Vietnam Publishes 2026 Visa Exemption List: Only Four African Countries Qualify
Vietnam's official government portal has released the full list of countries whose citizens can enter the Southeast Asian nation without a visa under bilateral exemption agreements. As of February 2026, only four African countries—Algeria, Morocco, Mozambique, and South Africa—are included, and their agreements apply only to specific passport categories, not ordinary travel documents.
According to the Vietnamese government portal, the country has signed 56 visa exemption agreements and treaties with 55 countries as of 6 February 2009, with 54 of those currently in force. The list covers a range of passport types, but most agreements are limited to diplomatic and official passport holders rather than ordinary travellers.
Which African Countries Qualify for Vietnam Visa-Free Entry?
Of all African nations, only Algeria, Morocco, Mozambique, and South Africa appear on Vietnam's visa exemption list. The details of each agreement are as follows:
- Algeria: The agreement took effect on 9 February 2009 and covers diplomatic and official passports.
- Morocco: The agreement came into force on 19 December 2004 and covers holders of diplomatic, official, and special passports.
- South Africa: The agreement entered into force on 23 June 2007 and applies to diplomatic and official passport holders.
- Mozambique: The agreement took effect on 9 February 2009 and covers diplomatic and official passports.
Notably, none of these agreements extends to ordinary passports. This means that the vast majority of African travellers holding standard tourist or regular travel documents are not covered under any of Vietnam's existing visa exemption arrangements.
What Do Vietnam's Visa Exemption Agreements Cover?
Vietnam's visa exemption framework is largely built around government and diplomatic travel. Across nearly all 54 active agreements, ordinary passport holders are rarely included. A small number of countries—including Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—have secured exemptions that extend to regular passports, typically requiring a passport with at least six months of validity alongside return air tickets.
For African travellers outside of Morocco, Mozambique, and South Africa, as well as for citizens of those three countries holding ordinary passports, obtaining a visa before travel to Vietnam remains the standard requirement.
Broader Context: Vietnam's Visa Policy and Recent Updates
Vietnam's visa exemption list is part of its broader immigration policy, which has seen gradual expansion in recent years. The country has been working to boost tourism and business travel, but African nations remain largely excluded from ordinary passport waivers.
In related news, Legit.ng previously reported that Spain named African countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free entry. Also, Japan updated its eVisa eligibility list in May 2026, opening online visa applications to nationals residing in several countries across the world. The update shared how travellers from selected countries can apply directly through the Japan eVisa website, while nationals from other countries face different application requirements and must apply through accredited agencies.
For African travellers planning to visit Vietnam, it is essential to check the specific passport type and visa requirements well in advance. The Vietnamese government portal provides up-to-date information on visa exemptions and application procedures.
