Currently, Vietnam applies two types of visa exemption policies for foreign nationals: bilateral visa exemption and unilateral visa exemption. The 2025 visa exemption policy includes several important updates. Notably, the Government of Vietnam issued Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP dated March 7, 2025, extending the visa exemption policy for an additional three years (from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2028) for 12 countries. In addition, from March 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, Vietnam is also implementing temporary visa exemptions for three additional countries — Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic — to boost tourism.
Here is what travelers, employers, and accommodation providers need to know.
Bilateral Visa Exemption
This policy applies to countries that have signed bilateral agreements with Vietnam. Citizens of these countries are exempt from visa requirements upon entry into Vietnam, with a maximum stay of up to 30 days, regardless of the purpose of entry.
List of countries with bilateral exemption agreements:
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Brunei – 14 days
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Myanmar – 14 days
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Philippines – 21 days
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Cambodia – 30 days
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Thailand – 30 days
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Malaysia – 30 days
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Singapore – 30 days
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Indonesia – 30 days
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Laos – 30 days
Unilateral Visa Exemption
This is a visa waiver policy unilaterally applied by the Vietnamese Government to citizens of selected developed countries. Holders of ordinary passports from these countries may enter Vietnam without a visa for a stay not exceeding 45 days, regardless of entry purpose, provided that the following conditions are met:
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Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
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Possession of a return or onward air ticket
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Not subject to immigration restrictions under Vietnamese law
List of countries with unilateral visa exemption (45 days):
South Korea, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belarus
Additionally, from March 1 to December 31, 2025, citizens of Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic are granted temporary visa exemption to support tourism recovery. Although these visa exemption policies are designed to promote tourism and socio-economic development, particularly in the tourism sector, they also come with potential risks to public order and national security.
Important Legal Reminders for Foreign Nationals
While Vietnam’s open visa policy creates favorable conditions for economic and tourism growth, it also raises potential risks related to immigration violations. In light of this, the Hanoi Immigration Department has issued the following advisories:
- Strictly comply with immigration and residence regulations. Foreign nationals entering Vietnam under visa exemption must monitor their permitted duration of stay and not overstay.
- Do not misuse the visa exemption policy for unauthorized employment or illegal activities in Vietnam. Any violations will be handled in accordance with Vietnamese law.
- Accommodation providers and employers of foreign nationals must proactively register and monitor the temporary residence of foreigners. Do not tolerate or facilitate illegal residence or violations of immigration laws.
- Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report to the police if they detect unclear or suspicious foreign activities that may exploit the visa exemption policy to harm national security.
How 68 Solutions Can Assist
At 68 Solutions, we provide professional immigration and legal consulting for foreign nationals and organizations in Vietnam. Our services include:
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Visa application and extension
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Legal stay consultation for visa-exempt travelers
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Employer compliance and foreign labor management
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Legal representation and document processing with immigration authorities
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Temporary Residence Card (TRC), Work Permit, and E-visa services
If you are a foreign national seeking legal guidance, or an organization that employs or hosts foreign workers, contact 68SOLUTIONS today for expert assistance and up-to-date immigration support via hotline: (+84) 989 529 699
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68Solutions – Legal & Travel
Consulting & Partnerships Department
Address: 6th Floor, 67 Yen Lang Street, Trung Liet Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, 100000
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Hotline/ WhatsApp/ Zalo: (+84) 989 529 699
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Website: www.68solutions.vn
