Plan your 45-day Vietnam adventure with our guide for international travelers! Learn about visa exemptions, requirements, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Learn Vietnam’s 45-day visa rules with expert guidanceWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International travelers from eligible countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days under the visa exemption policy, while others may need an e-visa or embassy visa for extended stays. This guide details the 45-day visa exemption, requirements, and travel tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, captivates with cultural landmarks like Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, and Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts vinpearl.com. The 45-day visa exemption allows travelers from select countries to explore these treasures without a visa, making it ideal for tourism, business, or leisure, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Available to citizens of 13 countries, this exemption simplifies entry through Vietnam’s 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel. This guide provides practical insights into the 45-day visa exemption, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international travelers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the 45-day visa exemption is a key feature for eligible nationalities, with entry facilitated via major hubs like Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City). This guide blends visa exemption details, cultural tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
The 45-day visa exemption is available for citizens of 13 countries (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan) for tourism, business, or leisure, with no cost. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts. Verify visa exemption eligibility and requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Citizens of 13 countries, including Chile, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Spain, UK, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days, calculated from the date of entry vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements:
Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended but not mandatory vietnam.travel.
Temporary residence registration within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts travel.state.gov.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Cambodia, Laos, Thailand) and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. For stays exceeding 45 days or for non-exempt nationalities, apply for an e-visa ($25–$50) via evisa.gov.vn or an embassy visa ($25–$100) vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays up to 90 days.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, India) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Apply online at evisa.gov.vn; upload passport photo (4x6 cm, white background) and passport data page; processing takes 3–7 working days evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for longer stays.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) travel.state.gov.
Application: Apply at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Bangkok, Beijing, or Phnom Penh); requires passport, application form, and photos travel.state.gov.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism on Phu Quoc Island for up to 30 days.
Eligibility: All nationalities arriving directly to Phu Quoc by air or sea vietnam.travel.
Requirements: Proof of onward travel from Phu Quoc vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing the 45-day visa exemption. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod to immigration officers or locals; use both hands for transactions at cultural sites like markets or temples culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration checkpoints and cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or a photocopy for checks. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest from the UK shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our 45-day visa-free trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An; complete residence registration within 24 hours (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen visa-exempt travelers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a passport photocopy for checks travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your 45-day visa-exempt journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently using the 45-day visa exemption; suitable for eligible travelers; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Confirm eligibility for the 45-day exemption; carry a passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Verify exemption eligibility at vietnam-visa.com; a guest from Germany noted: “The 45-day visa exemption made self-guided exploration seamless.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid 45-day exemption; carry a passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Japan noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa-free cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use the 45-day exemption; carry a passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from France noted: “The combo tour was visa-free and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use the 45-day exemption for multi-city travel; carry a passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from the UK noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-exempt cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers using the 45-day visa exemption.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-free cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-exempt itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-exempt travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for cultural visits and festivals. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Eligibility: Confirm if your nationality (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan) qualifies for the 45-day visa exemption; otherwise, apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn or an embassy visa vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a passport photocopy; provide proof of onward travel (recommended); complete temporary residence registration at hotels travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or hosts register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital itineraries to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Verify exemption eligibility at vietnam-visa.com; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check entry points at vietnam.travel. For non-exempt nationalities, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Berlin: +49 30 5363 0108).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
Exemption Costs: No cost for the 45-day visa exemption vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Costs (for Non-Exempt Nationalities): Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy Visa Costs (for Non-Exempt Nationalities): $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, transport, and entries; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; leverage the 45-day visa exemption to save on visa costs.
Visa Tips: Confirm eligibility for the 45-day visa exemption (13 countries); carry a passport photocopy; complete residence registration at hotels; for non-exempt nationalities, apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-exempt insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Who qualifies for Vietnam’s 45-day visa exemption? Citizens of 13 countries (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea) for tourism, business, or leisure vietnam-visa.com.
What are the requirements for the 45-day visa exemption? Passport valid for 6+ months, two blank pages, and recommended proof of onward travel vietnam.travel.
Can the 45-day visa exemption be extended? No; requires exit and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Which entry points accept the 45-day visa exemption? All 13 airports, 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
What if I’m not eligible for the 45-day exemption? Apply for an e-visa ($25–$50) at evisa.gov.vn or an embassy visa ($25–$100) travel.state.gov.
Enhance your 45-day visa-exempt Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84 825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa 45 Days with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for eligible travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage the 45-day visa exemption for eligible nationalities or apply for e-visas via evisa.gov.vn for others, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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