Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Last updated: June 2026 · Written by the GoVietVisa processing team
Quick answer: It depends on your nationality. Around 38–39 countries get visa-free entry to Vietnam (14–90 days, most get 45). Everyone else needs a visa — and for almost all nationalities the simplest option is the online eVisa, available to all countries for 30 or 90 days. Even visa-free travelers who want to stay longer than their exemption need an eVisa.
“Do I need a visa for Vietnam?” has three possible answers depending on who you are and how long you are staying. Let's sort out which one applies to you.
The Three Possibilities
- Visa-free (exemption): your nationality is on Vietnam's exemption list and your stay fits within the allowed days.
- eVisa: you are not exempt, or you want to stay longer than your exemption — apply online before you fly.
- Embassy/special visa: only for longer stays, work, or specific purposes the eVisa does not cover.
Who Is Visa-Exempt in 2026?
As of 2026, citizens of roughly 38–39 countries can enter without a visa, for periods that vary by nationality:
- 45 days: many European countries plus Japan, South Korea, and the UK (ordinary passport). Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic were recently added to the full 45-day group.
- 14–30 days: most ASEAN neighbours, under bilateral agreements.
- Up to 90 days: a small number of countries (for example, Chile).
Two useful updates: the old rule forcing a 30-day wait between visa-free visits has been removed, so you can leave and re-enter immediately; and exemption requires only a passport valid at least six months with blank pages. Because the exact list and durations change periodically, confirm your nationality on the official portal before booking — this is exactly the kind of detail worth double-checking.
If You're Not Exempt: the eVisa
If your country is not on the exemption list, or you want to stay longer than your visa-free days, the eVisa is the route for almost everyone. It is open to all nationalities, processed online, valid for 30 or 90 days, and comes in single or multiple entry. Compare your options in our guide to eVisa vs visa on arrival vs exemption, and decide entry type with single vs multiple entry.
Special Cases Worth Knowing
- Phu Quoc: a 30-day visa exemption applies to any nationality if the island is your only destination and entry point.
- BNO passport holders: not covered by the UK exemption — they need a visa.
- Staying longer than your exemption: get an eVisa in advance; the exemption itself can't be extended.
- Entry by land or sea: exemption still applies at international checkpoints, but confirm your specific port of entry is approved.
Not sure whether you need a visa? Tell us your nationality and dates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of around 38 to 39 countries can enter visa-free for 14 to 90 days depending on their country, with most getting 45 days. Everyone else needs a visa, and the easiest option for almost all nationalities is the online eVisa, valid for 30 or 90 days.
Which countries are visa-free for Vietnam in 2026?
As of 2026 roughly 38 to 39 nationalities are visa-exempt. Many European countries plus Japan, South Korea and the UK (ordinary passport) get 45 days; ASEAN neighbours generally get 14 to 30 days; and a few countries get up to 90 days. Because the list and durations change, always confirm your nationality on the official portal before booking.
Do I need a visa if I stay only a few days?
If your nationality is visa-exempt and your stay is within the exemption period, you do not need a visa for a short trip. If your nationality is not on the exemption list, you need an eVisa even for a single day. Phu Quoc island has a separate 30-day exemption if it is your only destination.
Can I stay longer than my visa-free period?
Not on the exemption itself, since it cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer than your visa-free days, apply for an eVisa (up to 90 days) before you travel, or leave and re-enter, which is now allowed without the old 30-day waiting gap.
How do I check if I need a Vietnam visa?
Check your nationality against the current visa-exemption list and your intended length of stay. If you are exempt and staying within the limit, you are set; if not, apply for an eVisa. When in doubt, the official portal and your nationality's entry rules are the authoritative source.
Related guides
This guide is for general information. Vietnam visa rules can change — always verify current requirements on the official portal. GoVietVisa is a private visa assistance service, not the official government portal (evisa.gov.vn).