Vietnam is expanding its visa policies to be more traveler-friendly and globally competitive. One key development is the 5 year visa exemption Vietnam initiative,  a special long-term visa-free pathway that allows eligible foreigners to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times over several years without applying for a separate visa each trip. This guide explains who qualifies, how it works, and why it matters for frequent visitors to Vietnam.

What 5 Year Visa Exemption Vietnam Is and Who Can Apply

The 5 year visa exemption Vietnam program is a special scheme where eligible foreign nationals can receive a Special Visa Exemption Card (SVEC) valid for up to five years, allowing them multiple entries into Vietnam without needing a traditional visa. Cardholders can enter Vietnam as often as they want during the exemption period, which makes travel planning simpler for frequent visitors. 

This five-year exemption is not the same as the short-term visa-free policies (e.g., 45-day exemptions for citizens of certain countries under tourism schemes) that Vietnam currently offers through other resolutions. Those shorter exemptions are limited to specific nationalities and shorter stays. 

Instead, the SVEC program is designed primarily for foreign nationals whose presence brings value to Vietnam such as experts, leaders, investors, and cultural contributors. The government implemented this policy as part of a broader initiative to attract talent and support socio-economic development. 

To be eligible for the 5 year visa exemption, applicants typically meet one of the following conditions:

• They are invited by government bodies or research/academic institutions in Vietnam.
• They are internationally recognized experts, top executives, scientists, or cultural figures.
• They hold qualifications or roles that contribute directly to Vietnam’s economic, scientific, or social development.

The SVEC must expire at least 30 days before the holder’s passport does and allows multiple entries into Vietnam during its validity period. 

How the Program Works — Duration, Entries, and Temporary Stay

Once a foreigner obtains the special visa exemption card under the five-year scheme, they can use it to enter and leave Vietnam multiple times with minimal administrative hurdles.

Here’s how the program works in practice:

• Duration per Entry: The exemption allows holders to enter Vietnam multiple times throughout the five-year period.

• Temporary Stay: With each entry, long-term exemption holders can generally stay for up to 90 days per visit without applying for additional visas. This feature makes the program highly flexible for frequent travelers, businesspeople, and consultants. 

• Multiple Entries: Unlike regular tourist visas that are single-entry or limited in re-entry, the SVEC enables travelers to enter Vietnam freely during the exemption validity. 

Despite the convenience, there are important considerations:

• The exemption does not automatically permit employment or studying in Vietnam, work or study visas are still required for those purposes.
• The exemption card is only valid if the holder continues to meet entry requirements under Vietnamese law.

Many holders find this program highly beneficial, especially for frequent business trips, cultural work, or long-term travel plans.

Why This Program Matters for 2026 Travelers

Vietnam’s government has been working to make its visa system more dynamic and open. Alongside the five-year exemption program, the country also maintains short-term visa-free entry for citizens of multiple countries under tourism policies from 2025–2028. 

The long-term exemption card is part of a broader vision to make Vietnam an attractive destination for global talent, investors, and leaders in various industries. Holding a five-year exemption card simplifies repeated travel by removing the need for visa applications every trip, a significant advantage for business travelers, academics, and frequent visitors. 

However, because this is a specialized program with eligibility criteria focused on professionals and contributors, most general tourists will still use regular visas or short-term visa-free entry where applicable. It’s still advisable to verify whether you qualify before planning travel based on this exemption.

Steps to Apply and Practical Tips

Applying for the five-year exemption card isn’t a typical tourist visa process, it often requires coordination with inviting institutions or meeting specific contribution criteria.

Step-by-Step Overview:

• Check Eligibility: Confirm that you qualify under one of the program’s targeted categories (expert, invited guest, contribution to development, etc.).
• Prepare Documents: Required documents typically include passport copies, invitation letters, proof of expertise or role, and other supporting materials.
• Submit Application: Applications can usually be made through Vietnamese diplomatic channels, approved organizations, or authorized agents.
• Receive SVEC: Once approved, the Special Visa Exemption Card is issued, allowing multiple entries during its validity period.

To avoid confusion or delays, many travelers choose professional assistance.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure whether you qualify, or you want to streamline the process, consider Tubudd’s Visa Service. Our team can help assess eligibility, prepare paperwork, and guide you through embassy or immigration procedures with confidence.

Benefits of Tubudd Visa & Fast Track Services

Applying for long-term visa exemptions or standard visas can be complex, especially with evolving policies in 2025–2026. Tubudd offers services to make your travel preparation smoother:

Tubudd Visa Service

• Personalized eligibility check for your situation
• Document preparation and submission support
• Communication with embassies or immigration authorities

Tubudd Fast Track Service

• Priority handling at airports upon arrival
• Assistance with immigration processing
• Support for transit and entry procedures

These services help reduce uncertainty and waiting time, making your trip planning more relaxed and efficient.

Whether you’re aiming to take full advantage of a 5 year visa exemption in Vietnam or simply need help with a standard visa, Tubudd’s visa and fast-track services are designed to give you peace of mind as you plan your travels.