General Visa Information
Vietnam offers multiple visa options for travelers, including visa exemptions for certain countries, e-visas, and visa runs for those needing to extend their stay. Whether you’re a backpacker, tourist, traveler, or digital nomad, understanding Vietnam’s visa rules can help you avoid unnecessary hassle and ensure a smooth stay. The right visa depends on your nationality, length of stay, and travel purpose.
Visa-Exempt Countries
What is Visa Exemption?
Visa exemption allows travelers from certain countries to enter Vietnam without obtaining a visa for a limited period. This means you can visit Vietnam for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family without applying for a visa in advance.
If you’re planning to stay beyond the allowed period, applying for an e-visa in advance is recommended to avoid unnecessary travel interruptions. A evisa is generally cheaper then leaving the country and coming back on the same day on another Visa Exempt.
Visa Exemption List (Updated March 2025)
- 90 Days: Chile, Panama
- 45 Days: Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland*, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland*, United Kingdom
- 30 Days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
- 21 Days: Philippines
- 14 Days: Brunei, Myanmar
* Visa exemption for Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic is valid until December 31, 2025. The visa exemption applies to citizens traveling on tours organized by Vietnamese international tour operators.
Visa exemption is ideal for travelers visiting Vietnam for a short period. If you plan to stay longer, consider applying for an e-visa to avoid the hassle of exiting and re-entering the country.
E-Visa
Vietnam offers an e-visa system for travelers from over 80 countries. The e-visa is valid for 90 days, single or multiple entry, and allows travelers to enter through various airports, land borders, and seaports.
E-Visa for US, Australia, New Zealand, European and other citizens.
Citizens of the US, Australia, New Zealand and other countries can apply for an e-visa online before traveling to Vietnam. Key details include:
- Application through Vietnam’s official immigration website.
- Processing time: typically 3-5 business days.
- Cost: around $25 USD for a single entry.
- Required documents: passport copy, passport-sized photo, and entry details.
- Valid for tourism, business, and family visits.
If you need help or have any questions feel free to send an email to : [email protected].
Visa Runs: How to Renew Your Stay in Vietnam
For long-term travelers, digital nomads, and expats, a visa run is a common way to renew your stay in Vietnam. Depending on whether you’re applying for a new e-visa or using a visa exemption, the process can vary. Below are the different types of visa runs and what to expect.
Visa Runs for E-Visa Holders
If you currently have an e-visa and need a new one, there are three main ways to complete your visa run:
1. Do-It-Yourself Visa Run (Standard Process)
- Leave Vietnam and travel to another country.
- Apply for a new e-visa through Vietnam’s official immigration website.
- Wait 3 business days for approval (can take longer if amendments are required).
- Once approved, return to Vietnam with your new visa.
✅ Best for: Travelers who want to explore another country while waiting for their e-visa approval.
⚠️ Risk: If your application needs an amendment, the 3-day processing time resets, leading to delays.
2. Do-It-Yourself Visa Run with a Visa Agent (Expedited Process)
- Fly out of Vietnam to a neighboring country.
- Use a visa agent to expedite the e-visa process.
- Fly back to Vietnam the same day once the new e-visa is issued.
✅ Best for: Travelers who want to minimize time outside of Vietnam.
⚠️ Risk: Higher cost due to visa agent fees and same-day flights.
3. Visa Agent Border Run (Fastest Overland Option)
- Join a visa agent service that provides round-trip transportation to the Laos border.
- Leave Vietnam, apply for a pre-approved e-visa, and re-enter the same day.
- In Da Nang, these services usually depart at 7 AM and return by 11 PM. Faster services can return by 6 PM.
✅ Best for: Those who want a quick and hassle-free visa run without flying.
⚠️ Risk: Higher cost compared to a DIY visa run, but much faster.
Visa Runs for Visa-Exempt Travelers
If you qualify for visa exemption and want to reset your stay, you can do a visa-exempt visa run using one of these methods:
1. Fly Out and Return on the Next Available Flight
- Book a same-day round-trip flight to a nearby country like Thailand, Malaysia, or Singapore.
- Return to Vietnam on a new visa exemption period.
✅ Best for: Travelers who want a simple, fast visa reset with minimal planning.
⚠️ Risk: Airline staff may ask about your return ticket or next exit plan.
2. Overland Visa Run to Laos
- Rent a car or hire a driver to take you to the Laos border.
- Exit Vietnam, get stamped into Laos, and then immediately return to Vietnam on a new visa exemption period.
✅ Best for: Travelers who prefer an affordable overland option without flying.
⚠️ Risk: Border officers may scrutinize frequent visa runs, so use this method sparingly.
Which Visa Run Option is Best for You?
- If you need a new e-visa, choose a visa agent service for speed or a DIY approach if you don’t mind waiting.
- If you qualify for visa exemption, flying out and back is the simplest way to reset your stay.
- Overland border runs are great for those based in Da Nang, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City who want a quick visa renewal without flying.
Before planning your visa run, always check Vietnam’s latest visa policies to avoid unexpected issues at immigration.
Overstaying & Visa Risks
Overstaying your visa in Vietnam can result in fines, travel restrictions, or difficulties obtaining future visas. Important points to keep in mind:
- Fines: Overstays can lead to daily fines, increasing with the length of overstay.
- Legal Issues: Long overstays can result in deportation or bans from re-entering Vietnam.
- Extending Your Stay: If you need more time, apply for an extension in advance (not possible for tourism purposes) or get a new visa/Visa extempt, rather than overstaying
Final Notes
Visa policies can change, so it’s important to check Vietnam’s immigration website or consult an official source before traveling.
If you need help or have any questions feel free to send an email to : [email protected].
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