Vietnam Visa Exemption 2025 – List of Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry

List of Visa-Exempt Countries in 2025

Below is the official list of countries and territories whose citizens holding ordinary passports are exempt from a visa when entering Vietnam in 2025.

📌 Important Notes:

• As of July 1, 2020, Vietnam has removed the 30-day waiting period between consecutive visa-free entries. Travelers from visa-exempt countries can now re-enter Vietnam without waiting 30 days, as long as they meet the general entry requirements.
• Citizens holding a British National (Overseas) passport (BNO) are not eligible for the 45-day visa exemption offered to UK passport holders. If you travel on a BNO passport, you must apply for a visa before entering Vietnam.

Special Cases of Visa Exemption in Vietnam

In addition to the standard visa exemption list, Vietnam offers special visa-free entry in the following two cases, regardless of nationality or standard exemption status:

1. Visa-Free Entry to Phu Quoc Island (Up to 30 Days)

Travelers of any nationality can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 30 days if they meet all of the following conditions:

• Arrive directly to Phu Quoc Island by air, either from abroad or via a transit area without entering mainland Vietnam.
• Stay only within Phu Quoc during the entire visit.
• Depart from Phu Quoc directly to an international destination.

Important:
If you plan to travel from Phu Quoc to other cities in Vietnam (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi), this exemption does not apply. You must obtain a valid visa or e-visa in advance.

This exemption is particularly useful for short holidays or cruise-related itineraries that begin and end on the island.

2. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders – 60 Days Visa-Free

Holders of a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), issued by member economies with “VNM” (Vietnam) printed on the back, are allowed to enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 60 days.

This exemption applies to:

• Business professionals and frequent travelers under APEC agreements.
• Both air and land border entries.
• Multiple entries, provided the ABTC remains valid.

Travelers must ensure:

• The ABTC is valid at the time of entry.
• The passport used together with the card is the same as the one registered with APEC.

Entry Requirements for Visa-Free Travelers

Even if you are eligible for visa exemption, you must still meet Vietnam’s general entry requirements upon arrival. These include:

• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. This is a mandatory condition under Vietnamese immigration law.
• Return or onward ticket: Although not legally required, many airlines may deny boarding if you cannot present:
  • A return ticket to your home country
  • An onward ticket to a third destination
    This is a common airline policy to ensure travelers do not overstay.
• Not subject to entry bans: You must not be on any blacklist or banned from entering Vietnam, including for reasons related to national security, public health, or previous immigration violations.

Travelers who fail to meet these requirements may be denied entry at the border, even if they come from visa-exempt countries.

Staying Beyond the Visa-Free Period

If you intend to stay longer than your visa-free period, or wish to re-enter Vietnam multiple times within a short period, you must apply for a visa. Options include:

• Vietnam E-Visa (30–90 days, single or multiple entry)
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) with pre-approval letter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)