Hướng dẫn Miễn thị thực

1. Visa Exemption

Visa exemption is a policy that allows foreigners to enter a country without obtaining a visa in advance. In Vietnam, the visa exemption policy is applied to certain countries and territories to promote tourism, investment, and international cooperation.

2. Eligible Entities for Visa Exemption

Vietnam currently implements visa exemption for citizens of 13 countries and territories, allowing them to stay for up to 15 days. These countries include Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Russia, Belarus, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, citizens of ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Brunei are also granted visa exemption with varying durations of stay.

3. Other Cases of Visa Exemption in Vietnam

In addition to the aforementioned cases, Vietnam also offers visa exemption in the following situations:

• 30-day visa exemption for foreigners entering coastal economic zones as per government decisions, provided they meet the following conditions:
  • The zone has an international airport.
  • The zone is separated from the mainland.
  • The zone has defined geographical boundaries that align with socio-economic development policies and do not compromise Vietnam's national defense, security, or public order.
• Holders of a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) are exempt from visa requirements and can stay in Vietnam for up to 60 days.

4. Specific Conditions and Regulations

• Duration of Stay: Depending on the foreign national's country, the visa exemption period typically ranges from 15 to 30 days. For longer stays, foreigners must obtain an appropriate visa.
• Entry Conditions: Foreigners must possess a passport valid for at least six months and must not be on Vietnam's entry prohibition list.
• Re-entry Regulations: After leaving Vietnam, visa-exempt travelers must wait at least 30 days before they are eligible to re-enter under the visa exemption.

Vietnam issues two types of visa exemption certificates:

• Sticker Type: This type of visa exemption certificate is affixed to the foreign passport of Vietnamese overseas residents and foreigners entering Vietnam.
• Booklet Type: This type is for Vietnamese overseas residents who only possess a foreign permanent residence card and for individuals holding passports from countries or territories that do not have diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

Important Notes:

• The visa exemption certificate is valid for a maximum of 5 years and must be shorter than the validity of the passport or international travel document by at least 6 months.
• The visa exemption certificate is issued for those entering Vietnam to visit relatives or handle personal matters.
• The visa exemption certificate is affixed to the passport, but the following cases will be issued a separate (booklet) certificate:
  • a) The passport has no more visa pages.
  • b) The passport is from a country without diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
  • c) International travel documents.
  • d) As requested by the visa-exempt person.
  • e) For reasons of diplomacy, defense, or security.

Visa exemption certificates are issued individually. Children sharing a passport with a parent will be granted a visa exemption certificate along with the parent.

5. Benefits of the Visa Exemption Policy

• Promoting Tourism: This policy helps attract tourists from visa-exempt countries, boosting the development of the tourism sector.
• Encouraging Investment and Cooperation: By facilitating easier entry for foreign businesspeople and investors, the policy enhances economic, trade, and investment cooperation.
• Building National Image: Visa exemption is a way for Vietnam to demonstrate its openness, friendliness, and welcome to international friends.

6. Important Considerations

• Foreigners should note that the visa exemption policy only applies to certain countries and for a limited duration. To extend their stay, they must follow the legal visa application procedures.
• The visa exemption policy may change over time depending on diplomatic relations and national security conditions. Therefore, foreigners should stay informed before planning their entry into Vietnam.

7. Conclusion

Vietnam's visa exemption policy has positively contributed to attracting tourism, investment, and enhancing the country's image on the international stage. However, to optimize the benefits of this policy, strict management and security measures are essential. Foreigners planning to enter Vietnam should thoroughly understand the regulations and conditions to ensure compliance with the law and have the best experience during their stay in Vietnam.