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Great news for Japanese travelers — you can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. Need a longer stay? Here's how to get a 90-day eVisa.
Do Japanese Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
For short trips, no! Japanese passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 45 days.
Japan-Vietnam relations are exceptionally strong, with Japan being one of Vietnam's most important economic and diplomatic partners. This is reflected in the generous 45-day visa-free period.
For stays longer than 45 days (up to 90 days), Japanese citizens can apply for a Vietnam eVisa online.
Japanese travelers staying 45 days or less don't need any visa. Just bring your passport and fly!
Visa Options for Japanese Travelers
Your entry options at a glance:
| Option | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | Up to 45 days | Free | Most Japanese tourists |
| eVisa (Single Entry) | Up to 90 days | $25 USD | Extended stays |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry) | Up to 90 days | $50 USD | Business travelers, frequent visitors |
Visa-Free Rules for Japanese Citizens
When entering Vietnam visa-free, Japanese citizens must:
- Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with ≥ 2 blank pages
- Stay no longer than 45 days per entry
- Enter for tourism or short visits only (no employment)
- Have proof of onward/return travel
- Visa-free stays cannot be extended inside Vietnam
Visa-free stays cannot be extended. If you think you might need more than 45 days, apply for an eVisa before departure.
Popular Routes: Japan → Vietnam
Excellent flight connectivity between Japanese and Vietnamese cities:
- Tokyo (NRT/HND) → Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): JAL, ANA, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet (~6 hours)
- Tokyo (NRT/HND) → Hanoi (HAN): ANA, JAL, Vietnam Airlines (~5.5 hours)
- Osaka (KIX) → Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet (~6 hours)
- Osaka (KIX) → Hanoi: Vietnam Airlines, Peach (~5 hours)
- Nagoya (NGO) → Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam Airlines (~6 hours)
- Fukuoka (FUK) → Hanoi/HCMC: VietJet seasonal routes
Da Nang is increasingly popular with Japanese travelers, with direct flights from Tokyo and Osaka during peak season.
Top Destinations for Japanese Tourists
Popular Vietnam destinations among Japanese travelers:
- Da Nang / Hoi An — #1 growing destination for Japanese tourists, beautiful beaches, ancient charm
- Ho Chi Minh City — Dynamic city, French-colonial architecture, shopping, Japanese community
- Hanoi — Cultural capital, Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, egg coffee
- Ha Long Bay — UNESCO World Heritage cruises
- Nha Trang — Resort city, Japanese-friendly hotels
- Dalat — Highland city, cool climate, flower gardens, French architecture
- Hue — Imperial citadel, history, royal tombs
Tips for Japanese Travelers (日本人旅行者へのヒント)
Practical advice for Japanese citizens visiting Vietnam:
- JPY is not accepted — exchange to VND (1 JPY ≈ 165-170 VND, check current rates)
- Vietnam is 2 hours behind Japan (Vietnam GMT+7, Japan GMT+9)
- Vietnam uses 220V electricity, same as Japan's dual-voltage devices — check your appliance
- Japanese Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate in HCMC provide assistance
- Grab (like Japan's taxi apps) works throughout Vietnam
- Many Vietnamese have very positive views of Japan — expect warm hospitality
- 7-Eleven and Circle K convenience stores are common in major cities
- Free WiFi is widely available at cafés, hotels, and restaurants