Vietnam Extends Visa-Free Travel Until 2028: Practical Guide for Business Travelers

Vietnam's Visa Waiver Extension: What It Means for Your Business Travel

Vietnam has announced a significant extension of its visa waiver program, allowing travelers from 12 countries to enter without a visa for up to 45 days. This policy, which will run from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2028, creates valuable opportunities for business travelers and the companies they represent.

Instead of navigating visa applications and waiting periods, eligible travelers can now enter Vietnam with just their passport, saving time, reducing administrative hassle, and enabling more flexible business travel planning.

Who Can Travel to Vietnam Without a Visa?

The extended visa exemption applies to citizens of these 12 countries:

• European Countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland
• Asian Nations: Japan, South Korea

Additionally, a temporary visa exemption has been introduced for citizens of Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland until December 31, 2025.

Practical Benefits for Business Travelers

1. Simplified Trip Planning

The 45-day visa-free window eliminates several headaches:

• No visa application forms to complete
• No embassy or consulate visits required
• No processing fees to pay
• No waiting period for visa approval
• Reduced documentation requirements

2. Enhanced Travel Flexibility

This policy allows business travelers to:

• Respond quickly to opportunities without visa delays
• Extend trips on short notice if meetings run long
• Make last-minute travel plans when urgent matters arise
• Plan multi-city visits across Vietnam without additional paperwork
• Return for follow-up meetings easily within the exemption period

3. Cost Savings

The financial benefits include:

• Eliminated visa fees (typically $25-$95 depending on visa type)
• No rush processing fees for urgent travel
• Reduced administrative costs for travel departments
• Lower agency service fees for travel management
• No visa extension costs for stays under 45 days

What You Can and Cannot Do During Visa-Free Travel

Understanding activity limitations is crucial to maintain compliance:

Permitted Business Activities

✅ Attending business meetings and negotiations

✅ Participating in conferences, trade shows, and seminars

✅ Visiting facilities and project sites for observation

✅ Meeting with clients, suppliers, or partners

✅ Conducting market research

✅ Participating in short-term training (receiving, not delivering)

✅ Signing contracts and agreements

Activities Requiring a Work Permit

❌ Performing technical installations or repairs

❌ Delivering paid training or consulting services

❌ Managing daily operations of a Vietnamese entity

❌ Working directly with clients in a service capacity

❌ Receiving payment from Vietnamese sources

❌ Activities exceeding 45 consecutive days

Legal and Compliance Considerations for Business Travel to Vietnam

Immigration Compliance

1. Entry Stamp Verification: Always check your passport entry stamp immediately to confirm the correct entry date and authorized duration of stay.
2. Registration Requirements:
   • Foreign visitors must be registered with local police within 24 hours of arrival
   • Hotels typically handle this automatically, but those staying in private accommodations must register directly
   • Failure to register can result in fines of 1-3 million VND (approximately $40-120)
3. Passport Validity Extension:
   • Recent regulations require passports to be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure date
   • Some travelers have been denied boarding by airlines despite meeting Vietnam's technical requirements
   • Recommendation: Ensure passport validity extends at least 8 months beyond planned departure

Business Activity Compliance

1. Documentation of Business Purpose:
   • Carry a formal invitation letter from your Vietnamese business partner
   • Maintain a detailed itinerary of planned meetings and activities
   • Have business cards and company introduction materials available
   • Consider bringing a letter from your employer specifying the purpose of your trip
2. Activity Boundary Enforcement:
   • Vietnamese authorities have conducted workplace inspections with increased frequency since 2024
   • Penalties for unauthorized work activities range from warnings to fines (20-30 million VND, approximately $800-1,200) and potential deportation
   • Companies allowing unauthorized work can face fines up to 90 million VND (approximately $3,600)
3. Digital Identity Verification:
   • Vietnam implemented enhanced digital verification at major entry points in January 2025
   • Immigration officers can now access real-time information about previous visits and activities
   • This system helps track pattern behaviors that might indicate unauthorized work

Financial and Tax Compliance

1. Income Taxation Risks:
   • Business travelers staying more than 183 days within a 12-month period may become subject to Vietnamese income tax
   • Even shorter stays could create tax liability if receiving income from Vietnamese sources
   • Consult with tax advisors before accepting any payment from Vietnamese entities
2. Receipt and Documentation Requirements:
   • Keep receipts for all business-related expenses
   • Use official invoices (hóa đơn) for significant expenses
   • Maintain clear records separating business and personal expenditures
   • Be aware that cash transactions over 300 million VND (approximately $12,000) may need to be reported
3. Currency Declaration Requirements:
   • Amounts exceeding $5,000 in cash (or equivalent) must be declared upon entry and exit
   • No restrictions on bringing business funds into Vietnam, but proper documentation is essential
   • Failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties

