam location on the map, or by selecting Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City in the “Select a City” option on the upper right part of the page. The page provides AQI over the last 24-hour period as well as pollutant concentration and a downloadable historical document. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic in Vietnam is dangerous, chaotic, and undisciplined. Road conditions are poor; traffic accidents are the leading cause of death, severe injury, and emergency evacuation of foreigners in Vietnam. Long-distance buses and trains do not meet U.S. safety standards. Buses and trucks are often overloaded and travel at high speeds with little regard to other modes of road transportation.  

Traffic Laws:  Driving in Vietnam is not comparable to driving in other countries. Vietnamese drivers routinely ignore traffic laws, causing traffic fatalities on a daily basis. We strongly discourage you from operating a motorcycle or scooter in Vietnam. Vietnamese drivers and pedestrians may not behave in a manner to which Americans are accustomed. If you do choose to operate a motorcycle or scooter in Vietnam, wear a helmet and  always  yield to larger vehicles. Motor bike fatalities are a leading cause of death or serious injury among foreign nationals visiting or living in Vietnam, with several fatalities having occurred on major roads and rural routes within the past year. If you are the victim of a serious motor bike accident in Vietnam, the prognosis for full recovery and survival is low due to Vietnam’s poor medical infrastructure. A motorbike license is required to operate a motorcycle or scooter in Vietnam. Motor scooter drivers without a license can be held criminally liable for injuries to or death of a victim in an accident, and you may be held in custody for an extended period of time without the ability to speak to family or a lawyer during the investigation. 

Pedestrians should always look carefully  in both directions  before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk with a green “walk” light illuminated or when crossing what is believed to be a one-way street. When walking on sidewalks, be mindful of scooters that may be behind you. Vietnamese commonly drive their scooters against traffic and on sidewalks. 

Because the United States is not a party to the Convention on Road Traffic, international driving permits and U.S. drivers’ licenses are  not valid  in Vietnam. Foreigners renting vehicles risk fines, prosecution, and/or imprisonment for driving without a Vietnamese license endorsed for the appropriate vehicle. If you wish to drive in Vietnam, contact the Provincial Public Transportation Service of the Vietnamese Department of Communications and Transport to obtain a Vietnamese driver’s license. Note that you may be required to take a medical examination as part of the driver license application process. 

For more information, please refer to Vietnam’s national tourism office website.

Public Transportation:

Bus System:  While Vietnam does have an extensive bus system, buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety. 

For-hire vehicles:   Major taxi companies tend to be reliable. Occasionally boutique taxi companies have rigged meters, particularly on routes to and from the international airports. Exercise caution in choosing ground transportation upon arrival at the airport in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Some travelers have reported being robbed by drivers who greeted them upon arrival with a placard showing the traveler's name. If you are expecting to be picked up, ask the company for the driver’s name, phone number, and license plate number before you travel. Areas outside of large cities typically have only rudimentary public transportation and often do not have metered taxis. Travelers are advised to use caution in these situations. 

We strongly discourage the use of motorcycle taxis (known as “xe om”). Motorcycle taxis are unregulated and unsafe, and the helmets provided to riders offer little to no protection against injury in the case of an accident. 

Smartphone-based for-hire vehicle services:  GrabTaxi and local taxi companies are readily available, accessible via Smartphone apps, and routinely utilized by foreigners and locals. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Vietnam’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Vietnam should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website  portal.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Vietnam . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Vietnam: Visa-Free Travel Schemes

• Resumption of pre-pandemic visa issuance
• Visa-free travel schemes opened with 13 countries

The government of Vietnam  announced that it will resume  pre-pandemic visa issuance beginning 15 March 2022. As a result, travelers will be permitted to enter Vietnam after submitting valid entry documents and adhering to any additional entrance requirements. These travelers will also no longer be required to obtain special entry approval from the government.

The government also announced that it  will resume visa exemption schemes  with the countries of Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Spain and the United Kingdom. Travelers from these locations will be permitted to enter Vietnam for a period of 15 days without requiring a visa. These visa-free travel schemes will remain in effect until 2025.

What are the Changes?

The government of Vietnam will resume pre-pandemic visa issuances on 15 March 2022 and resume visa-free travel with 13 countries. These changes will allow more travelers to enter Vietnam while easing travel requirements for short-term travelers entering Vietnam from a visa-exempt country.

Looking Ahead

Continue to check the government of Vietnam's  website  and Envoy's  website  for the latest updates and information.

Originally published 18 March 2022

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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Vietnam Joins Trend of Easing Travel: Plans Visa-Free Entry for Indian Tourists

Table of Contents

What’s New in Vietnam’s Tourism Policy for India?

