Do you need a visa to visit Phu Quoc?
For most travelers, the answer is no. Phu Quoc is part of Vietnam, but it has a special visa exemption program that makes visiting simple. Travelers from all nationalities can stay up to 30 days in Phu Quoc without a visa, as long as they meet certain conditions.
Phu Quoc has a special visa exemption program
This policy was designed to make tourism more accessible and encourage travelers to discover the island’s beauty before exploring the rest of Vietnam.
Conditions for the 30-day Visa exemption
To qualify for the visa exemption when traveling to Phu Quoc, you must meet these basic requirements:
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Your destination must be Phu Quoc only.
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You must arrive directly at Phu Quoc International Airport or through an international cruise ship docking at Phu Quoc.
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Your stay must not exceed 30 days.
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You must have a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
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You must have a confirmed ticket to leave Phu Quoc or Vietnam within 30 days.
Phu Quoc pristine beach
If you enter Vietnam through another city like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi before heading to Phu Quoc, you’ll need a valid Vietnam visa in advance. The visa exemption applies only to direct arrivals to the island.
How the Visa exemption works
When you arrive at Phu Quoc International Airport, immigration officers will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa waiver. There’s no need to fill out forms or pay any fee. It’s one of the most traveler-friendly entry procedures in Asia.
If you plan to explore other parts of Vietnam after visiting Phu Quoc, you can still do so by applying for an e-visa or another suitable visa type before your trip. Many visitors spend a few relaxing days on the island and then fly to Hanoi, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh City to continue their journey.
What if you want to stay longer than 30 days?
If you fall in love with Phu Quoc and want to extend your stay, you’ll need to apply for a regular Vietnam visa. The visa exemption cannot be extended or renewed on the island.
You have two main options:
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Apply for a Vietnam e-visa before your trip, valid for 90 days.
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Leave the island temporarily (for example, to Thailand or Singapore) and return with a new visa or under the exemption again.
It’s best to plan your itinerary in advance if you think you’ll want to stay longer, as visa extensions on the island itself are not possible.
Special notes for cruise travelers
If you’re arriving on a cruise ship that docks at Phu Quoc, you can also enjoy the visa exemption. Most international cruises that stop at Phu Quoc coordinate with local authorities in advance, making immigration quick and simple.
Cruise travelers to Phu Quoc
You’ll typically receive a shore pass that allows you to explore the island during the ship’s stopover. Just make sure you return to the ship before departure, as your entry is limited to that visit.
What about transit passengers?
Some travelers arrive in Vietnam through Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi before taking a domestic flight to Phu Quoc. In that case, you must go through immigration at your first point of entry, meaning you’ll need a valid visa before boarding your connecting flight.
To avoid complications, it’s best to book an international flight directly to Phu Quoc. Many airlines now offer direct routes from major cities in Asia such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul.
Airlines flying directly to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc International Airport welcomes direct international flights from multiple carriers. Popular airlines include Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bangkok Airways, and AirAsia. Recently, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, a new airline dedicated to connecting the island with more regional destinations, has joined the list. The airline focuses on routes from Southeast Asia and China, making access to the island even easier for tourists seeking a visa-free getaway.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways
Understanding Phu Quoc visa requirements is key to planning a smooth and stress-free vacation. With its 30-day visa exemption and growing number of international flights, visiting this island paradise has never been easier.
If you’re ready to experience Vietnam’s island life and beyond, plan your trip with New Asia Tours. From visa assistance to custom itineraries across Vietnam, we handle the details so you can focus on what matters most - making memories!
Book your Vietnam tour today and let your journey begin in Phu Quoc.
