Vietnam Visa Exemption 2026–2028 | 45-Day Guide
Vietnam offers visa-free entry to citizens of several countries, allowing eligible travelers to stay in the country for up to 45 days without a visa.
For travelers planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026 or 2027, the current visa exemption policies make it easier to explore destinations such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta without applying for a visa in advance.
Vietnam’s 45-day visa exemption applies to citizens of 24 countries under its current unilateral visa exemption policies, provided they meet the required entry conditions.
Which Countries Can Enter Vietnam Without a Visa?
As of 2026, citizens of the following 24 countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days.
12 Countries Covered from March 2025
The following countries are covered by Vietnam’s visa exemption policy from March 15, 2025, through March 14, 2028:
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Russia
- Japan
- South Korea
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Norway
- Finland
Eligible citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport type, provided they satisfy Vietnam’s entry requirements.
Note: The exemption applies to citizens of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland holding eligible British passports. British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not included in this 45-day exemption.
12 Additional Countries Covered from August 2025
Vietnam expanded its 45-day visa exemption program to another 12 countries from August 15, 2025, through August 14, 2028.
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
This means eligible citizens from these countries can also travel to Vietnam for up to 45 consecutive days without obtaining a visa, subject to the applicable entry requirements.
Vietnam Visa-Free Countries in 2026 and 2027
For convenience, here is the complete list of countries currently covered by Vietnam’s 45-day unilateral visa exemption policies:
Germany · France · Italy · Spain · United Kingdom · Russia · Japan · South Korea · Denmark · Sweden · Norway · Finland · Belgium · Bulgaria · Croatia · Czech Republic · Hungary · Luxembourg · Netherlands · Poland · Romania · Slovakia · Slovenia · Switzerland
The two policies currently run through March 14, 2028 and August 14, 2028, respectively.
Conditions for Vietnam Visa-Free Entry
Travelers eligible for the 45-day visa exemption should meet Vietnam’s current entry requirements.
1. Valid Passport
Your passport must be issued by the competent authority of your country and remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
2. Maximum Stay of 45 Days
The visa-free stay is limited to 45 days from the date of entry. The permitted period is calculated from your arrival date in Vietnam.
3. No Entry Restrictions
Travelers must not fall under any category that is prohibited or restricted from entering Vietnam under Vietnamese immigration regulations.
4. Proof of Onward Travel
Although a return or onward ticket is not listed as a standalone condition of the unilateral visa exemption resolution, immigration authorities may ask travelers to demonstrate that they intend to leave Vietnam within the permitted period. Having a confirmed onward or return ticket is therefore recommended.
What If You Want to Stay in Vietnam for More Than 45 Days?
If you plan to stay in Vietnam longer than the visa-free period, you should arrange an appropriate visa before or during your trip according to your circumstances.
For most international travelers, the Vietnam e-visa is now the main alternative. The Vietnamese Immigration Department states that e-visas can be issued for up to 90 days, with either single or multiple entry.
The official Vietnam e-visa system is available through the Vietnamese Immigration Department’s current e-visa portal.
Official Vietnam E-Visa Portal
Can I Leave Vietnam and Re-enter to Get Another 45 Days?
The 45-day visa exemption is granted from the date of each eligible entry, but travelers should not assume that leaving and immediately re-entering Vietnam will automatically guarantee another visa-free stay. Entry remains subject to the immigration rules and conditions applicable at the time of re-entry.
If you are planning a longer Vietnam trip or a multi-country itinerary, it is better to check the appropriate visa option before traveling.
Special Visa Exemption for Phu Quoc
Vietnam also has a separate visa exemption for foreign visitors entering Phu Quoc Island, allowing eligible travelers to stay for up to 30 days under the applicable conditions. This policy is separate from the 45-day unilateral visa exemption described above.
This can be particularly useful for travelers visiting Phu Quoc as part of a Vietnam beach holiday.
Planning a Trip to Vietnam in 2026 or 2027?
Vietnam’s current visa exemption policies make planning a trip considerably easier for travelers from many European and Asian countries. Depending on your nationality and itinerary, you may be able to visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without applying for a visa.
Whether you’re planning a short holiday in Hanoi and Halong Bay or a longer journey covering Sapa, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, checking your visa requirements before departure is an important part of trip planning.
For personalized advice on Vietnam visa requirements, entry conditions, and travel planning, feel free to contact SVietnam Travel. Our local travel specialists can help you plan a private or tailor-made Vietnam itinerary based on your travel dates and nationality.