Technology and Data Compliance

1. Electronic Device Inspection:
   • Immigration authorities have the right to inspect electronic devices
   • Consider using a clean business device without sensitive client data
   • Be prepared to demonstrate the business nature of your visit through calendar appointments, emails, etc.
2. Data Protection Considerations:
   • Vietnam's Cybersecurity Law imposes strict requirements on data handling
   • Business travelers should avoid carrying sensitive data that could create compliance issues
   • Consider using secure VPN connections for accessing company systems
3. Content Restrictions:
   • Business presentations should avoid politically sensitive content
   • Materials containing maps should reflect Vietnam's official territorial claims
   • Avoid bringing marketing materials that could be interpreted as politically sensitive

Practical Preparation for Visa-Free Business Travel

Essential Travel Documentation

Despite the visa exemption, business travelers must still present:

1. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
2. Proof of onward or return travel within 45 days
3. Details of accommodation arrangements
4. Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay
5. Business documentation including invitation letters or meeting schedules

Entry Process at Vietnamese Airports

1. Complete the arrival card (provided during your flight)
2. Proceed to immigration and present your passport
3. Answer any questions about your travel purpose clearly
4. Receive an entry stamp valid for 45 days
5. Proceed to baggage claim and customs

Time-Saving Tip: Have your hotel information, return flight details, and business contact information readily accessible to expedite the entry process.

Business Travel Management Recommendations for HR and Travel Coordinators

1. Update Travel Policies

• Revise Vietnam travel guidelines to reflect the visa exemption status
• Create clear distinctions between visa-free business activities and those requiring work permits
• Establish documentation standards for visa-free travel
• Develop protocols for trips that might extend beyond 45 days

2. Implement Tracking Systems

• Monitor visa-free stay durations to prevent accidental overstays
• Keep records of entry and exit dates for compliance purposes
• Set up calendar alerts for approaching 45-day limits
• Maintain digital copies of all business purpose documentation

3. Briefing Materials for Travelers

Provide travelers with:

• Country-specific entry requirement fact sheets
• Permitted vs. prohibited activities checklist
• Local business contact protocols
• Emergency contact information
• Cultural expectations and business etiquette guidance

Planning Longer Business Engagements in Vietnam

For projects or assignments extending beyond 45 days, consider these approaches:

Option 1: Strategic Exit and Re-entry

For longer engagements:

• Plan a business trip to a neighboring country (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia)
• Exit Vietnam before the 45-day limit expires
• Re-enter to start a new 45-day period
• Maintain clear documentation of business purposes for each entry

Option 2: Proper Work Authorization

For extended operational activities:

• Apply for the appropriate business visa or work permit
• Begin this process well before the 45-day limit approaches
• Work with local partners to facilitate documentation
• Consider using visa service providers like VisaDoc to streamline the process

Risk Mitigation Strategies for Travel Managers

Pre-Travel Compliance Briefings

Implement standardized pre-travel briefings for Vietnam-bound employees that cover:

1. Activity Boundaries: Clear guidelines on permitted vs. prohibited business activities
2. Documentation Requirements: Checklist of necessary documents and digital copies
3. Registration Protocols: Steps for proper registration with local authorities
4. Emergency Procedures: Contact information and procedures for immigration issues

Compliance Monitoring Systems

1. Trip Registration Portal: Require travelers to register trips in a centralized system
2. Activity Logging: Implement simple activity logging for business travelers
3. Duration Tracking: Set up automated alerts for approaching visa waiver limits
4. Documentation Repository: Maintain secure digital storage of all travel documentation

Post-Travel Reporting

1. Trip Debrief Template: Standardized format capturing activities conducted
2. Compliance Verification: Simple checklist confirming adherence to permitted activities
3. Issue Logging: System for reporting any immigration or compliance challenges
4. Pattern Recognition: Track common issues to improve future trip planning

Compliance Checklist for Vietnam Business Travel

Use this practical checklist to ensure full compliance:

Also, you can use VisaDoc platform to get things done for you.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Visa-Free Access

Vietnam's visa waiver extension provides tangible benefits for business travelers and their organizations. By eliminating administrative hurdles, reducing costs, and increasing flexibility, this policy makes Vietnam more accessible for international business activities.

However, this convenience comes with the responsibility to maintain strict compliance with Vietnamese regulations. Business travelers and their managers must understand the clear boundaries between permitted activities and those requiring proper work authorization.

To maximize advantages while minimizing risks:

1. Know the rules: Understand what you can and cannot do during visa-free travel
2. Plan appropriately: Prepare the right documentation and stay within time limits
3. Track everything: Maintain clear records of entries, exits, and business activities
4. Consider the alternatives: Plan for situations requiring stays beyond 45 days
5. Prioritize compliance: Implement proper risk mitigation strategies and monitoring

With thorough preparation and strict adherence to local regulations, business travelers can fully leverage Vietnam's visa exemption policy while avoiding costly compliance violations.

This article was prepared by VisaDoc, the business visa platform that automates compliance with travel regulations. For personalized guidance on optimizing your organization's approach to international business travel, contact our team of experts.