Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s only visa-free tourist zone, offering Taiwanese travelers a convenient entry option. However, the visa exemption policy has specific conditions and limitations. Taiwanese travelers planning to visit Phu Quoc must understand the relevant regulations to avoid disrupting their trip.

1. Eligibility for Phu Quoc Visa Exemption

Taiwanese citizens who meet the following conditions can enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to Phu Quoc:

  • The passport must be valid for at least 6 months (if validity is less than 6 months, a visa is required)
  • Must provide proof of departure from Vietnam (such as a return ticket or onward ticket to a third country)
  • Stay must not exceed 30 days
  • Limited to activities within Phu Quoc only

Important restriction: Cannot enter other Vietnamese cities first

The visa exemption policy only applies to Taiwanese travelers who fly directly to Phu Quoc. If entering other Vietnamese cities (such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi) first, the Phu Quoc visa exemption cannot be used, and a Vietnamese visa must be obtained in advance.

2. Compliant Ways for Taiwanese Travelers to Reach Phu Quoc

1. Direct Flight to Phu Quoc (Most Recommended)

  • Currently, there are direct charter flights from Taiwan to Phu Quoc (Phu Quoc International Airport, PQC), which qualify for visa exemption.

  • Must present return ticket or onward ticket upon arrival.

2. Transit via International Airport (Without Entering Vietnam)

  • If transiting through another country (e.g., Singapore, Bangkok) without leaving the transit zone, the visa exemption policy still applies.

Situations That Do Not Qualify for Visa Exemption:

  • If the flight requires transit through Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN) and involves Vietnamese immigration procedures (e.g., collecting luggage, leaving the transit area).
  • In such cases, a Vietnamese visa must be obtained in advance, otherwise boarding or entry may be denied.

Online Vietnamese Visa Application: Vietnam Visa Application Link

3. Limitations of Phu Quoc Visa Exemption

1. Limited to Phu Quoc Only

  • The visa exemption only applies to Phu Quoc. If planning to visit other Vietnamese cities (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi), a Vietnamese visa must be obtained in advance.

Incorrect Approach: Entering Phu Quoc visa-free first and then attempting to travel to other Vietnamese cities → This will be considered illegal entry.

2. Visa Effective Date Must Be Calculated Correctly

  • If planning to visit Phu Quoc first and then other Vietnamese cities, the visa’s effective date should be the day of entry into Phu Quoc, not the day of departure from Phu Quoc.

Example:

  • January 1: Arrive in Phu Quoc (visa-free)
  • January 5: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City
    → Must apply for a Vietnamese visa with an effective date of January 1, otherwise you may not be allowed to leave Phu Quoc.

4. Summary: Important Notes for Phu Quoc Visa Exemption

  • Only applies to direct flights to Phu Quoc or international transit (without entering Vietnam)
  • Cannot enter other Vietnamese cities first; otherwise, a visa must be obtained in advance
  • Visa exemption is limited to Phu Quoc; visiting other parts of Vietnam requires a separate visa
  • Return ticket is mandatory; overstaying requires prior application for an extension

Taiwanese travelers planning to visit Phu Quoc must confirm their flight route and visa requirements to ensure smooth entry!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do Taiwanese passport holders really not need a visa for Phu Quoc?
A: Yes, but must fly directly to Phu Quoc or transit internationally (without entering other Vietnamese cities), and the stay must not exceed 30 days.

Q2: If transiting through Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc, is visa exemption still applicable?
A: No! If you need to enter Ho Chi Minh City (e.g., to collect luggage), you must apply for a Vietnamese visa in advance.

Q3: After entering Phu Quoc visa-free, can I travel to other Vietnamese cities?
A: No! The visa exemption is limited to Phu Quoc. If you want to visit other cities, you must obtain a Vietnamese visa in advance (with the effective date starting from the day of entry into Phu Quoc).

Q4: Can the visa-free stay in Phu Quoc be extended?
A: The maximum visa-free stay is 30 days. If an extension is needed, you must apply for a visa extension in advance, otherwise you may face fines.

Phu Quoc Visa Exemption Conditions & Important Notes｜Must-Read for Taiwanese Travelers Before Departure

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