Overall Rank: #103 out of 199 countries
Vietnam ranks #103 out of 199 countries and territories in the Globevisa Passport Ranking, placing it in the below-average category. Across the five core dimensions — Mobility (#172), Governance (#113), Security (#50), Education (#86), and Quality of Life (#65) — Vietnam performs strongest in security (#50), followed by quality of life (#65). Its weakest dimension is mobility (#172).
Mobility: #172 (score 14/100), Governance: #113 (score 44/100), Security: #50 (score 75/100), Education: #86 (score 57/100), Quality of Life: #65 (score 68/100)
Vietnam ranks #103 globally in the 2026 Globevisa Passport Ranking, which evaluates 199 countries and territories worldwide. Unlike traditional passport indices that focus solely on visa-free destination counts, the Globevisa Passport Ranking provides a comprehensive structural assessment across five core dimensions: Mobility, Governance, Security, Education, and Quality of Life. In terms of strengths, Vietnam excels in Security (#50, score 75), Quality of Life (#65, score 68). However, Mobility (#172) represents structural areas of concern.
Country Overview: Vietnam is a fast-growing Southeast Asian emerging market with a restricted immigration policy and a young, manufacturing-driven economy. / Emerging regional manufacturing hub with limited mobility.
Identity Attributes: Long-term Residency
Global Taxation: Yes (Worldwide Taxation)
Cost of Living: Low
Culture & Adaptation: Significant language barriers with limited English proficiency outside major cities; high openness to foreigners within a collectivist and hierarchical social structure; well-suited for resilient expats and digital nomads comfortable with a fast-paced, high-sensory environment.
Employment & Development: Rapidly expanding manufacturing and tech-led economy; high demand for specialized talent in electronics, engineering, and digital sectors; entry barriers include strict work permit requirements and a preference for local hires in non-technical roles.
Holding a Vietnamese passport does not provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or the United States, necessitating formal visa applications for entry into these regions. Internationally, the passport is considered to have moderate mobility with a ranking that reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to expand travel access beyond its primary regional partners. While the document's recognition is stable, holders remain subject to thorough security and financial vetting for Western visas, and there are no immediate policy shifts suggesting a move toward visa-free status with the EU. Consequently, travelers should expect continued rigorous scrutiny and should ensure high levels of compliance to mitigate processing risks or potential rejections.
Vietnam’s immigration landscape is characterized by an evolving policy environment as the government seeks to balance economic openness with stricter administrative oversight. Recent years have seen a transition toward more stringent enforcement and the introduction of unified regulations, such as Decree 59, which aim to clarify procedures while increasing scrutiny on compliance and visa usage. While there is no history of sudden program closures, the periodic tightening of work permit requirements and visa-on-arrival protocols suggests that applicants may face more rigorous vetting in the future. Moving forward, potential risks include increased international regulatory pressure and a focus on national security, which could lead to further policy adjustments and higher evidentiary standards for foreign investors and professionals.
Vietnam is a highly stable, one-party state characterized by a strong centralized government and very low rates of violent crime. While major urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are generally safe for international residents, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and snatch theft are common in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Personal and property security are maintained by the Ministry of Public Security through an extensive police network, though the legal system and enforcement capacity can be impacted by bureaucratic complexity and limited judicial independence. Residents are advised to exercise standard precautions with valuables and remain aware of local regulations regarding political expression to ensure a secure living environment.