Sipping coffee in Hanoi Old Quarter, cruising through Ha Long Bay or watching sunset in Phu Quoc can make you flutter even when thinking about your trip to Vietnam. Before you book that ticket, it helps to know Vietnam’s latest rules. The good news is everything is getting easier. In general, Vietnam has policies to simplify entry procedures for foreign visitors. Let’s go through the details below to get the most general overview for your trip.
Why staying updated on Vietnam travel restrictions 2025 matters?
Immigration regulations, visa requirements and health protocols can change depending on the situation in the country you are visiting, so it is important to be up to date before your trip. You may be denied entry or incur additional costs if you neglect to check the information carefully in advance.
The Vietnamese government is applying lots of policies that promote Vietnam’s tourism and business. At present, Vietnam has resumed almost all international flights, expanding the list of visa- exempt countries while implementing the e-visa system for citizens of all countries and territories with a stay of 90 days and multiple entries.
Vietnam travel restrictions 2025: 4 latest policy snapshots
In recent years, Vietnam has been considered a prominent destination in Southeast Asia with its unique natural landscape of tropical monsoon climate, rich cuisine and unique culture spanning thousands of years. Vietnam tourism does not require strict requirements, but for a smooth trip, understanding information related to entry and visa is key, avoiding violations of Vietnam travel restrictions. In 2025, a number of new policies will be applied, especially on Vietnam visa exemption and e-visa.
Entry requirements to remember
Visa exemption policy in Vietnam 2025
As of 2025, Vietnam had applied a visa exemption policy for 29 countries with a maximum duration of 45 days . This is considered a great advantage for tourists coming to Vietnam for a short time or who want to combine many destinations in the region .
List of Vietnam visa exemption countries and maximum stay periods
♦ Belarus: 30 days
♦ Brunei: 14 days
♦ Cambodia: 30 days
♦ Chile: 90 days
♦ Czech Republic: 45 days
♦ Denmark: 45 days
♦ Finland: 45 days
♦ France: 45 days
♦ German: 45 days
♦ Indonesia: 30 days
♦ Italy: 45 days
♦ Japan: 45 days
♦ Kazakhstan: 30 days
♦ Kyrgyzstan: 30 days
♦ Laos: 30 days
♦ Malaysia: 30 days
♦ Myanmar: 14 days
♦ Norway: 45 days
♦ Panama: 90 days
♦ Philippines: 21 days
♦ Poland: 45 days
♦ Russia: 45 days
♦ Singapore: 30 days
♦ South Korea: 45 days
♦ Spain: 45 days
♦ Sweden: 45 days
♦ Switzerland: 45 days
♦ Thailand: 30 days
♦ UK: 45 days
Vietnam is in the process of considering and planning to apply visa exemption policy for some more European countries from 2025 to 2028, and to be sure about the regulations for foreign tourists, you still need to check official information from relevant parties right from the start of planning your vacation.
Great News: Vietnam Expands Visa-Free Travel in 2025
For nationalities that are not exempt from visas, e-Visa (electronic visa) is the most popular and convenient option. Since 2023, Vietnam has expanded e-Visa to most countries, with a maximum validity of 90 days and allowing single or multiple entries.
- How to apply for e-Visa:
- Visit the official e-Visa Portal.
- Prepare a clear passport photo, a standard portrait photo, and travel information.
- Pay the fee online, wait for approval (usually 3–5 working days).
- Download the issued e-Visa PDF file, print the hard copy, and save the soft copy on your mobile device.
- Important requirements:
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
- Leave enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Correct registered port of entry.
>>> For more details about the latest visa exemption policies, refer to Vietnam Visa Exemption.
Avoid entry issues: Key passport & e-Visa rules
Passports are the most important documents for your trip, so you should take the time to check them carefully before departure:
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of entry.
- Have your passport had at least 1–2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Your passport needs to be renewed early before it expires at least 1 to 2 months before your trip
- Keep a copy of your necessary documents in your phone to avoid losing them during your trip
Travel smart: Health & insurance tips you can’t ignore
- Vietnam does not require mandatory vaccinations for most visitors. However, there are some vaccines that are highly recommended for visitors due to the country’s climate. In addition, when traveling, culinary experiences are one of the typical purposes of tourists, so to ensure health, you should carefully consider getting vaccinated in advance for vaccines such as Hepatitis A and B, Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid, Tetanus, etc.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are coming from an endemic area – check with your airline and transit country.