Vietnam, a country known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is contemplating a significant move to rejuvenate its tourism industry in the post-COVID era. Following the footsteps of Thailand and Sri Lanka, Vietnam is considering visa-free entry for Indian tourists, aiming to tap into one of the fastest-growing tourist markets in the world.

Vietnam’s Strategy to Boost Tourism: What Are the Key Initiatives?

The Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Nguyn Van Jung, is at the forefront of this initiative. His proposal for short-term visa waivers for key markets, notably India and China, reflects a strategic approach to revive the country’s tourism sector, which suffered a significant blow due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding the Global Tourism Market: Why is India a Key Focus?

Vietnam’s decision to extend visa-free travel to Indian nationals mirrors a global recognition of India’s burgeoning role in international tourism. Currently, several European nations enjoy this privilege, and adding India to this list highlights Vietnam’s commitment to diversifying its tourist base.

Vietnam’s Tourism Growth: How Has It Fared Recently?

The first ten months of 2023 have seen a remarkable surge in Vietnam’s international visitor numbers, reaching approximately 10 million, a 4.6-fold increase from the previous year. This upswing, coupled with pre-pandemic figures of around 170,000 Indian visitors, underscores the untapped potential of the Indian market.

Exploring Vietnam’s Attractions: What Appeals to Indian Tourists?

Destinations like Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An have become increasingly popular with Indian tourists. The introduction of e-visas, offering 90-day validity and multiple entries, has further streamlined access for international visitors, making Vietnam an attractive destination.

Regional Trends in Tourism: How is Vietnam Aligning with Its Neighbors?

If Vietnam’s plan materializes, it will join Thailand and Sri Lanka in offering visa-free access to Indian tourists. Thailand’s recent announcement of a six-month visa-free entry period for Indian and Taiwanese tourists, and Sri Lanka’s free visa initiative for several countries including India, highlight a regional strategy focused on tourism revival.

Conclusion: What Does Vietnam’s Potential Policy Shift Mean for the Future?

Vietnam’s consideration of visa-free entry for Indian tourists is more than a national initiative; it’s part of a larger trend where countries are simplifying entry procedures to stimulate tourism. This move promises to not only boost Vietnam’s tourism sector but also strengthen cultural and economic ties with India, ushering in a new era of travel and exploration.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, take a look at this article for helpful information.

• November in Vietnam
• Vietnamese Festivals
• October Highlights
• Hoi An’s Architecture
• Vietnam’s Parks
• Halong Bay Attractions
• Vietnamese Waterfalls
• Ninh Binh’s Best
• Famous Vietnamese Temples
• February Getaway
• January Adventures
• December Escapes
• Hanoi’s Gems
• Vietnam Visa Guide
• August Delights
• Vietnam’s Beaches

About The Author

Tusk travel team, related posts.

Maldives Found 96.4% Growth in Indian Travelers

The Winning of PATA Gold Award 2019 by Incredible India Campaign

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New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

Skift India Report

The Skift India Report is your go-to newsletter for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

• Entertainment

12 things to do around the Seattle area this weekend

Welcome to the weekend! From our new guide to Seattle’s Vietnamese cuisine to where to admire spring flowers during May, here’s our latest on local things to do.

Eats and drinks

• Explore Seattle’s vibrant Vietnamese food scene with these Top 10 dishes picked by our food team. You can also check out the city’s buzziest Vietnamese restaurant debut in recent memory or this tried-and-true 25-year-old gem . (For something you may not tasted before, our critic recommends a secret menu item .)
• Head to Bellevue for a delicious (and entertaining) meal. From a blowtorched cheesy beef stew that’s drawing long lines to a freshly griddled Turkish pide, these Eastside spots both play on an open-kitchen concept.
• Be the star of your next picnic or barbecue with this bright, flavorful and quick-to-make corn salad from our recipe writer.

Outdoors and travel

• Try one of these five Seattle-area outings to admire late spring flowers, from rhododendrons to peonies.
• Go on an adventure to find some of the best big trees in Western Washington. Not all of them stand at the end of hiking trails, but these areas are worthy of pilgrimages to see the cedar, spruce, firs and more.

Movies and TV

• Heading to the theaters? Check out what our reviewers thought of Bill Skarsgård’s “Boy Kills World,” the steamy love triangle “Challengers” featuring Zendaya, the bloody horror movie “Abigail” and other recent releases .

