Vietnam Visa by Nationality – Requirements for Each Country

The requirements for entering Vietnam vary significantly depending on the passport you hold. While the introduction of the universal 90-day E-visa in late 2023 has simplified the process for most, many nationalities still benefit from visa exemptions or face specific regulatory requirements.

In 2026, understanding the nuances of the Vietnam visa by nationality is the best way to ensure you don’t overpay for a visa you might not even need.

Why Vietnam Visa Rules Differ by Nationality

The Vietnamese government establishes visa policies based on diplomatic relations, reciprocal agreements, and tourism goals. These rules generally fall into three categories:

  1. Visa Exemptions: A group of 25+ countries that can enter for a limited period (15 to 45 days) without any paperwork.

  2. E-visa Eligibility: As of 2025, all countries and territories are eligible for the 90-day E-visa.

  3. Restricted Nations: While eligible for E-visas, citizens from certain regions may face stricter document verification during the approval process.

Countries Eligible for Vietnam Visa Exemptions

If your nationality is on the list below, you can enter Vietnam for up to 45 days (updated in 2025) without applying for a visa:

  • Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Belarus.

  • Asia: Japan, South Korea.

  • ASEAN: Citizens of Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos enjoy 30-day exemptions, while Philippines (21 days) and Myanmar/Brunei (14 days) have shorter periods.

Important: To use an exemption, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, and you must have a return or onward ticket.

Vietnam Visa for Popular Nationalities

For citizens not covered by exemptions, or those wishing to stay longer than 45 days, the 90-day E-visa is the standard solution.

1. US Citizens

American travelers are no longer limited to 1-year visas. US citizens can now apply for a 90-day Single or Multiple Entry E-visa.

2. Australian Citizens

Australia remains one of the top sources of tourism for Vietnam. Australian passport holders must apply for a visa.

  • Best Option: The 90-day Multiple Entry E-visa is ideal for Australians exploring Southeast Asia from a hub in Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City.

3. Indian Citizens

Indian travelers have seen a massive surge in interest in Vietnam. Indian passport holders are fully eligible for the E-visa system.

  • Requirement: Ensure your portrait photo is clear and meets photo requirements to avoid delays.

4. Canadian & New Zealand Citizens

Like Australians, Canadians and Kiwis require an E-visa for all stays. The process typically takes 3 working days, but same-day services are highly recommended for last-minute trips.

Processing Time by Nationality

While the standard time is 3–5 working days, factors such as timezone differences and public holidays in your home country do not affect the processing time—only Vietnamese working days matter.

  • Expedited Services: Regardless of nationality, Fast Visa Vietnam can process emergency approvals for any eligible citizen in 1 to 4 hours.

Common Nationality-Based Issues

  • Dual Nationality: You must enter Vietnam using the same passport you used for the E-visa application. If you have two passports (e.g., UK and US), ensure the data matches the one in your hand.

  • Passport Type: Diplomatic and Official passport holders may have different exemption rules than standard (P) passport holders.

  • Name Order: For nationalities with multiple surnames or specific naming conventions (e.g., Middle Eastern or Spanish names), ensure the name order matches the MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) at the bottom of your passport.

FAQ – Vietnam Visa by Nationality

Q: Do British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders get the 45-day exemption? A: No. Only full British Citizen passport holders are eligible for the exemption. BNO holders must apply for an E-visa.

Q: I am from a visa-exempt country. Can I stay for 90 days? A: The exemption only covers 45 days. If you wish to stay for 90 days, you must apply for an E-visa before you arrive. You cannot “upgrade” an exemption once you are inside the country.

Q: Is there a different fee for different nationalities? A: The government E-visa fee ($25 for Single / $50 for Multiple) is the same for all nationalities.

Don’t let complicated rules slow you down. At Fast Visa Vietnam, we track every policy update to provide you with the most accurate advice for your specific passport.

Check Your Nationality’s Requirements & Apply Now