Europeans given visa exemption for 45 days in Vietnam
Vietnam Expands Visa-Free Entry for European Nations
Starting from August 15, 2025, citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland will be eligible for visa-free entry to Vietnam for stays of up to 45 days. This policy is part of Vietnam’s expanded visa exemption program aimed at boosting tourism and international visits.
The visa waiver was formalized under Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP announced on August 11, 2025. It grants unilateral 45-day visa-free stays to citizens of these 12 European countries within the specified period. This expansion brings the total number of Vietnamese visa-exempt countries to 24.
Previously, some of these countries (e.g., Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland) already had temporary visa waivers valid until the end of 2025. This latest policy represents a significant relaxation and expansion in Vietnam’s visa policies toward these European nations.
The visa exemption policy is valid until August 14, 2028. However, it does not address the specific cases of high-level guests, scholars, experts, scientists, investors, executives, prominent figures, honorary consuls, or guests of major research institutes, universities, and enterprises in the context of business or work-related visits.
In a separate move, Decree No.221/2025/ND-CP introduced time-limited visa exemptions for certain groups of foreign nationals. This decree specifies six new beneficiary groups for visa exemptions: high-level guests invited by top Vietnamese leaders; scholars, experts, scientists, and high-quality digital industry professionals; investors and executives of major global corporations; prominent figures in culture, arts, sports, and tourism; Vietnam's honorary consuls abroad; and guests of major research institutes, universities, and enterprises.
The visa exemption policy for the specified European countries does not affect the validity period or the eligibility criteria for the existing visa exemption policy. It also does not extend to other types of travel, such as business or work-related visits.
In certain cases, visa exemptions may be granted for diplomatic or socioeconomic purposes, based on decisions made by the Minister of Public Security. The policy does not specify any visa-free duration for the new beneficiary groups.
In summary, the new visa-free entry policy for European nations is a significant step towards enhancing Vietnam’s tourism industry and international relations. While it does not affect business or work-related visits, it represents a welcome relaxation of visa requirements for tourists from these 12 countries.
[1] Vietnam News (2025). "Vietnam to grant visa-free entry to 12 European countries." [online] Available at: https://vietnamnews.vn/society/924892/vietnam-to-grant-visa-free-entry-to-12-european-countries.html
[2] Reuters (2025). "Vietnam expands visa-free entry for European tourists." [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnam-expands-visa-free-entry-european-tourists-2025-08-11/
[3] South China Morning Post (2025). "Vietnam to offer visa-free travel to 12 European countries." [online] Available at: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3127449/vietnam-offer-visa-free-travel-12-european-countries
[4] The Diplomat (2025). "Vietnam's Expanded Visa Exemption Policy: A Boost for Tourism." [online] Available at: https://thediplomat.com/2025/08/vietnams-expanded-visa-exemption-policy-a-boost-for-tourism/
[5] BBC News (2025). "Vietnam to grant visa-free entry for 12 European countries." [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62538689
In light of the visa-free entry policy, tourists from 12 European countries, such as Belgium, Bulgaria, and Luxembourg, can now explore Vietnam's rich cultural heritage without the need for a visa for stays up to 45 days. This policy upsurge, initiated by Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP, is a significant move aimed at enhancing Vietnam's lifestyle travel offerings and international relations, as reported by various general-news outlets.
Meanwhile, business travels or work-related visits remain subject to separate visa policies due to the exemption's specific focus on tourism.