- It is essential to purchase comprehensive international travel insurance, including international medical and emergency evacuation coverage, to minimize the risk of additional costs during your trip. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you may encounter some health-related incidents, and travel insurance will help you cover a large portion of your medical expenses. In addition, it also provides support in the event of loss of property and documents while traveling between destinations.
>>> Don’t forget to check out the best time to visit Vietnam if you are planning a trip full of exciting experiences.
Navigating Vietnam: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Around
Ready to explore Vietnam? Traveling through the country is easy, but knowing a few key rules can help you avoid any issues. The good news is that getting around domestically is much simpler than entering the country. You can choose your own adventure, whether it’s taking a scenic train, a quick flight, or hiring a private car with our driver for maximum flexibility and comfort. However, there are some important things that foreign tourists should note.
Before you go, here are a couple of important tips for foreign travelers:
Keep Your Documents Close
This is a crucial rule: always have your passport or a certified copy with you. In some areas, especially near borders or on remote islands, local authorities may do quick checks. Keeping your documents handy will help your trip go smoothly.
The Key to Freedom: Your Driver’s License
Thinking about riding a motorbike through rice paddies or past ancient lanterns in Hoi An or Cat Ba Island? This classic Vietnamese experience needs one important document: a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Without it, you can’t legally rent or ride a motorbike. For peace of mind, make sure to get travel insurance.
I had an interesting experience during my trip across Vietnam, everything was perfect when traveling by train from Hanoi to Hue because I could see the majestic scenery passing by the window. But when I arrived in Hoi An, I decided to rent a motorbike to see every corner of this beautiful city by myself and I was asked to show my driving license, luckily I had prepared it. Therefore, a sincere advice is to always check on related documents and any Vietnam travel restrictions before traveling and prepare all the necessary documents, so that your trip in Vietnam is smooth and memorable.
>>> If you also want to experience Vietnam yourself, refer to Unique Vietnam in 16 Days Tour from Northeast for the best choice.
Ultimate Tips for Traveling Around Vietnam
Enjoy Vietnam hassle-free: 3 travel tips for peace of mind
The wild nature, diverse cuisine and culture make traveling to Vietnam a worthwhile experience and to make your trip hassle-free, you can refer to some useful tips drawn from my own experience below:
Prepare your documents thoroughly – remember they are your most important companions
Before departure, in addition to the necessary documents, you should prepare some copies of those documents in hard or soft copies saved in your phone to avoid losing or hiding the original. You will reduce the risk of having to rummage through your luggage when you need to verify information.
Download useful apps for your trip
Every country has popular travel and dining apps, and Vietnam is no exception. Traveling and communicating will become much easier for “newbies” thanks to these apps:
- Grab: A fast ride-hailing app without worrying about price transparency. Getting around Vietnam is largely dependent on motorbikes and cars. If this is your first time here, Grab will help you get around conveniently without having to worry about the dense road system in Vietnam.
- Google Maps: Perfect for walking around the tree-lined streets of Hanoi or if you plan to rent a car to experience every hidden corner of Vietnam yourself. This app provides accurate navigation, especially in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. As one who has traveled to many countries, I recommend installing the offline app in case your SIM card doesn’t work well.
- Google Translate: Although many Vietnamese people can communicate in basic English, having a translation app will ensure smooth communication – especially if you plan to explore rural destinations or if English is not your strong point.
Top useful apps while traveling in Vietnam
Prepare money in various forms
Major cities in Vietnam accept electronic payment methods widely. However, the rate of cash use in this country is still the majority, especially if you plan to experience life in small towns or rural areas. Exchanging a fair amount of cash in many small denominations will make it more convenient for transportation, dining and small shopping in Vietnam. You should refer to the exact exchange rate on the websites of major banks in Vietnam to avoid confusion when exchanging money.
If you are a newbie who is not familiar with traveling abroad, you should seek advice from local experts. Reputable organizations or individuals will have a more general view from Vietnam travel restrictions to suggestions for attractive cultural and tourist experiences that you have never known. Please contact us if you have any questions about immigration issues or are looking for attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam. Hopefully the above information will be useful for your upcoming trip!
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