Government AffairsInternational visitors need to be aware of the limits of Phu Quoc’s visa-free offer.

Phu Quoc’s visa exemption is unique, but here’s what travel agents need to know

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Travellers do not necessarily need to fly directly to Phu Quoc to enjoy the visa-free exemption. Featured: Grand World Phu Quoc
Travellers do not necessarily need to fly directly to Phu Quoc to enjoy the visa-free exemption. Featured: Grand World Phu Quoc Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Quang Ho

Phu Quoc’s success story continues unabated. International visitors to the island between January and April reached more than one million, up 61.5% year-on-year, driven by expanding  direct routes to Asian destinations such as Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong.

Keen to maintain the trend, Phu Quoc authorities are rolling out a range of digital tourism initiatives to improve visitor experiences and support the island's shift toward smart tourism.

Phu Quoc has a unique status as Vietnam’s only visa-free gateway, but travel agents need to remind international visitors of the strict conditions that allow visa-free entry without applying for a full Vietnamese visa.

The current policy allows foreign passport holders to enter by air or sea, and stay on Phu Quoc Island for up to 30 days without a visa. This exemption applies regardless of nationality, provided the visitor meets the entry requirements and remains only on the island for the duration of their stay.

Travellers do not necessarily need to fly directly to Phu Quoc to enjoy the exemption. Transit through other Vietnamese international airports is possible but travellers must remain in the transit area before boarding their domestic connection to the island.

The visa exemption is strictly for Phu Quoc. If travellers intend to visit other destinations in Vietnam they must be in possession of a valid Vietnamese visa.

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