Visa Free Countries for Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide

As of 2024, Vietnamese citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 countries and territories worldwide. This article provides a detailed overview of the visa-free travel options available to Vietnamese passport holders, including entry requirements, stay durations, and important considerations for international travel.

Passport Ranking and Global Mobility

The Vietnamese passport ranks 88th in the world according to the Henley Passport Index. While not among the most powerful passports globally, it still offers considerable travel freedom compared to many other Southeast Asian nations.

Visa-Free Countries for Vietnamese Citizens

Vietnamese passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to several countries across different continents. Here’s a comprehensive list of destinations where Vietnamese citizens can travel without obtaining a visa in advance:

Southeast Asia

1. Brunei (14 days)
2. Cambodia (30 days)
3. Indonesia (30 days)
4. Laos (30 days)
5. Malaysia (30 days)
6. Myanmar (30 days)
7. Philippines (30 days)
8. Singapore (30 days)
9. Thailand (30 days)

East Asia

1. Kazakhstan (30 days)
2. Kyrgyzstan (60 days)
3. Mongolia (30 days)

Middle East

1. Iran (15 days)
2. Oman (14 days)

Americas and Caribbean

1. Chile (90 days)
2. Dominica (21 days)
3. Haiti (3 months)
4. Panama (90 days)
5. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (3 months)

Africa

1. Rwanda (30 days)

Oceania

1. Micronesia (30 days)
2. Samoa (60 days)

Visa on Arrival and eVisa Options

In addition to visa-free destinations, Vietnamese citizens can obtain visas on arrival or eVisas for several countries, further expanding their travel options:

Visa on Arrival

1. Bahrain (14 days)
2. Bolivia (90 days)
3. Burundi (1 month)
4. Cambodia (30 days)
5. Cape Verde
6. Comoros (45 days)
7. Ethiopia (up to 90 days)
8. Guinea-Bissau (90 days)
9. Iran (30 days)
10. Laos (30 days)
11. Madagascar (60 days)
12. Maldives (30 days)
13. Mauritania
14. Mauritius (60 days)
15. Mozambique (30 days)
16. Nepal (90 days)
17. Nicaragua (90 days)
18. Palau (30 days)
19. Saint Lucia (6 weeks)
20. Seychelles (3 months with Electronic Border System)
21. Somalia (30 days)
22. Tanzania (90 days)
23. Timor-Leste (30 days)
24. Togo (7 days)
25. Tuvalu (1 month)

eVisa Options

1. Armenia (120 days)
2. Azerbaijan (30 days)
3. Bahamas
4. Benin (30 days)
5. Djibouti (31 days)
6. Gabon (90 days)
7. Georgia (30 days)
8. India (60 days)
9. Kenya (3 months with Electronic Travel Authorization)
10. Kyrgyzstan (60 days)
11. Laos (30 days)
12. Myanmar (28 days)
13. Nigeria (90 days)
14. Pakistan (90 days)
15. Papua New Guinea (60 days)
16. Russia (16 days)
17. São Tomé and Príncipe
18. Saudi Arabia (90 days)
19. Sierra Leone (3 months / 30 days)
20. South Sudan
21. Sri Lanka (60 days / 30 days)
22. Tajikistan (60 days)
23. Tanzania (90 days)
24. Uganda (3 months)
25. Uzbekistan (30 days)
26. Zambia (90 days)
27. Zimbabwe (3 months)

Important Considerations for Vietnamese Travelers

While visa-free travel offers great convenience, Vietnamese citizens should be aware of several factors that may affect their international journeys:

Passport Validity

Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Always check the specific requirements for your destination before traveling.

Proof of Onward Travel

Some countries may require proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or evidence of sufficient funds to purchase one. This is particularly common in Southeast Asian countries.

Length of Stay

While visa-free entry is possible, the duration of stay varies by country. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or future travel restrictions. Always adhere to the permitted length of stay.

Purpose of Visit

Visa-free travel typically applies to tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits. If you plan to work, study, or engage in other activities, you may need to apply for a specific visa.

Health Requirements

Some countries require proof of vaccination, particularly for yellow fever. Many African countries require all incoming passengers older than nine months to one year to have a current International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.

Criminal Record

Certain countries may deny entry to individuals with criminal records, even for visa-free travel.

ASEAN Travel Benefits

As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnamese citizens enjoy special privileges within the region:

1. Visa-free travel to all ASEAN member states
2. Dedicated ASEAN lanes at major airports for faster immigration processing
3. Potential for extended stays for business or education purposes

These benefits significantly enhance travel and work opportunities for Vietnamese citizens within Southeast Asia.

APEC Business Travel Card

Vietnam is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) travelling on business do not require a visa to the following countries:

1. Australia (up to 90 days)
2. Brunei (59 days)
3. Chile (90 days)
4. China (60 days)
5. Hong Kong (60 days)
6. Indonesia (60 days)
7. Japan (90 days)
8. South Korea (90 days)
9. Malaysia (60 days)
10. Mexico (90 days)
11. New Zealand (90 days)
12. Peru (90 days)
13. Philippines (59 days)
14. Russia (90 days)
15. Singapore (60 days)
16. Taiwan (60 days)
17. Thailand (90 days)

The card must be used in conjunction with a passport and has several advantages, including expedited border crossing in all member economies.

Recent Changes and Future Outlook

The number of visa-free destinations for Vietnamese citizens has been gradually increasing over the years. As Vietnam’s economic and diplomatic ties strengthen globally, there’s potential for further expansion of visa-free travel options in the future.

Some recent developments include:

1. Russia: Introduction of eVisa system for Vietnamese citizens in 2024.
2. Saudi Arabia: Implementation of tourist eVisa, allowing easier entry for Vietnamese citizens.
3. Ongoing negotiations with several countries to establish mutual visa-free agreements.

Conclusion

Vietnamese passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a diverse range of countries across Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Americas, Caribbean, and parts of Africa and Oceania. While this offers significant travel freedom, it’s crucial to research specific entry requirements, stay durations, and any recent changes in immigration policies before embarking on international travel.

By staying informed and prepared, Vietnamese citizens can make the most of their global mobility opportunities and explore the world with greater ease. Always check with the respective embassies or consulates for the most up-to-date information, as visa policies can change without notice.

Remember that visa-free access is a privilege, and travelers should always respect local laws and customs when visiting foreign countries. By doing so, Vietnamese citizens can continue to enjoy and potentially expand their visa-free travel options in the future.

Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Vietnamese_citizens [2] https://www.myvietnamvisa.com [3] https://www.guideconsultants.com/all-passports/vietnam-passport-visa-free-countries-list/ [4] https://visaguide.world/visa-free-countries/vietnamese-passport/ [5] https://embassies.net/vietnam-passport-visa-free-countries