Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering about the visa requirements? The good news is that Vietnam has visa exemption policies for certain countries and cases. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Vietnam visa exemption, including the countries eligible, duration, conditions, and more.
Table of Contents
What is Vietnam Visa Exemption?
Vietnam visa exemption is a policy that allows citizens of specific countries and cases to enter Vietnam without obtaining a visa. This policy aims to promote tourism and facilitate business travel to Vietnam. The visa exemption policy applies to both tourist and business purposes, and it covers single or multiple entries within a specific period.
Vietnam Visa Exemption Countries Duration
Currently, Vietnam has visa exemption agreements with 24 countries, including:
- Chile
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Japan
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Finland
- Denmark
- Norway
- Russia
- Belarus
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Belarus
- Brunei
Citizens of these countries can stay in Vietnam without a visa for a limited period, depending on the country and purpose of their visit. The allowed duration varies from 14 days to 90 days, with some countries having different durations for tourist and business visits.
For example, citizens of Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Laos can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without a visa. Japanese, South Korean, Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian and Russian nationals can stay for up to 15 days, while UK, French, German, Spanish, Italian nationals can stay for up to 15 days if they are not citizens of the European Union.
Other Vietnam Visa Exemption Cases
Apart from the countries mentioned above, there are some other cases where Vietnam visa exemption applies. These include:
- APEC Business Travel Cardholders: If you hold an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), you can enjoy visa-free entry and stay for up to 60 days in Vietnam.
- Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders: If you hold a diplomatic or official passport, you may be eligible for visa exemption or visa-on-arrival depending on your country’s agreement with Vietnam.
- Vietnamese Overseas and Family Members: Vietnamese overseas and their family members who hold foreign passports with validity of at least six months can apply for visa exemption for up to five years.
Conditions for Making Vietnam Visa Exemption
To be eligible for Vietnam visa exemption, visitors must meet certain conditions, including:
- The purpose of visit is tourism, family visit, or short-term business trip.
- Holding a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of entry.
- The duration of stay does not exceed the allowed period under the exemption policy.
- Not having any criminal record or violating any law during previous stays in Vietnam or any other country.
- Having enough financial means to support the stay in Vietnam.
It is essential to note that even if you are eligible for visa exemption, you still need to go through immigration procedures and provide necessary documents upon arrival in Vietnam.
Vietnam Visa Exemption Extension
If you want to extend your stay in Vietnam beyond the allowed exemption period, you will need to obtain a regular visa. You can apply for a visa extension at the Vietnam Immigration Department or seek assistance from a local travel agency or service provider. The extension fee varies depending on the duration and type of visa you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I enter Vietnam without a visa if my country is not on the visa exemption list?
No, you need to obtain a regular visa before entering Vietnam if your country is not on the visa exemption list. You can apply for a visa at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.
- Can I extend my stay in Vietnam if I entered with a visa exemption?
Yes, you can extend your stay by obtaining a regular visa. However, you need to do so before your visa-exempt period expires.
- Can I enter Vietnam multiple times with a visa exemption?
It depends on your country’s agreement with Vietnam. Some countries allow multiple entries within a specific period, while others only permit a single entry. Check with your local Vietnamese embassy or consulate for more information.
- Do I need to provide any documents upon entry in Vietnam with a visa exemption?
Yes, you need to provide a valid passport, return ticket, and other necessary documents such as hotel reservation, invitation letter, and proof of financial means.
Conclusion
Vietnam visa exemption policy offers convenience and flexibility for travelers, especially those visiting for a short period or business purposes. However, it is crucial to understand the conditions and limitations of visa exemption to avoid any complications or penalties. Make sure to check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country for the latest information on visa exemption and other visa requirements.
In summary, Vietnam visa exemption allows citizens of certain countries and cases to enter Vietnam without a visa for a limited period. The allowed duration varies from 14 to 90 days, depending on the purpose of the visit and the country of origin. To be eligible for visa exemption, visitors must meet specific conditions and provide necessary documents upon entry. If you need to extend your stay beyond the exemption period, you can apply for a regular visa. We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into Vietnam visa exemption and helps you plan your trip to Vietnam with ease.
The website www.visaonlinevietnam.org is an online information and service site specializing in Vietnamese visas. With the purpose of supporting and simplifying the visa application process, this website provides detailed information about visa types such as tourist visa, business visa, work visa and visit visa.