Vietnam Visa Phu Quoc is one place in Vietnam where many travellers can skip the visa. But the rule is narrow. Here is what the official sources say, and where I could not find an answer.
The Phu Quoc visa exemption
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa exemption list says that holders of foreign passports are exempt from a visa for entering and leaving Phu Quoc island, for a stay of no longer than 30 days. It cites Decision No. 80/2020/QĐ-TTg of 25 May 2020 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa exemption list). The US State Department describes the same exception as stays of 30 days or less on the island of Phu Quoc only (travel.state.gov).
- Who: holders of foreign passports.
- How long: up to 30 days.
- Where: Phu Quoc island.
Flying via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
The English version of the list says that passport holders who transit through another international border gate in Vietnam before entering Phu Quoc also receive the exemption. The Vietnamese version of the list describes it as staying in the transit area of an international border gate, by air or by sea, and then going on to Phu Quoc (Vietnamese list).
Be careful here. The UK government says that if you transfer from an international flight to a domestic flight in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you must go through immigration and enter Vietnam (gov.uk). I could not find an official page that settles how this works for a Phu Quoc connection in practice. Ask your airline how it treats your route before you buy.
Your plan and the visa you need
| Your plan | Visa? |
|---|---|
| Fly from abroad to Phu Quoc and stay on the island for up to 30 days | No visa under the Phu Quoc exemption. |
| Connect through another international border gate in Vietnam and go on to Phu Quoc | The official list says this is also covered. Check with your airline. |
| Leave the island for the mainland | The official note covers the island only. I found no official rule for going on to the mainland, so plan a visa exemption for your nationality or an e-visa. |
| Stay on the island for more than 30 days | You need an e-visa (valid for up to 90 days). |
When you still need an e-visa
- The mainland. If you also want Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, check whether your passport is visa-free for the mainland. Citizens of 24 countries can stay up to 45 days: see my page on visa-free countries. Otherwise apply for an e-visa.
- More than 30 days. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days (Government of Vietnam).
The UK government also says your passport needs an expiry date at least 6 months after you arrive and at least 2 blank pages (gov.uk).
Flying to Phu Quoc soon and not sure you can skip the visa? Message me your route and passport country. 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.
Applying for an e-visa for Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is on the list of entry airports you can choose on the application. Choose the airport you will actually land at. If you land at Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City first, choose that airport instead. See my e-visa airports guide.
Already applied, and your application lists Phu Quoc? Phu Quoc counts as a southern airport. Speeding up an existing application costs US$10 more, and the weekend speed-up is not available. See e-visa still processing.
Urgent options for Phu Quoc trips
The official processing time is 3 working days, and I tell travellers to plan for 3–5 working days. If your flight is sooner, these are my options for a new application. For exact deadlines see the cut-off times, and for the quickest choice see the urgent visa page.
| 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.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Phu Quoc?
Not for a stay of up to 30 days on the island. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists an exemption for holders of foreign passports entering and leaving Phu Quoc island, under Decision 80/2020/QĐ-TTg.
Can I go from Phu Quoc to the mainland without a visa?
The official note covers the island only, and I found no official rule for the mainland. Plan a visa exemption for your nationality or an e-visa.
What if I fly via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
The official list says passport holders who transit through another international border gate before entering Phu Quoc also receive the exemption. The UK government says an international to domestic transfer means you go through immigration, so ask your airline how it treats your route.
How long can I stay on Phu Quoc without a visa?
Up to 30 days. For a longer stay you need an e-visa, which is valid for up to 90 days.
Official sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa exemption list, Note 2 (Phu Quoc, Decision 80/2020/QĐ-TTg) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Vietnamese visa exemption list (transit area, Phu Quoc) · travel.state.gov: Vietnam (Phu Quoc only, 30 days or less) · UK FCDO: Vietnam entry requirements (transfers, passport validity) · Government of Vietnam: e-visa valid up to 90 days. Sources checked: 13 Nov 2026.
Related: Visa-free countries · E-visa airports · Staying longer than 45 days · Urgent Vietnam visa · Cut-off times
