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New Vietnam visa exemption granting citizens of 12 additional countries a 45-day stay for tourism, further boosting international arrivals and enhancing the nation’s travel appeal.
Vietnam’s tourism sector is set to receive a significant boost as the Government officially grants visa exemptions to citizens of 12 additional countries, starting August 15, 2025. The new policy, outlined in Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP dated August 11, 2025, falls under the Tourism Development Stimulus Program and is expected to further attract high-spending and long-stay travelers to the country.
Details of the New Vietnam Visa Exemption
Under the resolution, citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland will be eligible for a 45-day visa-free stay from their date of entry into Vietnam for tourism purposes.
The exemption applies regardless of passport type, as long as travelers meet all entry requirements under Vietnamese law. This policy will remain in effect for three years, from August 15, 2025, to August 14, 2028, after which it may be reviewed for extension or adjustment based on tourism growth and bilateral relations.
Building on Previous Visa Exemptions
This move follows an earlier decision on March 7, 2025, when the Government issued Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, granting visa exemptions to citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
With the addition of the 12 new countries, Vietnam now unilaterally exempts visas for citizens of 24 countries. This expansion reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to making entry easier for international travelers and aligning its policies with global tourism trends.
Special Incentives for Socio-Economic Development
In addition to the broad Vietnam visa exemption program, the Government has introduced targeted policies for foreign visitors with specific contributions to Vietnam’s socio-economic development. On August 8, 2025, Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP was issued, allowing temporary visa exemptions for foreigners deemed to have special needs or value in promoting economic and social growth.
These layered policies aim to not only attract general tourists but also to welcome business travelers, investors, and skilled professionals who can contribute to Vietnam’s long-term development goals.
Tourism Growth Momentum
The visa expansion comes at a time when Vietnam’s tourism sector is experiencing robust recovery and growth. According to the General Statistics Office, July 2025 saw 1.56 million international arrivals, marking a 6.8% increase compared to June and a 35.7% rise over the same month in 2024.
From January to July 2025, Vietnam welcomed 12.2 million international visitors—a 22.5% increase compared to the same period last year, and notably 25% higher than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel.
These figures highlight the effectiveness of Vietnam’s strategic tourism reopening policies and the appeal of its cultural, natural, and culinary attractions to global travelers.
Expected Impact on the Tourism Industry
Industry experts believe the new visa exemptions will play a crucial role in boosting arrivals from Western and Central Europe, where long-haul travelers tend to stay longer and spend more. The 45-day duration—one of the most generous in Southeast Asia—will allow visitors to explore multiple destinations across Vietnam, from the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
The timing is also strategic, as the upcoming year-end and Lunar New Year peak tourism seasons are traditionally strong periods for inbound travel. By simplifying entry procedures and offering extended stays, Vietnam is positioning itself as a more competitive destination compared to regional peers.
A Step Toward Broader Tourism Reform
Vietnam’s latest move signals a long-term vision to align with international best practices in tourism facilitation. As the country competes for market share in a rapidly recovering global travel landscape, easing visa rules is viewed as a cost-effective yet powerful way to attract more visitors, stimulate spending, and encourage repeat travel.
With continued infrastructure improvements, destination marketing, and partnerships with airlines and tour operators, the expanded Vietnam visa exemption policy is expected to help Vietnam reach and potentially surpass its tourism targets for the coming years. In summary, from August 15, 2025, travelers from 12 more countries can enjoy a 45-day visa-free stay in Vietnam, bringing the total to 24 visa-exempt nations. This decisive step reinforces Vietnam’s ambition to become one of Asia’s most welcoming and dynamic tourism destinations, offering both convenience and rich travel experiences for visitors worldwide.
Source: laodong.vn
