Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country, attracting millions of tourists every year. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder that more and more people are choosing to visit Vietnam. And now, thanks to the Vietnam visa exemption policy, it has become even easier for foreigners to enter the country. In this blog post, we will discuss the Vietnam visa exemption for 45 days and which countries are eligible for this privilege.
Updating the List of Countries Eligible for a 45-Day Vietnam Visa Exemption
The Vietnam visa exemption policy has been in place since 1996, allowing citizens of certain countries to enter Vietnam without a visa for a specified period of time. This policy has undergone several changes over the years, with updates being made to the list of eligible countries. As of 2023, there are 13 countries that are eligible for a 45-day Vietnam visa exemption. These countries are:
It’s important to note that citizens of these countries can only enter Vietnam without a visa if their stay does not exceed 45 days. If they wish to stay longer, they will need to apply for a visa.
Recent Changes to the List of Eligible Countries
In 2019, Vietnam announced that it would extend the visa exemption period from 15 days to 30 days for citizens of Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This change was made in an effort to boost tourism and attract more visitors from these countries.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam suspended its visa exemption policy for all countries in March 2020. This meant that even citizens of the 13 eligible countries were required to obtain a visa before entering Vietnam. But as of August 2023, Vietnam has resumed its visa exemption policy for these 13 countries, with the exemption period now extended to 45 days.
Entry Conditions for 45-Day Vietnam Visa Exemption for Foreigners
While citizens of the 13 eligible countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days, there are certain conditions that must be met in order to qualify for this exemption. These conditions include:
1. Passport Validity
First and foremost, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Vietnam. If your passport is set to expire within six months, you will need to renew it before traveling to Vietnam.
2. Purpose of Visit
The purpose of your visit to Vietnam must fall under one of the following categories:
- Tourism: You must have a return ticket and proof of accommodation for your stay in Vietnam.
- Business: You must have a letter of invitation from a Vietnamese company or organization.
- Family visit: You must have a letter of invitation from a family member who is a Vietnamese citizen or permanent resident.
- Transit: You must have a valid visa for your final destination and a confirmed flight ticket showing that you will be transiting through Vietnam.
3. Proof of Sufficient Funds
You must be able to prove that you have enough funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Vietnam. The exact amount required may vary, but it’s recommended to have at least $500 USD per person.
4. Return Ticket
You must have a return ticket or an onward ticket to another country after your stay in Vietnam. This is to ensure that you do not overstay your visa exemption period.
5. No Criminal Record
You must not have a criminal record or be on the list of wanted individuals in Vietnam. If you have a criminal record, you will need to apply for a visa before entering the country.
What Are the Benefits of Extending the 45-Day Visa Exemption Period?
The extension of the visa exemption period from 30 days to 45 days has brought about several benefits for both tourists and the Vietnamese government.
For Tourists
- More time to explore: With an extra 15 days, tourists can now spend more time exploring the beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cities of Vietnam.
- Cost savings: Applying for a visa can be a costly and time-consuming process. With the 45-day visa exemption, tourists can save money and avoid the hassle of obtaining a visa.
- Flexibility: The longer visa exemption period allows for more flexibility in travel plans, giving tourists the option to extend their stay if they wish.
For the Vietnamese Government
- Boost in tourism: The extension of the visa exemption period is expected to attract more tourists from the eligible countries, resulting in a boost in tourism and revenue for the country.
- Strengthened diplomatic relations: By offering a longer visa exemption period, Vietnam is strengthening its diplomatic relations with the 13 eligible countries, promoting cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
FAQs
Q: Can I enter Vietnam without a visa if I am a citizen of one of the 13 eligible countries but hold a different passport?
A: No, the visa exemption only applies to citizens of the 13 eligible countries, regardless of which passport they hold.
Q: Can I extend my 45-day visa exemption period while in Vietnam?
A: Yes, you can extend your visa exemption period for an additional 30 days by applying for a visa extension at the Immigration Department in Vietnam.
Q: Can I enter Vietnam without a visa if I am a citizen of one of the 13 eligible countries but have a criminal record?
A: No, individuals with a criminal record are not eligible for the visa exemption and must apply for a visa before entering Vietnam.
Conclusion
The Vietnam visa exemption policy has made it easier for citizens of 13 countries to visit this beautiful country without the hassle of obtaining a visa. With the recent extension of the visa exemption period from 30 days to 45 days, more and more tourists are expected to flock to Vietnam, contributing to its growing tourism industry. So if you’re a citizen of one of the eligible countries, pack your bags and get ready to explore all that Vietnam has to offer!