Guide to the 45-Day Visa Exemption in Vietnam
2026 update: who gets 45 days visa-free
The list below this section reflects the original 2023 rules. Since then the policy has been extended. Under Resolution 44/NQ-CP (March 2025), citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland can stay up to 45 days without a visa. Under Resolution 229/NQ-CP, citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland can visit for tourism for up to 45 days from 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028.
Travelers from other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia, need an e-visa, applied for online before departure. Rules and dates change, so always confirm on Vietnam's official immigration portal or with a Vietnamese embassy before you book.
Many people still wonder which countries are eligible for the 45-day visa exemption to enter Vietnam.
1. Revised List of Countries Eligible for a 45-Day Visa Exemption in Vietnam
As per Resolution 128/NQ-CP, effective August 15, 2023, Vietnam will officially offer a 45-day visa exemption upon entry, regardless of passport type or reason for visiting, to citizens of 13 nations: South Korea, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belarus.
| No | Country Name | Visa Exemption Duration
(From 08/15/2023)
|
Remarks | Validity |
| 1 | Japan (Nhật Bản) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 2 | South Korea (Hàn Quốc) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 3 | Russia (Nga) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 4 | Denmark (Đan Mạch) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 5 | United Kingdom (Anh) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 6 | Norway (Na Uy) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 7 | Finland (Phần Lan) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 8 | Sweden (Thuỵ Điển) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 9 | France (Pháp) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 10 | Belarus | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 11 | Italia (Ý) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 12 | Germany (Đức) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 13 | Spain (Tây Ban Nha) | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
As a result, in contrast to Resolution 32/NQ-CP (issued on March 15, 2022), the duration for entry and temporary stay for citizens of these countries has been increased from 15 days to 45 days.
2. Entry Requirements for the 45-Day Visa Exemption for Foreigners
To enter and stay in Vietnam for 45 days under the visa exemption, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
Possess a valid passport issued by the appropriate government authority of the individual’s nationality.
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
Have round-trip or onward tickets to another destination.
Not belong to any category of individuals prohibited or restricted from entering Vietnam under Vietnamese law.
3. Benefits of Extending the 45-Day Visa Exemption Period
Currently, travelers from far-off markets, such as Europe, often prefer to visit Vietnam for longer holidays exceeding 15 days and typically engage in multi-country tourism programs that include Vietnam and its neighboring countries. Therefore, extending the 45-day visa exemption period offers several advantages:
- Increasing Competitiveness: It bolsters Vietnam’s appeal compared to other countries in the region regarding tourism.
- Attracting Longer Stays: It encourages international tourists to stay longer and enjoy extended vacations in Vietnam.
- Flexibility for Tourists: It allows tourists to better manage their time and customize their travel plans.
Additionally, to accommodate the growing demand for travel, airlines are actively expanding domestic and international flight routes.
Thanks to the extension of the 45-day visa exemption for foreigners, instead of the previous 15 days, Vietnam has attracted many international tourists, helping tourism grow quickly. We hope this information helps you understand the list of eligible countries and the conditions for the 45-day visa exemption in Vietnam.
For more useful travel information, please check out VietnamPrivateTours.com
4. Shorter exemptions for Southeast Asian neighbors
Separate bilateral agreements give visa-free stays to citizens of most ASEAN countries: typically 30 days for Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, 21 days for the Philippines, and 14 days for Brunei and Myanmar. Check the current terms before you travel, as agreements are revised from time to time.
5. Phu Quoc's special rule
Foreign visitors who fly directly to Phu Quoc from abroad and stay only on the island can enter without a visa for up to 30 days, whatever their nationality. To continue to mainland Vietnam, you need a regular e-visa or must qualify for an exemption.
6. If you are not on the list: the e-visa
- Apply online through Vietnam's official immigration portal; avoid look-alike sites that add large fees.
- The e-visa allows stays of up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry.
- Processing usually takes a few working days, so apply at least two weeks before you travel.
- You need a passport valid for at least six months, a photo and a scan of the passport photo page.
7. Staying longer than 45 days
If you need more time than the exemption allows, apply for a 90-day e-visa before you travel instead of relying on the exemption. Overstaying, even by a day, can lead to fines and problems when you leave, so keep track of your entry date, which is stamped in your passport.
Planning more of the trip? Read our guides to Vietnam Tours from USA and Vietnam Itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries get a 45-day visa exemption for Vietnam?
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, plus 12 European countries added for tourism from 15 August 2025.
Which European countries were added in 2025?
Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland, for tourism until 14 August 2028.
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. US citizens are not on the exemption list and should apply for an e-visa before travel.
Where can I check the latest Vietnam visa rules?
On Vietnam's official immigration portal or with a Vietnamese embassy, since lists and dates can change.
Can I visit Phu Quoc without a visa?
Yes, for up to 30 days, if you fly directly to Phu Quoc from abroad and stay only on the island.
How long can I stay on a Vietnam e-visa?
Up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry.