Vietnam offers visa-free entry to citizens of twelve nations to stimulate tourism growth
The Government of Vietnam has issued a new decree on August 8, 2025, as part of its efforts to support socio-economic development and build a dynamic, globally competitive economy. This decree, effective from August 15, 2025, introduces a tourism stimulus program that grants visa exemptions to citizens of 12 countries.
The visa exemptions are extended to citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. These travelers can enter Vietnam visa-free, typically for stays up to 45 days[1][3]. This policy is established under Resolution 229 and reflects Vietnam's effort to boost tourism during this period[1][2].
The decree does not specify any conditions for the visa exemptions, other than the mentioned categories. It also applies to scholars, scientists, professors, chief engineers, top-tier digital technology experts, investors, senior executives of major global enterprises, and prominent figures in culture, arts, sports, and tourism with significant public influence. These citizens will be allowed to stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days from their date of entry for tourism purposes.
Moreover, the decree grants temporary visa exemptions to high-ranking guests of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the State. The resolution will remain in force until August 14, 2028. However, from August 15, 2028, the current exemption for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland under the 2025 program will no longer apply.
The decree is designed to attract talent, high-quality human resources, innovative entrepreneurs, and leading scientists in priority sectors such as semiconductors and core digital technologies. It is also aimed at attracting influential cultural and sports personalities to Vietnam.
It is important to note that the decree does not mention any specific countries or regions, nor does it specify a specific duration for the visa exemptions or depend on passport type. This policy is a significant step towards enhancing Vietnam's tourism industry and fostering international relations.
[1] Vietnam News, "Vietnam announces tourism stimulus program with visa exemptions", August 8, 2025. [2] Vietnam Insider, "Vietnam issues decree on visa exemptions for 12 countries", August 8, 2025. [3] Vietnam Tourism, "New visa exemptions for 12 countries announced", August 8, 2025.
- The Government of Vietnam's decree, aimed at supporting socio-economic development, includes visa exemptions for scholars and scientists in digital technology, investors, and cultural or sports figures, showcasing an effort to attract talent in priority sectors like AI.
- In an attempt to bolster its tourism industry and international relations, the decree issued by the Vietnamese Government grants visa-free entry to citizens of 12 countries, including Hungary, the Netherlands, and Slovakia, for stays up to 45 days.
- The Vietnamese Government's resolution to grant temporary visa exemptions extends to high-ranking guests of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the State, as well as prominent figures in culture, arts, sports, and tourism, underscoring the country's focus on cultural exchange and sports diplomacy.
- Despite the visa exemptions being country-agnostic and applicable to individuals with significant public influence, the current policy allowing Polish, Czech, and Swiss citizens to enter Vietnam visa-free under the 2025 program will no longer hold after August 14, 2028.
