Vietnam issued two visa-exemption resolutions in 2025, and many websites still show old lists. Here is the list as I read it from the Government's own pages. If your country is in the table, you may not need a visa. If it is not, you need an e-visa.
The 24 countries with 45 days
| Countries | Stay | Purpose | Valid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland Resolution 44/NQ-CP (source) | 45 days from entry | Any purpose, any passport type | 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028 |
| Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland Resolution 229/NQ-CP (source) | 45 days from entry | Tourism, any passport type | 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028 |
Both resolutions also say that you must meet Vietnam's legal entry conditions. An exemption does not replace those conditions, so check your passport and your plans before you fly.
Other exemptions
- Phu Quoc island: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists an exemption for entry into and exit from Phu Quoc island, for a stay of no longer than 30 days (Ministry of Foreign Affairs list).
- Neighbouring and other countries: Vietnam has separate exemption agreements with some countries. The stay depends on the country and on the type of passport. I do not copy that list here, because it is long and it changes. Read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list and look for your country and your passport type.
- British National (Overseas) passports: The same list says holders of BNO passports are not exempt from the visa requirement (MOFA note).
When you still need an e-visa
- Your country is not in the table. For example, the Canadian government says Canadian passport holders must have a visa (travel.gc.ca), and Australia's Smartraveller says Australian passport holders can apply for an eVisa (smartraveller.gov.au).
- You want to stay longer than 45 days. Apply for an e-visa valid up to 90 days. See my page on staying longer than 45 days.
- Your trip is not tourism and your country is in the 229 group. That resolution covers tourism. For other purposes, check before you fly. For business trips see my business visa page.
Check yourself in four steps
- Find your passport country in the table above.
- Count your days. The 45 days count from the date you enter.
- Check your passport: the UK government says it needs an expiry date at least 6 months after you arrive and at least 2 blank pages (gov.uk).
- If anything does not fit, apply for an e-visa before you fly. See visa by nationality, or the UK page if you hold a British passport.
The UK government also says you can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business (gov.uk). That fits the table above for British citizens. If you hold a different passport, use the table for that country.
Your passport is not on the list and you fly in the next three days? From 1 hour on weekdays, weekends too, all-in from US$64. I confirm the time before you pay.
On the application form, enter the code PAUL03 in “Add Your Coupon”. On time or your money back. Refused new application: 100% refund.
If you need an e-visa fast
The official processing time is 3 working days at evisa.gov.vn, and I tell travellers to plan for 3–5 working days, because weekends and public holidays do not count. The government fee is US$25 for a single entry and US$50 for multiple entry. With me, the all-in prices are below, and I confirm the time before you pay.
| Option | Single entry, all-in |
|---|---|
| Emergency 1 hour Mon–Fri, apply before 18:00 | US$224 |
| Urgent 4 hours | US$104 |
| Urgent 1 day | US$94 |
| Urgent 2 days | US$74 |
| Urgent 3 days | US$64 |
| Weekend emergency Friday 18:00 to Sunday 15:00 | US$224 |
Multiple entry: add US$25. Government fee included. Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Türkiye: +US$20. See the full price list.
Compare the standard price on the pricing page, or read about urgent Vietnam visas.
FAQ
Which countries can enter Vietnam without a visa in 2026?
Citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland can stay up to 45 days for any purpose until 14 March 2028. Citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland can stay up to 45 days for tourism until 14 August 2028.
How long can I stay without a visa?
Up to 45 days from the date of entry for the 24 countries in the table. Other exemptions have different periods, depending on the country and the passport type.
Do I need an e-visa if my country is not on the list?
Yes. An e-visa is valid for up to 90 days. Apply before you fly.
Can I stay longer than 45 days?
Not on the exemption. Apply for an e-visa valid up to 90 days before you travel.
Official sources: Government of Vietnam: Resolution 44/NQ-CP, 45 days, 12 countries, 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028 · Government of Vietnam: Resolution 229/NQ-CP, 45 days for tourism, 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028 · Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Viet Nam's visa exemption list (Phu Quoc, BNO note, bilateral stays) · Government of Vietnam: e-visa for all countries, valid up to 90 days · UK FCDO: Vietnam entry requirements · Government of Canada: Vietnam travel advice · Smartraveller (Australia): Vietnam travel advice. Sources checked: 11 Nov 2026.
Related: Staying longer than 45 days · UK citizens · Visa by nationality · Layover and transit · Pricing · Visa for Phu Quoc · Overstayed visa