Short answer: Citizens of about 39 countries can visit Vietnam without a visa for between 14 and 90 days, depending on their passport. Most Western European nationals, plus Japan and South Korea, get 45 days visa-free; most ASEAN neighbours get 30 days; Chile and Panama get 90 days. Travellers from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Greece and most other countries still need a visa, which in practice means applying online for the Vietnam eVisa (valid up to 90 days). Below is the full list as of October 2026, the rules that apply at the border, and what to do if your country is not on it.
Visa rules change. This guide was checked against official Vietnamese government announcements in October 2026, but always confirm with the Vietnam Immigration Department or your nearest Vietnamese embassy before you fly.
Vietnam visa exemption list 2026
| Stay allowed | Countries | Basis / valid until |
|---|---|---|
| 90 days | Chile, Panama | Bilateral agreements |
| 45 days | United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Japan, South Korea | Government Resolution 44/NQ-CP, until 14 March 2028 |
| 45 days | Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland | Resolution 229/NQ-CP, 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028 |
| 30 days | Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar | ASEAN agreements |
| 30 days | Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Belarus | Bilateral agreements (some cap total days per year) |
| 21 days | Philippines | ASEAN agreement |
| 14 days | Brunei | ASEAN agreement |
The 45-day exemption for the 24 European and Asian countries applies regardless of passport type, as long as you meet Vietnam's normal entry conditions. Holders of British National (Overseas) passports and passports from British Overseas Territories are not covered by the UK exemption and should apply for an eVisa.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam? A quick check
- Your country is in the table and your trip is shorter than the allowed stay: no visa needed. Just bring a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
- Your country is in the table but you want to stay longer (for example 60 days on a UK passport): apply for an eVisa before you travel. A visa-free stay generally cannot be extended into a longer stay from inside Vietnam.
- Your country is not in the table (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Greece, Israel, Brazil, China and many more): you need a visa. The simplest option is the eVisa on the official portal.
- You are only visiting Phu Quoc island and fly there directly from abroad: all nationalities can stay up to 30 days visa-free on Phu Quoc. This does not cover Da Nang or the rest of the mainland.
Rules at the border for visa-free travellers
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have blank pages for stamps. Airlines often refuse boarding if it is shorter, even before you reach Vietnamese immigration. Children need their own passport.
Onward or return ticket
Immigration officers and airline check-in staff can ask for proof that you will leave Vietnam within your visa-free period. Keep a return or onward flight booking and your first hotel reservation on your phone.
Purpose of the trip
The exemption covers tourism, family visits and short business meetings. It does not allow paid work. If you plan to work, study or stay long term you need the correct visa type through an employer or school.
Count your days carefully
The 45 days start on your day of arrival. A traveller from Germany landing on 1 December should leave no later than 14 January. Overstaying, even by a day or two, can mean a fine at departure and delays at the airport, so build a buffer into your plans.
Visa exemption vs eVisa: which should you use?
| Visa exemption | Vietnam eVisa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Only nationals of the countries listed above | Citizens of all countries |
| Maximum stay | 14–90 days depending on nationality | Up to 90 days |
| Entries | Per visit, under each country's rules | Single or multiple entry |
| Cost | Free | US$25 single entry / US$50 multiple entry (government fee) |
| Apply in advance? | No | Yes, online, usually about 3 working days |
If you hold a passport from an exempt country, visa-free entry is usually the easiest choice for a holiday of a few weeks. Choose the eVisa instead if you want to stay longer than your exemption, plan to leave and re-enter Vietnam several times (for example a side trip to Cambodia or Laos), or your passport type is not covered.
Arriving in Da Nang visa-free
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) handles direct international flights from Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and other Asian hubs, plus many connections from Europe. Visa-free travellers simply join the regular immigration queue with their passport; there is no separate form to fill in. At busy times, when several flights from Korea land together in the evening, allow 30–60 minutes for immigration.
After baggage claim, the city centre and My Khe Beach are only 10–20 minutes away. Our guide to getting from Da Nang Airport to the city centre compares Grab, taxis and private cars, and if you are heading straight to Hoi An, read Da Nang Airport to Hoi An.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming all EU countries are exempt. Austria, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus and the Baltic states are not on the list (as of October 2026). Travellers from these countries need an eVisa.
- Planning a 50-day trip on a 45-day exemption. Apply for a 90-day eVisa instead before you fly.
- Using a third-party site that looks official. If you need an eVisa, apply on the government portal or use a service you trust that explains its fee clearly.
- Travelling on a nearly expired passport. Renew it if it has less than six months left.
- Booking a side trip without checking re-entry. If you visit Cambodia or Laos and come back, make sure your exemption or visa allows a new entry, or choose a multiple-entry eVisa.
Need help with your eVisa or arrival?
If your country is not on the exemption list, our step-by-step eVisa guide walks you through the official application, photos and fees. Prefer someone to check your details before you submit? See our Vietnam eVisa assistance. Once you land, a private driver can be waiting at arrivals with your name: book your Da Nang airport transfer or send us a question on WhatsApp or email.
FAQ: Vietnam visa exemption
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. The United States is not on Vietnam's visa exemption list, so US citizens need a visa. Most apply online for the eVisa, which allows stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry.
Can UK citizens visit Vietnam without a visa?
Yes. British citizens can stay up to 45 days visa-free under Resolution 44/NQ-CP, which runs until 14 March 2028. For a longer trip, apply for an eVisa. BN(O) and British Overseas Territories passports are not covered.
Do Australians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Australia and New Zealand are not on the exemption list, so you need an eVisa or another visa before you travel.
Can I extend my visa-free stay in Vietnam?
Generally no. Plan to leave before your exemption ends, or apply for an eVisa covering your whole trip before you arrive.
Is the 45-day visa exemption single entry?
Each visa-free entry gives you up to 45 days from that arrival. Rules on re-entry can be applied strictly at the border, so if you plan to leave and come back, carry proof of your plans or use a multiple-entry eVisa.
Where can I check the official rules?
The Vietnam Immigration Department and Vietnamese embassies publish the current rules. Exemption lists are renewed by government resolution, so check again if your trip is close to 2028.
Planning the rest of your trip? Start with our Da Nang travel guide and check the best time to visit Da Nang.