How long foreign visitors can stay in Vietnam depends on their nationality, visa exemption eligibility, visa type, and the permitted stay granted upon entry. Common visa-free stays range from 14 to 45 days, while a Vietnam electronic visa, or e-Visa, can be valid for up to 90 days.
Before planning your trip, check the rules that apply to your passport and understand the difference between visa validity and your permitted length of stay.
How Long Can You Stay Without a Visa?
Eligible foreign nationals can enter Vietnam without obtaining a visa in advance, provided they meet the applicable entry requirements. The permitted stay varies by nationality, passport type, and visa exemption policy.
Examples for ordinary passport holders include:
| Nationality or country group | Visa-free stay |
|---|---|
| Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland | 45 days |
| Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland | 45 days for tourism |
| Thailand and Singapore | 30 days |
| The Philippines | 21 days |
These exemptions are subject to the relevant entry conditions. The table provides common examples rather than a complete list of visa-exempt nationalities. xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn
Do not assume that every foreign visitor receives a 45-day visa-free stay. Check the policy for the nationality and passport you will use to enter Vietnam.
How Long Can You Stay with a Vietnam e-Visa?
A Vietnam e-Visa can be valid for up to 90 days, with either single or multiple entries. Your approved e-Visa specifies its actual validity dates and entry conditions.
Before travelling, check:
- The date your e-Visa becomes valid.
- The expiry date.
- Whether it permits single or multiple entries.
- Your name, passport number, and other personal details.
After arrival, also check the permitted stay recorded by immigration.
A 90-day e-Visa does not automatically give you 90 days from whichever date you arrive. If you enter after the visa’s start date, you must still observe its expiry date and the stay granted by immigration.
Read more: How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa: A Complete Guide for International Travelers
Visa Validity and Permitted Stay: What Is the Difference?
Visa validity is the period during which your visa is valid. Permitted stay is the period you are authorised to remain in Vietnam under your entry status.
When checking your departure deadline, review both your visa and the entry stamp or temporary residence information issued by immigration. If the dates are unclear or appear inconsistent, contact the immigration authorities for clarification.
Your hotel reservation, flight booking, and passport expiry date do not determine how long you may stay.
Can You Extend Your Stay in Vietnam?
Vietnam has procedures for extending temporary residence, but approval depends on your entry status, supporting documents, applicable sponsorship requirements, and the decision of the immigration authorities.
An extension is not automatically available to every tourist. If you want to stay longer, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department or the local immigration office well before your current permission expires.
Avoid making travel plans that depend on an extension until your eligibility and application outcome are confirmed.
Does Accommodation Registration Extend Your Stay?
Hotels, homestays, apartments, and private hosts must follow the applicable procedures for declaring foreign guests’ temporary residence.
Accommodation registration does not extend your immigration permission. Registering where you are staying and obtaining permission to remain longer are separate procedures.
Provide your accommodation provider with the necessary passport and entry details, and keep track of your own departure deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign tourists stay in Vietnam for three months?
Yes, if they hold an appropriate visa or other valid immigration permission. A Vietnam e-Visa can be valid for up to 90 days, subject to the dates and conditions granted.
When planning your trip, use the exact dates on your documents. Three calendar months do not always equal 90 days.
What if I qualify for 45 days without a visa but want to stay for 60 days?
Arrange suitable entry permission before travelling. For example, you may apply for an e-Visa covering your intended itinerary.
Do not assume you can remain for an additional 15 days after your visa-free stay ends.
Where can I check official information?
Visit the Vietnam e-Visa Portal or the Vietnam Immigration Portal. You can also contact a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before departure.
This article provides general travel information. Your authorised stay depends on your individual documents and the permission granted by Vietnam’s immigration authorities.
