On Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam), hailed as "Asia's most beautiful island," a 30-day visa exemption for all foreign travelers has been in force since July 2020. As of 2026, this policy continues unchanged, and Japanese travelers too can stay on Phu Quoc Island for 30 days without prior application. However, there's a restriction of "Phu Quoc Island only," and a regular visa is needed if you plan to travel to the mainland, such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. The latest 2026 statistics show a surge in visitors, up 72% year on year, and with large-scale infrastructure work advancing now as the host site for APEC 2027, it's important to plan your trip on a correct understanding of this policy.
Overview of the Phu Quoc Island visa exemption: in force since 2020, applying worldwide
Phu Quoc Island's visa exemption came into force on July 1, 2020. It covers passport holders worldwide and applies regardless of nationality. For Japanese travelers, it's subject to visa exemption (45 days) just like regular travel to the Vietnamese mainland, but Phu Quoc's specific 30-day exemption differs greatly in that "a visa is needed if you leave the island."
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy start | July 1, 2020 |
| Eligible | Foreign travelers of all nationalities |
| Length of stay allowed | Up to 30 days |
| Application procedure | None (just present your passport) |
| Method of entry | Both air and sea are allowed |
| Off-island travel | A separate visa is needed |
Why only Phu Quoc Island has this special exception
The reason only Phu Quoc Island within Vietnam can have this special visa exemption is that it meets all four legal conditions.
- The presence of an international airport: Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is a full international airport with direct flights to many countries, including Japan.
- Distinct geographic separation: The topographical nature of being an island enables immigration control different from the mainland's.
- Natural isolation from the mainland: Being an island surrounded by sea means it can naturally limit the range of arrivals' movement.
- A socioeconomic development strategy: The Vietnamese government has designated Phu Quoc Island as an international tourism special zone, with standards for public order and safety in place.
Only Phu Quoc Island in all of Vietnam meets these four conditions. This "uniqueness" is the basis underpinning the policy.
The biggest caveat: leave the island and you need a visa
The biggest pitfall of the Phu Quoc Island visa exemption is the "off-island travel" issue. The 30-day visa exemption is strictly limited to within Phu Quoc Island. If you travel to a mainland Vietnamese city such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang, you must separately obtain a valid visa.
Cases where this becomes a real problem have actually occurred. A case in which the Indian embassy issued a warning is a typical example. If a medical emergency arises, severe cases that can't be handled by Phu Quoc Island's medical facilities require transfer to a large hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. In such a case, travelers without a visa may face immigration issues. Being stranded at a transfer airport due to major flight delays or cancellations could cause the same problem.
A realistic countermeasure
Even if you intend to stay only on Phu Quoc Island, we strongly recommend obtaining an e-visa (electronic visa) before your trip in case of an emergency. Vietnam's e-visa can be applied for online, and approval usually takes about three business days. The cost is around 25 US dollars.
Phu Quoc Island in 2026: a visitor surge and large-scale development
In 2026, Phu Quoc Island is in the midst of rapid development.
A surge in visitors
Foreign travelers to Phu Quoc Island numbered 1.8 million in 2025. In just January–March 2026 (the first quarter), it recorded 817,000, an astonishing growth rate of 72% year on year. If this pace continues, annual visitors in 2026 are expected to top 2 million.
Development as an APEC 2027 host site
Phu Quoc Island has been selected as one of the venues for "APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)" to be held in 2027, and large-scale infrastructure work is currently under way. With the construction of an international conference center, road improvements, port expansion, and new five-star hotel openings, the whole island is rapidly transforming into a "world-standard resort." New flights are being expanded ahead of APEC (new Phu Quoc flights 2026), and access is set to become even more convenient.
Access from Japan to Phu Quoc Island: the 2026 edition
At present (April 2026), there are no regular direct flights from Japan to Phu Quoc Island. The two common routes are as follows.
Via Ho Chi Minh City (most common)
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) from Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Nagoya, or Fukuoka on Vietnam Airlines, JAL, ANA, Vietjet, or others. From there, connect to a domestic flight to Phu Quoc International Airport (flight time about 1 hour)—this is the standard route. The total time including the connection is about 8–10 hours.
Via Hanoi
Transferring via Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) to a domestic flight for Phu Quoc is another option. Vietjet is set to newly launch a Hanoi–Shizuoka route from April 28 (Vietjet Hanoi–Shizuoka route launch information), a new option for travelers from Shizuoka and the Tokai region.
Phu Quoc Island's appeal: content you can use to the full for 30 days
Here are the main sightseeing offerings of Phu Quoc Island, where you can stay long-term using the 30-day visa exemption.
Beach resort
Multiple top-tier beaches are dotted about, including Long Beach (one of Vietnam's most beautiful), Sao Beach (a stunning white-sand beach), and Khem Beach. Marine activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sea kayaking are extensive too.
The world's longest cable car
The cable car connecting Hon Thom Island and Phu Quoc Island is the world's longest at 7,900 m. You can enjoy stunning views of the emerald-green sea and islands spreading out below.
VinWonders theme park
One of Vietnam's largest theme parks. A complex of attractions, shows, and an aquarium, it's a staple spot for family trips.
Farm stays and pepper farms
Phu Quoc Island is a world-famous source of black pepper. Agri-tourism, such as farm tours and cooking experiences using pepper, is popular too.
Best season and things to note
Phu Quoc Island's dry season is November to April, and December to March in particular has many clear days and is the most recommended period. Late April to October is the rainy season, with more squalls. Even in the rainy season, though, it rarely rains all day; the pattern is more of afternoon showers.
Temperatures are around 25–33°C year-round. With a tropical climate, sun protection and staying hydrated are essential. Getting around the island mostly means a motorbike taxi (Grab) or renting an electric bike, which lets you sightsee more nimbly than a car taxi.
Also, if you're planning mainland sightseeing too, such as a Ha Long Bay cruise or Hanoi's Old Quarter, let us stress again to obtain an e-visa before arriving on Phu Quoc Island. If it turns out at the airport that you have no visa when departing the island, the procedures could become complicated. For plans to tour other Vietnamese sights from Phu Quoc Island, check the latest information (Vietnam Q1 2026 tourism update）。
Summary: three points for using the Phu Quoc Island visa exemption wisely
- If you'll travel off-island, always obtain an e-visa: If you're combining mainland sightseeing, apply online before leaving Japan.
- For a long stay (2 weeks to a month), the value is exceptional: A place where you can have a 30-day resort stay without a visa is rare even worldwide. Ideal for remote workers and digital nomads too.
- Now, ahead of APEC 2027, is the peak of development: With new hotels and facilities opening one after another, it's a time when fresh experiences keep coming for travelers. Do watch out, though, for construction noise and traffic congestion.
References and sources:
・VnExpress: What to know about the 30-day visa-free entry for foreign tourists to Asia’s most beautiful island
・VIETJO Vietnam News: 30-day visa exemption for Phu Quoc Island tourists（2014年当時の記事。現行の全国籍対象30日間免除は2020年7月1日施行の制度）
・Vietnam Visa Embassy: No visa required for tourists to Phu Quoc on short stay
