Exploring Vietnam Visa Exemption List: A Comprehensive Guide

Written 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, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, 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. Citizens of visa-exempt countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for specified durations, or apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn or obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy for longer stays or other purposes. This guide details the visa exemption list, durations, and travel tips for a seamless journey.

A Practical, Cultural, and Sustainable Travel Essential

Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding Vietnam’s visa exemption list ensures smooth entry for travelers from eligible countries, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. 37 countries benefit from visa exemptions with stays from 14 to 90 days, while e-visas or embassy visas are available for others vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for travelers from exempt countries.

Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends the visa exemption list, requirements, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.

Administrative Note

Citizens of 37 countries enjoy visa exemptions for stays from 14 to 90 days, while e-visas cost $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days, and embassy visas cost $25–$100. 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. Verify visa exemption via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.

The visa exemption list for Vietnam, based on current policies, includes the following countries. Note that exemptions are subject to change, so always verify with official sources like evisa.gov.vn or the Vietnamese embassy before travel. The list below reflects the standard durations for tourism, business, or leisure purposes:

This list is based on Vietnam's visa policy, and no major changes are anticipated for 2026-2027 based on current trends. However, policies can change, so confirm with the Vietnamese government. For stays beyond the exemption period, apply for an e-visa or embassy visa.

Respecting Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage

Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation for Finnish travelers. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:

• Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at temples or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.

• Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.

• Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest from Finland shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our visa-prepared 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’s ancient town culturetrip.com.

• 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 Finnish 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, but translation apps are useful 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 PassApp for ride-hailing.

• 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 visa-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.

1. Self-Guided Visa-Prepared Exploration

• Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for Finnish travelers with valid visa exemptions or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.

• Visa Tips: Use the 45-day exemption or e-visas ($25–$50); carry a printed e-visa or 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); Hanoi’s 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: Confirm exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from Finland noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with the visa exemption.”

2. Legend Travel Group (Group Visa-Prepared Cultural Tour)

• 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 exemption or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or 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 Finland noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”

3. Local Vietnam (Combo Visa-Prepared Cultural and Adventure Tour)

• 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 a multiple-entry e-visa or exemption for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or 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 Finland noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”

4. Multi-Day Visa-Prepared Cultural and Adventure Tour (Legend Travel Group)

• 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 a multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel (stays over 45 days); carry a printed e-visa or 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 Finland noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”

• Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for Finnish travelers with visa exemptions or e-visas.

• Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant 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-smart itineraries.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.

Key visa-prepared 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 crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.

• Verify Visa Needs: Finnish citizens can use the 45-day visa exemption; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for longer stays; use embassy visas for specific needs; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits vietnam-visa.com.

• Documentation: Ensure Finnish passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc travel.state.gov.

• Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.

• Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.

• Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early for stays over 45 days; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Helsinki (+358 9 228 6180).

Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:

• Documents: Finnish passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket for Phu Quoc), 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., banh mi); 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.

Costs for Visa-Prepared Travel to Vietnam for Finnish Travelers

Visa and Travel Costs

• E-Visa Costs: 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.

• Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemption (45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days); 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time 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, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use the 45-day exemption to save on visa costs.

• Visa Tips: Finnish passport holders can use the 45-day visa exemption; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for longer stays; use embassy visas for specific needs; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits 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-compliant 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, Finnish Embassy in Hanoi: +84 24 3826 6466).

• Do Finnish citizens need a visa for Vietnam? No for up to 45 days under the visa exemption or 30 days for Phu Quoc; e-visas or embassy visas required for longer stays vietnam-visa.com.

• How do Finnish citizens apply for a Vietnam visa? Use the 45-day exemption; otherwise, apply for an e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn or an embassy visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in Helsinki travel.state.gov.

• How much does a Vietnam visa cost for Finnish citizens? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.

• Can Finnish citizens extend their visa? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be extendable with a sponsor 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.

• Is Visa on Arrival available for Finnish citizens? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.

Enhance your visa-prepared 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 (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.

Mastering Vietnam Visa Exemption for Finland 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 Finnish travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage the 45-day visa exemption or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn for longer stays, 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

• travel.state.gov

• evisa.gov.vn

• vinpearl.com

• vietnam.travel