Are New Zealanders exempt from Vietnam visas, and which countries are? > New Zealand passport holders are not exempt from standard Vietnam visas and must apply for a 90-day E-Visa. However, Kiwis can visit Phu Quoc Island visa-free for 30 days. Globally, Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of 25 countries. For instance, passports from the UK, Germany, France, and Japan are granted a 45-day visa-free entry, while ASEAN nations like Singapore and Thailand receive 30 days. Citizens of all other countries must apply for an E-Visa.
Do Kiwis Need a Visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Let’s clear up the most common misconception: Yes, New Zealand citizens require a visa to enter Vietnam. While Vietnam offers unilateral visa exemptions to several European and Asian countries, New Zealand, Australia, and the USA are not on that list. If you are planning a holiday to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you must apply for a Vietnam E-Visa.
However, under Vietnamese Immigration Law, there are three specific scenarios where New Zealand citizens can bypass the standard E-Visa requirement:
1. The Phu Quoc Island Exemption (30 Days)
Kiwis flying directly to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) from outside Vietnam (or transiting through an international terminal in HCMC/Hanoi without clearing domestic immigration) can stay on the island visa-free for up to 30 days.
2. The 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate
Foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens, or Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) residing in New Zealand, can apply for a 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate. This allows multiple entries and continuous stays of up to 180 days per entry.
3. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
New Zealand business executives holding an ABTC with the code “VNM” printed on the back are exempt from business visas and can stay in Vietnam for up to 60 days per entry.
Exemption of Entry Visa to Vietnam (2026 Global List)
If you are a New Zealand resident traveling with friends, family, or colleagues who hold passports from other nations, they might not need a visa.
As of 2026, Vietnam grants visa exemptions to citizens of the following countries based on bilateral and unilateral agreements:
| Maximum Stay | Eligible Nationalities (Passport Holders) | Conditions |
| 90 Days | Chile, Panama | For tourism or business. |
| 45 Days | Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom | Valid for all travel purposes. Passport must be valid for 6 months. |
| 30 Days | Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand | ASEAN bilateral agreements. |
| 21 Days | Philippines | ASEAN bilateral agreement. |
| 14 Days | Brunei, Myanmar | ASEAN bilateral agreement. |
⚠️ Important Rule: If your nationality is NOT listed in the table above (e.g., New Zealand, Australia, Canada, USA, India), a Vietnam E-Visa is mandatory before boarding your flight.
What If You Don’t Qualify for an Exemption?
If you are a Kiwi heading to Vietnam for a standard holiday or business meeting, securing your entry is simple with the digital portal.
Your Best Solution: The 90-Day E-Visa
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Fast & Online: No need to visit the Embassy in Wellington.
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Flexible: Choose between Single or Multiple entries.
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Processing Time: Standard is 3-5 working days.
Caught off guard at the airport? If you are at Auckland Airport and just realized your passport requires a visa, contact our emergency response team. We can process a Super Rush E-Visa in 2 to 4 hours so you can board your flight.
