Vietnam Extends Visa-Free Entry to 12 Countries

Vietnam has introduced a new visa exemption policy under its Tourism Development Stimulus Scheme. 

Starting August 15, citizens from 12 countries will be allowed to enter Vietnam without a visa for stays up to 45 days. The policy will remain effective until August 14, 2028, and is part of a broader effort to grow international tourism.

Visa-free entry applies to travelers from Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. 

Visitors from these countries can enter for tourism purposes without a visa, regardless of passport type. All travelers must meet the entry conditions set by Vietnamese law.

This move replaces Government Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP issued in January 2025, which had provided temporary visa waivers for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. That resolution will no longer be valid starting August 15.

Vietnam has also issued a separate visa exemption rule under Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP. This applies to foreign nationals identified as contributing to Vietnam’s socio-economic development. It will also come into effect on August 15.

The exemption applies to official guests of senior Vietnamese leaders such as the General Secretary, President, Prime Minister, National Assembly Chair, ministers, and provincial leaders. It also covers scientists, university professors, digital tech experts, top architects, and highly skilled professionals.

The exemption further includes investors and corporate executives from major international companies, public figures in culture, arts, sports, and tourism, and Vietnam’s honorary consuls abroad. Guests invited by recognized research institutes, universities, and large enterprises are also included, as long as they are approved by relevant ministries or government agencies.

In special cases, visa exemption may be granted at the discretion of the Minister of Public Security based on recommendations from authorized bodies.

Qualified individuals will receive a visa exemption card allowing multiple entries within the card’s validity. The exemption is capped at five years and must end at least 30 days before the passport’s expiry.

Vietnam is seeing strong growth in international arrivals. Between January and July 2025, the country welcomed 12.2 million foreign visitors, up 22.5% from the same period last year. 

In July alone, 1.56 million tourists arrived, marking a 6.8% increase year-on-year. Relaxed visa policies and tourism campaigns in several European markets have been credited by officials for the increase in international arrivals.