Vietnam Visa Waiver Program Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Are you planning to visit Vietnam but worried about applying for a visa? You may not need one! Vietnam offers a Visa Waiver Program (also known as the visa exemption program) that allows nationals from certain countries to enter Vietnam without a visa for a specified period. This guide will walk you through the qualifying countries, conditions, and how to make use of the Vietnam Visa Waiver Program.

What is the Vietnam Visa Waiver Program?

The Vietnam Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of certain countries to visit Vietnam without the need for a visa for a short stay. The exemption is granted for tourism or short business trips, with specific durations depending on the traveler's nationality.

Who Qualifies for the Vietnam Visa Waiver Program?

As of 2024, nationals from the following countries qualify for visa-free entry into Vietnam for a specified period:

15-day Visa Waiver: Citizens of Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Russia can stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa.
30-day Visa Waiver: Citizens of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines can stay for up to 30 days.
90-day Visa Waiver: Citizens of Chile can stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days visa-free.
Special Exemptions: Citizens from certain countries such as Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden also benefit from visa exemptions under specific conditions.

Conditions of the Visa Waiver Program

While the Visa Waiver Program offers convenient travel, certain conditions must be met:

Round-trip ticket: Travelers must show proof of onward or return travel upon arrival.
Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date into Vietnam.
Previous stays: For those who have used the visa waiver before, at least 30 days must have passed since their last exit from Vietnam before they can re-enter without a visa.

How to Apply for the Visa Waiver Program?

For qualifying travelers, the visa waiver does not require any formal application process. Simply follow these steps:

Check Your Eligibility: Verify that your nationality qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program and ensure you meet the necessary conditions.
Prepare Your Documents: Bring your passport (with at least six months of validity) and proof of onward travel. This can be an airline ticket or other documentation showing your exit from Vietnam.
Enter Vietnam: Upon arrival at a Vietnamese border checkpoint (airport, land, or sea), show your passport and travel documents to the immigration officer. If everything is in order, you will receive an entry stamp in your passport indicating the period you are allowed to stay visa-free.

Extending Your Stay in Vietnam

If you wish to stay longer than the visa waiver period allows, you will need to apply for a visa extension or a new visa. Extensions can sometimes be difficult to obtain, so it is recommended to apply for a visa before traveling if you expect to stay longer than the visa-free period.

What Happens If You Overstay?

Overstaying your visa waiver period can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering Vietnam for a specified period. Make sure you leave the country before your waiver period expires, or apply for an extension in advance.

Conclusion

The Vietnam Visa Waiver Program is a great option for short-term visitors from eligible countries. With no need for a visa application process, it allows you to enter Vietnam hassle-free. However, it’s important to understand the limitations and ensure your travel plans fit within the permitted stay. If you need to stay longer, be sure to apply for a visa or extension before your waiver period expires.

Important: This content is for general information only. For the latest updates on country lists and program details, please consult the official embassy or immigration website for the most accurate and current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my stay under the Vietnam Visa Waiver Program?

Visa extensions are generally not available for those under the Visa Waiver Program. If you need to stay longer than the waiver period, you should apply for a visa before traveling or leave the country and apply for a visa from outside Vietnam.

Can I enter Vietnam multiple times under the Visa Waiver Program?

Yes, but there must be a gap of at least 30 days between exits and re-entries under the Visa Waiver Program. For frequent travel, you may want to consider a multiple-entry visa.