In the context of enhanced international integration and in order to promote the recovery of the tourism industry after the pandemic, the Government of Vietnam has decided to expand the unilateral visa exemption policy to citizens of 12 European countries. This policy shall take effect from August 15, 2025, creating favorable conditions for foreign tourists to enter Vietnam and contributing to improving the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism sector in the international market.
1. Applicable Subjects
According to Article 1 of Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP on visa exemption under the tourism stimulus program, it is stipulated that citizens holding nationality of the following countries shall be exempted from visas when entering Vietnam for tourism purposes, including:
The Kingdom of Belgium, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Slovenia, and the Swiss Confederation.
2. Duration of Implementation
Article 2 provides that the visa exemption policy for entry into Vietnam for citizens of the above-mentioned countries shall be implemented from August 15, 2025 until August 14, 2026 under the Tourism Development Stimulus Program.
3. Conditions for Visa Exemption
- Maximum temporary stay: 45 days from the date of entry;
- Purpose: Tourism;
- Applicable regardless of passport type;
- Must fully satisfy all entry conditions prescribed under the laws of Vietnam.
4. Other Cases of Visa Exemption
On August 08, 2025, the Government of Vietnam promulgated Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CĐ providing guidance on fixed-term visa exemption for foreigners who fall under special categories requiring preferential treatment to serve socio-economic development. This Decree shall take effect from August 15, 2025.
4.1 Applicable Subjects
– Type of visa: Fixed-term visa exemption;
– Purpose: Serving socio-economic development;
– Subjects: Foreigners falling under special preferential categories as provided in Article 2, including:
a) Guests of the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the President, the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Standing Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vice President, the Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly, the Deputy Prime Ministers, the President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, the Procurator General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the State Auditor General, Ministers and equivalent positions, Secretaries of Provincial Party Committees, Secretaries of City Party Committees, Chairpersons of People’s Councils, and Chairpersons of People’s Committees of provinces and centrally run cities;
b) Scholars, experts, scientists, university professors, researchers, chief engineers, and high-quality digital technology workforce;
c) Investors, leaders of multinational corporations, and leaders of major global enterprises;
d) Individuals engaged in culture, arts, sports, and tourism who have a positive influence on the public;
đ) Honorary consuls of Vietnam abroad;
e) Guests of research institutes, universities, higher education institutions, and large enterprises. Based on the proposals of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government, the Government shall decide the list of research institutes, universities, higher education institutions, and large enterprises eligible to invite foreign nationals;
g) Other cases requiring preferential visa exemption for diplomatic purposes or for serving socio-economic development as decided by the Minister of Public Security on the basis of proposals from relevant agencies and organizations.
4.2 Conditions for Issuance of Special Visa Exemption Card (Clause 2, Article 3)
– Must hold a valid passport.
– For guests invited by the State of Vietnam: A notification issued by a competent authority or organization is required, using Form NS-01 provided in Appendix 2 attached to Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP.
– For individuals falling under Points b, c, d, and đ above: A written request from a ministry, ministerial-level agency, government-attached agency, or an organ of the Communist Party of Vietnam or the National Assembly is required, using Form NA-02 provided in Appendix 2.
– For individuals falling under Points e and g above: A written request from the relevant authority or organization is required, using Form NA-02.
– Must not fall under cases of denial of entry or temporary suspension of exit as prescribed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.
4.3 Validity (Article 4)
- The competent authority or organization may choose to issue either an electronic card or a physical chip-based card. A physical chip-based card shall only be issued when the foreign national is present in Vietnam.
- Holders may enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the validity period of visa exemption.
- The card validity shall not exceed 05 years and must be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport.
4.4 Procedures for Application for the Special Visa Exemption Card (Article 5)
Step 1: Prepare application documents
- Notification or written request for issuance of the special visa exemption card;
- Passport biographical page photo, submitted in person or electronically.
Step 2: Submit the application dossier to the Ministry of Public Security (Immigration Department).
Step 3: Receipt and processing
- If the dossier is valid: The authority shall consider issuance and notify the requesting organization or agency of the access link to obtain the electronic card (Form NB-01) or issue a physical chip-based card (Form NC-02).
- If the dossier is invalid: A written reply shall be provided, clearly stating the reason for refusal.
- Processing time limit: Depending on the case, from 3 to 7 working days from the date of receipt of the application dossier.
The expansion of the tourism visa exemption policy for citizens of 12 European countries not only demonstrates Vietnam’s determination to promote the recovery of the tourism industry but also contributes to enhancing the country’s image and standing in the international market. In parallel, the visa exemption policy for foreigners in special categories serving socio-economic development reflects a more flexible and proactive orientation in attracting high-quality international human resources.
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