Vietnam Visa Exemption 2026: Everything You Need to Know

In an effort to boost international tourism and simplify travel, the Vietnamese government has significantly expanded its visa waiver policies for 2026. Many travelers can now enjoy stays of up to 45 days without a visa, while overseas Vietnamese benefit from the long-term 5-year visa exemption.

However, a critical digital requirement—the Mandatory Arrival QR Code—now applies to all travelers, including those who are visa-exempt.

NOT SURE IF YOU NEED A VISA?

24/7 Expert Check (WhatsApp/Hotline): (+84) 968 18 77 18

1. Countries with Unilateral Visa Exemption (New 45-Day Rule)

As of May 2026, citizens from the following 13 countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days (regardless of passport type or entry purpose):

• Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Belarus, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland.

• Asia: Japan, South Korea.

Note: You can re-enter Vietnam immediately after exiting; there is no longer a “30-day wait” requirement between visa-free visits.

2. ASEAN Visa Exemption (Bilateral)

Citizens of ASEAN countries continue to enjoy visa-free entry with varying stay durations:

• 30 Days: Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia.

• 21 Days: Philippines.

• 14 Days: Brunei, Myanmar.

3. The 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate

This is the best option for Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) and their foreign spouses or children.

• Validity: Up to 5 years.

• Stay Duration: Each entry allows a stay of up to 180 days (6 months).

• Renewal: Can be extended within Vietnam without leaving the country.

4. CRITICAL: Mandatory Digital Arrival Card for 2026

Effective April 15, 2026, even if you are visa-exempt, you are not cleared to enter until you complete the Digital Arrival Card.

• The Requirement: Every traveler must submit their travel details at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within 72 hours of arrival.

• The QR Code: After submission, you will receive a mandatory QR Code.

• At Immigration: You must present this QR code to the officer. No QR Code = No Entry, even for visa-exempt travelers.

5. Requirements for Visa-Exempt Entry

To enter Vietnam under an exemption, you must present:

1. Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

2. Blank Pages: At least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

3. Mandatory Entry QR Code: Generated within 72 hours of landing.

4. Onward Travel: A return ticket or a ticket to a third country (occasionally requested).

6. What if you want to stay longer than 45 days?

If your country is on the exemption list but you plan to stay for 90 days, you should apply for a 90-day E-visa before entering Vietnam. Transitioning from a visa-free stay to an E-visa while inside the country is not always possible without an “Exit Run.”

EXEMPTION OF ENTRY VISA TO VIETNAM