45-day Vietnam visa exemption policy is a powerful incentive for tourists and business visitors from select countries. Effective through major government resolutions, this Vietnam visa exemption allows eligible travelers to enter and stay in this country for up to 45 days without obtaining a visa in advance.
This blog explains which nationalities qualify, the legal framework, entry requirements, procedural steps, limitations, and practical tips to make the most of Vietnam’s 45-day visa-free entry.
Legal Framework and Validity
On August 8, 2025, the Vietnamese Government issued Resolution 229/NQ-CP, granting a 45-day visa exemption for citizens of 12 countries traveling to Vietnam for tourism purposes. This new policy took effect on August 15, 2025, and will remain valid until August 14, 2028.
The visa exemption applies to travelers regardless of passport type, allowing eligible nationals to enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for up to 45 days per visit.
The following countries qualify for this 45-day visa exemption:
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
Citizens of these countries are granted visa-free entry exclusively for tourism and must still comply with all standard entry requirements under Vietnamese law.
This update aligns with Resolution 44/NQ-CP (March 2024), which reflects Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism and strengthen international cooperation. As of now, 24 countries are granted a 45-day visa exemption from the date of entry for tourism purposes:
Entry Requirements
To benefit from the 45-day exemption, travelers are required to:
- Hold a valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity from the date of arrival.
- Have at least two blank pages in the passport for immigration stamps.
- Present proof of onward travel (return ticket or ticket to a third country) upon entry.
- Provide accommodation details, such as hotel confirmations or an invitation letter from hosts.
- NOT engage in paid work or business activities during the stay.
Read Related: Avoid the Immigration Blacklist: Essential Tips for Expats in Vietnam
Immigration Procedures
Step 1: Arrival and Passport Check
Upon arrival at an international airport, land border, or seaport, present your passport to immigration officers for inspection.
Step 2: Verify the Entry Stamp
Check that your entry stamp clearly indicates a 45-day stay period. Once issued, immigration officers will not modify or extend this stamp.
Step 3: No Prior Application Needed
Travelers eligible for Vietnam’s visa exemption do not need to apply for or obtain any certificate before departure. The process is fully handled at the point of entry.
Read Related: Vietnam Visa Extension and Overstay: How to Avoid Fines and Legal Issues
Limitations and Conditions
The visa-free stay in Vietnam cannot be extended. Travelers who wish to stay beyond the permitted period must leave the country and either re-enter under a new exemption or apply for a different visa type, such as an e-visa, tourist visa, or business visa.
Entry under the visa exemption program is strictly for tourism purposes. Foreign nationals are not allowed to engage in employment or any paid activities without obtaining a valid work permit.
Another notable update is the 32-day exempt interval rule. Unlike previous policies that required a 30-day gap between visits, there is no mandatory waiting period between entries under this program, allowing greater flexibility for frequent travelers.
Separately, Decree 221/2025 introduces the 5-year visa exemption in Vietnam, offering special multi-entry waivers for priority individuals such as high-level investors, scientists, and diplomatic guests. This exemption differs from the standard 45-day visa-free stay and requires a formal invitation and approval from the Ministry of Public Security.
Read Related: Electronic Identification (eID) Accounts for Expats in Vietnam: Complete Before 1/7/2025
Practical Tips
- Check official government or embassy sources before travel to ensure your nationality remains covered.
- Renew passports that will expire within six months to avoid entry refusals.
- Carry printouts of your return ticket and hotel bookings to facilitate smooth immigration processing.
- Since no extension is possible, plan to exit Vietnam before the 45-day limit to avoid overstay penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I work in Vietnam during the 45-day exemption?
No. The exemption covers only tourism. Any paid work or business activity requires an appropriate visa and work permit.
Q2: Is the 45-day exemption valid for land crossings?
Yes. You may enter via international airports, seaports, or land border gates, provided immigration procedures at the point of entry support visa-free arrivals.
Q3: Do I need travel insurance?
While not mandatory for entry, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies and trip disruptions.
Q4: Can I re-enter Vietnam immediately after leaving?
Yes. There is no required waiting interval. Exiting and re-entering resets your 45-day allowance, subject to ongoing eligibility.
Q5: What happens if I overstay?
Overstaying voids the exemption and subjects you to fines, deportation, and potential bans on future entry. Always depart by the stamped exit date.