Performance arts

• “Fat Ham” at Seattle Rep , running through May 12, is a must-see, our reviewer says. The tragicomic, Pulitzer Prize-winning play isn’t a typical re-imagining of Shakespeare. It’s witty, raunchy — and also opens up some raw, honest truths.
• Two concerts inspired by nature play at Benaroya Hall this week. Northwest Symphony Orchestra teams up with Washington Trails Association to celebrate the state’s landscapes on Friday, while Seattle Symphony performs “Antarctic Symphony” tonight, Saturday and Sunday.
• The new book “Truly, Madly, Deeply” by Alexandria Bellefleur is an enemies-to-lovers story that takes place in Seattle.
• Here are four new cozy mysteries and eerie thrillers to get lost in. They’ll take you trudging around a peculiar forest or second-guessing a trip to an isolated, historic castle.
• Seattle author and illustrator Haley Weaver’s new memoir explores her unlikely friendship with her own anxiety.
• If you haven’t yet explored our guide to Seattle’s books scene, check out local, independent bookstores, book groups and more here .

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The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

Your top stories on Thursday: Ex-Irish special forces resume training in Libya despite warnings; visa-free travel from South Africa could be halted

Here are the stories you need to start your day including: timely antibiotics could have prevented aoife johnson’s death, says medic; and brazilian deliveroo rider says he ‘could be a voice’ for immigrants.

Two military horses caused 'total mayhem' as they bolted through the streets of London near Aldwych yesterday after they were spooked by builders moving rubble. Photograph: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

Former Irish special forces soldiers resume training for rogue Libyan general despite warnings

Former soldiers of the elite Army Ranger Wing have resumed military training operations in Libya in apparent breach of international sanctions, despite warnings from the Irish Government.

Irish Training Solutions (ITS), which was founded by former members of Ireland’s elite special forces unit, now has 16 instructors training the troops of L ibyan warlord Khalifa Haftar under a contract worth more than €10 million. The deal is due to run into 2025.

Earlier this month, The Irish Times published an investigation detailing a contract between ITS and the Russian-backed general Haftar to train a special forces unit for his Libyan National Army in an apparent contravention of EU and UN arms embargoes on the country.

• End of visa-free travel from South Africa to be discussed by Ministers: The expected move comes less than three years after the need for visas for travel from South Africa was abolished and results from officials’ warnings that people from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are travelling on South African passports.
• Brazilian Deliveroo rider who intervened in Parnell Square attack says he ‘could be a voice’ for immigrants: The Brazilian former Deliveroo rider who intervened in the knife attack outside a school on Parnell Square helping to rescue a five-year-old child said he “could be a voice” representing the immigrant community as he will be standing as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the local elections.
• Aoife Johnston’s death could have been prevented by timely antibiotics, consultant says: The administration of antibiotics in a timely and appropriate manner would likely have prevented the death of 16-year-old Aoife Johnston, an inquest has heard.
• Family of George Nkencho to appeal decision not to prosecute gardaí involved in fatal shooting : The family of George Nkencho intends to appeal a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions not to prosecute gardaí involved in the fatal shooting of the 27-year-old outside his Dublin home in 2020.
• Miriam Lord: Simon Harris hares around the Dáil like the Duracell bunny - but then the battery goes flat: There is a certain woolliness around the balaclava these days, and the Taoiseach isn’t wearing it.
• Check out today’s Most Read stories
• Join The Irish Times WhatsApp channel for breaking news straight to your phone.
• Donald Trump’s claim to immunity from prosecution to be heard by US supreme court today: Donald Trump will on Thursday urge the US supreme court to adopt an expansive view of presidential immunity that would confer near-absolute protection for actions taken while in the White House.

The Big Read

The average age of a home purchaser in Ireland rose from 35 in 2010 to 39 in 2021, Central Statistics Office figures show. Photograph: iStock

• A home of your own: What is in the housing plan for under-40s? : Many young people feel getting on the property ladder is a distant dream. But on Wednesday morning, Government Ministers insisted that schemes are in place to help younger buyers.
• Finn McRedmond: Snobbery about snobs is misplaced. Just ask foodie Eoin Ó Broin
• Adi Roche: Thirty-eight years after Chernobyl, we are again on a nuclear knife-edge
• Canadian firm buys Irish aviation company in €57m deal: Irish company Aerospace Software Developments (ASD) has been bought by Canadian firm Descartes Systems Group in a deal worth €57 million.
• The least famous best player the NBA has ever had: ‘I really wish nobody knows me’: Nikola Jokic is a preternatural basketball talent smashing records set by LeBron James - all while trying hard to not be a celebrity, writes Dave Hannigan.

Picture of the Day

The coffin of seven-year-old Shay Lynch is carried from St Senan's Church in Clonlara yesterday. The boy who died in a swimming pool accident in Co Clare was remembered by his father as a 'gentle, sweet, boy' who regularly left notes and pictures on his parents' pillows. Photograph Liam Burke/Press 22

Life & Style

• Sister 7 review: This is Dublin’s coolest new place – delicious, creative food in a great room: This is an absolute first for me, walking into a restaurant and being so seduced by the atmosphere that for a minute, the thought of food goes right out of my mind, writes Corinna Hardgrave.

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