How Long Can You Stay in Vietnam Without a Visa? (2026 Updated)
Vietnam has one of Southeast Asia’s most generous visa exemption policies — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Some travelers think they can stay indefinitely. Others don’t realize they qualify for a free 45-day entry. And some unknowingly overstay and face serious consequences at the border.
This guide covers everything you need to know about visa-free stays in Vietnam in 2026, including the full country list, exactly how days are counted, and your options when you need to stay longer.
What Is Vietnam’s Visa Exemption Policy?
Vietnam’s visa exemption allows citizens of certain countries to enter and stay for a set number of days without applying for any visa beforehand. You simply arrive at the border with a valid passport and are admitted for the exemption period.
As of 2026, Vietnam grants visa-free access to citizens of over 40 countries, with stay durations of 15, 30, 45, or 90 days depending on nationality and bilateral agreements.
Countries With 90-Day Visa-Free Access
Following bilateral agreements, the following countries enjoy 90-day visa-free stays — the longest exemption period Vietnam offers:
| Country | Stay Duration | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇫🇷 France | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
| 🇧🇾 Belarus | 90 days | Single & Multiple |
Countries With 45-Day Visa-Free Access
In August 2023, Vietnam extended its visa exemption for several major tourism markets from 15 to 45 days. This was a major policy change affecting millions of travelers:
| Country | Stay Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 45 days | Extended from 15 days in 2023 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 45 days | Extended from 15 days in 2023 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 45 days | Extended from 15 days in 2023 |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 45 days | Extended from 15 days in 2023 |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 45 days | Extended from 15 days in 2023 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 45 days | — |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 45 days | — |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 45 days | — |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 45 days | — |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 45 days | — |
| 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | 45 days | — |
Countries With 30-Day Visa-Free Access
| Country | Stay Duration |
|---|---|
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | 30 days |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 30 days |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | 30 days |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 30 days |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | 30 days |
| 🇰🇭 Cambodia | 30 days |
| 🇱🇦 Laos | 30 days |
| 🇲🇲 Myanmar | 30 days |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | 30 days |
| 🇨🇱 Chile | 30 days |
| 🇵🇦 Panama | 30 days |
Countries With 15-Day Visa-Free Access
| Country | Stay Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳 China | 15 days | Single entry |
| 🇮🇳 India | 15 days | — |
How Are the Days Counted?
This is where many travelers make costly mistakes. Here’s exactly how Vietnam counts visa-free days:
- Day 1 = the day you enter Vietnam, regardless of what time you arrive
- If you arrive at 11:55 PM, that night still counts as Day 1
- The exit date must be on or before your last allowed day — not the day after
- Days are calendar days, not 24-hour periods
Last allowed day in Vietnam: July 15 (Day 45)
Must depart on or before: July 15
Departing July 16 = overstay of 1 day
The immigration stamp in your passport will show your permitted stay date — this is the date you must leave by, not the number of days. Always check this stamp carefully upon arrival.
Do You Need to Do Anything to Get Visa-Free Entry?
No application is required. Simply arrive at the border (airport, land crossing, or sea port) with:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
- A return or onward ticket (immigration may ask to see this)
- Proof of accommodation for your first night (hotel booking)
- Sufficient funds for your stay (no specific amount defined, but ~$100/day is a reasonable guide)
There is no pre-approval, no portal to register on, and no fee for visa-free entry.
What Happens If You Overstay?
| Overstay Duration | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 1–5 days | Fine at airport on departure (approx. 500,000–1,000,000 VND / ~$20–40 USD) |
| 6–30 days | Higher fine + possible administrative detention while processed |
| 31–90 days | Significant fine + risk of entry ban (6 months to 1 year) |
| 90+ days | Deportation + multi-year entry ban + visa denial at embassies |
Can You Extend a Visa-Free Stay?
A visa-free entry cannot be extended directly. Once you’ve entered on a visa exemption, you have two options if you want to stay longer:
- Option 1 — Visa run: Exit Vietnam briefly (e.g., to Cambodia or Laos), then re-enter. Your exemption period resets each time you enter. However, immigration officers have discretion to deny re-entry if they believe you are living in Vietnam long-term on repeated exemptions.
- Option 2 — Apply for an e-visa: Exit Vietnam before your exemption expires, apply for a 90-day e-visa, and re-enter. This is the most reliable long-term solution.
📋 Need to Stay Longer Than Your Exemption Allows?
EntryVN can help you apply for a 90-day e-visa or advise on the best extension strategy for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
US passport holders are eligible for 45 days visa-free in Vietnam as of August 2023, when Vietnam extended the exemption from 15 to 45 days. No application is required — simply arrive with a valid passport and show a return ticket if asked.
Technically yes — the law does not require a waiting period between exemption entries. However, immigration officers have discretion, and frequent same-day or next-day re-entries may be questioned. If you plan to stay long-term, applying for a 90-day e-visa is more sustainable than repeated visa runs.
Children follow the same rules as adults based on their passport nationality. If a parent’s nationality is visa-free, children with the same passport also enter visa-free. Children on a separate passport must have their own valid travel document.
Vietnam’s visa exemption is based on the nationality shown in the passport you travel with, not your country of birth or residence. If you hold dual nationality and carry two passports, you may enter on whichever passport gives you a longer or more convenient exemption.
