Vietnam entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
45 days
Max stay
45 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Japanese passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. This policy applies in 2026, so no advance visa is needed. Just bring your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Vietnam | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Vietnam. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-free entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | You're not required to show funds at the border, but having a bank statement or a few hundred USD in cash helps if an officer questions your ability to support yourself. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 45 days
Japanese passport holders can stay up to 45 days without a visa. This is a generous allowance — many nationalities only get 15 or 30 days. Make sure you leave before day 46.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If in doubt, renew your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, ensure your passport has 6+ months validity and at least 1 blank page. Print or save your return ticket and first night's hotel booking. Get travel insurance and a local SIM or eSIM.
2
Arrive at the airport in Vietnam
At any international airport (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'.
3
Present your passport and boarding pass
Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel address. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Vietnam. No visa or separate application needed.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$25 USD (approx. 600,000 VND)
Apply online for eVisa or at Vietnamese embassy. Allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 1,200,000 VND)
Good for multiple visits within validity period. Apply at embassy or via eVisa.
Long-stay visa (1 year)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 2,400,000 VND)
Requires sponsor or invitation letter. Suitable for frequent travellers or business.
work visa
Vietnam Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1–2 years, renewable
~$100–200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer in Vietnam. Requires a work permit and sponsorship from a Vietnamese company. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
investor visa
Vietnam Investor Visa (DT1/DT2/DT3)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD. Offers long-term stay and potential for permanent residency.
student visa
Vietnam Student Visa (DH)
Duration of study program, renewable annually
~$50–100 USD (plus tuition fees)
For those enrolled in a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (1 month)Extension possible via immigration office or agent; processing time 5–7 working days. | ~$25 USD (approx. 600,000 VND) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap is ~$200 USD (approx. 5,000,000 VND). | ~$10 USD (approx. 250,000 VND) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Vietnam
No transit visa needed
Japanese passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours at Vietnamese international airports, provided they do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to enter Vietnam (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you must have a visa or visa-free entry.
Transit hubsTan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City · Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi · Da Nang International Airport (DAD) – Da Nang
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season (May–October).
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to street food and tap water; stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in urban areas and tourist destinations; prophylaxis recommended for rural areas in highlands (e.g., Da Lat, Sapa).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Hanoi
Hanoi Immigration Office
44 Tran Phu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Bring passport, 2 photos, and extension fee in cash (VND).
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Popular for extensions; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for JP travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,229.6 VND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h (EST) / +11h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+15h (PST) / +14h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CType A, C, F — US plugs (Type A) fit some sockets. Bring an adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Vietnam
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 45 days, you need to apply for a visa (e.g., e-visa or tourist visa) before you travel, or leave and re-enter after a short trip to a neighboring country.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Japanese passport holders. Just your passport and boarding pass.
The visa-free entry is valid for a single entry. If you leave Vietnam and want to come back, you'll need a new visa or another visa-free entry (if you haven't used your 45 days yet). Check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy for specifics.
Overstaying can result in fines (around $10–$20 per day) and possible deportation. It's best to leave on time or apply for a visa extension before your stay ends.
It's not mandatory for entry, but medical costs in Vietnam can be high. A basic travel insurance policy covers hospital stays, evacuation, and trip cancellation. It's cheap peace of mind.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa (e.g., business visa or student visa).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.