How to Apply for Visa (or Visa-Exemption) for Phú Quốc Island – A Complete Guide

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The visa-exemption regime for foreign visitors coming to Phú Quốc has emerged as one of Vietnam’s most attractive tourism policies in recent years. This policy plays a crucial role in positioning Phú Quốc as a premium international-tourist destination. In this article, from the perspective of the experts at Tân Văn Lang, we’ll walk you through the detailed policy and show you how you can apply for—actually, benefit from—the visa exemption (or apply for visa if needed) when visiting Phú Quốc.

What is the visa-exemption policy?

The visa-exemption policy allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in a designated area without needing to obtain a visa (or equivalent document) in advance, for a defined period.

In the case of Phú Quốc, this means that many international visitors can land on the island and stay up to 30 days without obtaining a Vietnamese visa beforehand.

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Why is there a special visa-free regime for Phú Quốc?

The reason for exempting many foreign tourists from visa requirements when visiting Phú Quốc is two-fold: boosting tourism and accelerating economic development. As one of Vietnam’s most beautiful islands, with pristine beaches, lush nature and thriving resort infrastructure, Phú Quốc has strategic importance.
More specifically, the island meets all four legal conditions mandated by Vietnamese law for a visa-free zone:

• It has an international airport (Sân bay Quốc tế Phú Quốc) connecting to overseas destinations.
• It is geographically separate from the mainland (with clearly defined boundaries).
• It constitutes a tourism-development area which doesn’t compromise national defence, security, social order.
• It constitutes an independent tourism zone that can be more easily managed.

Thanks to this special status, the policy helps Vietnam attract more international guests, generate greater local revenue and drive sustainable island-economy growth.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa fees: Updated costs & What travelers should expect 2025

How to apply / how to benefit from the visa-free stay for Phú Quốc

Although we often say “apply”, in many cases you don’t need to submit a traditional visa application if you meet the conditions for the visa-exemption. Instead, you simply comply with the entry rules and receive the stamp upon arrival. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Check eligibility

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
• You must enter Phú Quốc directly from a foreign country by air or sea, or transit through a Vietnamese international airport without leaving the transit zone and then fly to Phú Quốc.
• Your stay must be only on Phú Quốc Island, not travelling to other parts of mainland Vietnam.
• You must plan to depart the island within 30 days (return ticket or onward ticket proof advisable).
• You must not be on any restricted list (e.g., INTERPOL wanted persons) nor previously deported from Vietnam.

Step 2: Travel & get the stamp

• Fly/arrive to Sân bay Quốc tế Phú Quốc (by international flight) or come by international sea port, fulfilling the arrival mode requirement.
• At immigration, after checking your eligibility, you will receive a visa-exemption stamp/permit valid for up to 30 days in Phú Quốc.

Step 3: If you want to do more (visit mainland Vietnam or stay longer)

• If you plan to travel from Phú Quốc to mainland Vietnam (e.g., to Hà Nội or TP Hồ Chí Minh) or stay more than 30 days, then you must apply for a regular Vietnamese visa (or e-visa) before arrival or once on the island via local immigration support.

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Conditions for the visa-exemption to Phú Quốc – recap

• Passport validity: minimum 6 months.
• Arrival: via air or sea, direct to Phú Quốc or via transit without entering Vietnam mainland.
• Stay duration: ≤ 30 days on the island
• Purpose: tourism/visit only, no business/work beyond the permit. (As standard with tourist-entry)
• Exit: plan to depart from Phú Quốc to another country; not travel onward to mainland Vietnam under the visa-free scheme

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa service: Fast & secure solution for your trip 2025

Popular Tourist Spots in Phú Quốc

Ready to plan your hassle-free trip to Phú Quốc? If you’d like expert, 1-on-1 support from Tân Văn Lang: leave your name and phone number and our consultant will contact you to verify your eligibility, review your itinerary and ensure you fully benefit from the visa-exemption or apply correctly for a visa if needed. Let us make your Phú Quốc journey smooth, stress-free and unforgettable.