Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to visa waiver policies! Learn about eligible countries, stay durations, cultural site costs, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Immerse in Vietnam’s natural heritage with visa-waiver travelAuthor Bio: 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-waiver-eligible countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for specified periods, while others must apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn. This guide details visa waiver policies, eligible countries, and travel tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a vibrant 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 waiver policies allows travelers from eligible countries to plan hassle-free trips, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or exploring independently. Visa waivers are available for citizens of 38 countries (14–45 days), all nationalities visiting Phu Quoc Island (30 days), APEC Business Travel Card holders (60 days), and overseas Vietnamese (up to 180 days per visit) vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa waiver insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for a seamless adventure.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), land borders, or seaports. This guide blends visa waiver details, travel planning, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free experience.
Vietnam’s visa waiver policies allow stays of 14–45 days for 38 countries, 30 days for Phu Quoc visitors, 60 days for APEC cardholders, and up to 180 days per visit for overseas Vietnamese with a 5-year exemption certificate. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Non-eligible travelers can apply for an e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND). Key cultural sites like Hoi An’s ancient town cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Visitors must register their temporary residence with local police, typically handled by hotels. Verify visa waiver eligibility via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa Waiver:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligible Countries: Citizens of 38 countries with unilateral or bilateral visa waiver agreements, including:
45 days: Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland vietnam-visa.com.
30 days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand vietnam-visa.com.
21 days: Philippines vietnam-visa.com.
14 days: Brunei vietnam-visa.com.
90 days: Chile, Panama vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 14–90 days, depending on nationality, calculated from the date of entry vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost; requires a passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory; no prior application required vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; travelers must exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand) and re-enter with a new waiver or e-visa (visa run) vietnam-visa.com.
Note: British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible and must apply for an e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Visa Waiver:
Purpose: Tourism or leisure on Phu Quoc Island.
Eligibility: All nationalities, provided they arrive directly by air or sea and do not travel to mainland Vietnam vietnam.travel.
Duration: Up to 30 days vietnam.travel.
Cost: No cost vietnam.travel.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket) required vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; travelers must apply for an e-visa for mainland travel vietnam-visa.com.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Waiver:
Purpose: Business travel for cardholders from APEC member economies.
Eligibility: Holders with “VNM” on the card vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 60 days per visit vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No additional visa fee vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Valid passport with two blank pages; present ABTC at entry vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate:
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or business for overseas Vietnamese and their families.
Eligibility: Overseas Vietnamese, their spouses, or children vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 180 days per visit, valid for 5 years or 6 months before passport expiration vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate); application at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for additional 180-day periods with support from a Vietnamese relative; fees apply ($10 or 250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa for Non-Waiver Travelers:
Purpose: Alternative for those not eligible for visa waivers, suitable for tourism, business, or leisure.
Eligibility: All nationalities evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Online via evisa.gov.vn; requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport scan, and payment evisa.gov.vn.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires visa run vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels travel.state.gov.
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. Non-eligible travelers must apply for an e-visa via evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Recommended for standard waivers, required for Phu Quoc waiver (e.g., return flight ticket) vietnam.travel.
Entry/Exit Points: Waivers apply to 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports; no prior declaration required vietnam.travel.
Compliance: Ensure no entry bans; register temporary residence with local police travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa-waiver planning. 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 quiet demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport securely to verify visa-waiver status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our visa-waiver trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering to preserve 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 visa-waiver travellers 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 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 visa-waiver 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.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for visa-waiver travelers from eligible countries; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Waiver Tips: Confirm waiver eligibility (14–45 days or Phu Quoc); carry a passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels; verify duration 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 cruises available daily.
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 to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Verify waiver eligibility; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with a visa waiver.”
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 Waiver Tips: Ensure waiver duration covers tour dates; 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 noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa-waiver compliance and 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 Waiver Tips: Ensure waiver duration covers multi-city travel; 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 noted: “The combo tour was visa-waiver-ready 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 Waiver Tips: Ensure waiver duration covers 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 noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-waiver-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for visa-waiver travelers from eligible countries.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-waiver-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-waiver-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-waiver travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February (lunar calendar), 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 (lunar calendar), honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), 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 your nationality qualifies for a 14–45 day waiver, Phu Quoc’s 30-day waiver, APEC card waiver, or 5-year exemption; non-eligible travelers apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a passport photocopy; keep proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc or immigration checks travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your stay with local police; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital travel documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Plan travel within waiver duration; arrange visa runs if needed; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check eligibility at evisa.gov.vn.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), 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., 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
Visa Waiver Costs: No cost for standard waivers (14–45 days), Phu Quoc (30 days), or APEC cardholders; 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Costs (Non-Waiver Travelers): 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.
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 purchases; $0.20–$10 for add-ons; leverage visa waivers to minimize costs.
Visa Waiver Tips: Verify your nationality qualifies for a 14–45 day waiver, Phu Quoc’s 30-day waiver, APEC card waiver, or 5-year exemption; non-eligible travelers apply for an e-visa 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-waiver-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).
Which countries are eligible for Vietnam’s visa waiver? 38 countries, including Germany, Japan, Thailand (14–45 days), plus Phu Quoc (30 days) for all nationalities and APEC cardholders (60 days) vietnam-visa.com.
What are the requirements for a visa waiver? Passport valid for 6 months, two blank pages; proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc vietnam.travel.
Can I extend a visa waiver? No; exit to a neighboring country and re-enter with a new waiver or e-visa; 5-year exemptions are extendable vietnam-visa.com.
What is the Phu Quoc visa waiver? 30-day visa-free stay for all nationalities arriving directly to Phu Quoc vietnam.travel.
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? No, discontinued in 2022; non-eligible travelers apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-waiver 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 Waiver policies 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. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, verify waiver eligibility or apply for e-visas for non-eligible travelers, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; non-eligible travelers must apply for an e-visa via evisa.gov.vn. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
