Starting August 15, 2025, Vietnam will grant visa-free entry for up to 45 days to travellers from 12 additional European countries as part of its expanded
tourism stimulus plan. Under Resolution 229/NQ-CP, the new entrants to the visa-exemption list are: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. The waiver applies to all passport types and will remain in effect until August 14, 2028. They join the 12 nations already enjoying unilateral visa-free access to Vietnam, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, a policy valid until March 14, 2028. The move comes amid strong tourism growth, 1.56 million international arrivals in July 2025, up 6.8% year-on-year. Arrivals from European markets surged 38%, with Poland and Switzerland seeing jumps of 44.8% and 15.8%, respectively.
Vietnam To Offer 5-Year Special Visa Waiver For Foreign Contributors From August 15
Alongside the expansion, Vietnam is also introducing special visa exemptions for:- Top-tier official guests invited by national leaders
- Leading scientists, researchers, engineers, and specialists
- Major investors and global company executives
- Notable cultural, art, sports, and tourism figures
- Vietnam’s honorary consuls abroad
- Invitees from approved universities, research bodies, and firms
Eligible travellers in the above categories can apply for a Special Visa Exemption Card (SVEC), valid for multiple entries over five years. Applications must be submitted by a competent agency or organisation, either directly or online, to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, along with a written request and a copy of the passport’s information page.
Also Read: Vietnam Travel Warning: 5 Common Scams In Hanoi, Hoi An And Ho Chi Minh City That You Should Know About
Processing Steps:
Immigration Department reviews the application and issues a digital SVEC (Form NC-01).
The requesting agency is informed of:
Access to the digital SVEC (Form NB-01), or
Issuance of the physical chip-embedded card (Form NC-02), or
A written explanation if the application is rejected.
These select travellers can obtain multiple-entry exemption cards valid for up to five years, provided their passport remains valid for at least 30 days beyond their visit.
Also Read: You Can Now Fly From Bengaluru To Vietnam Directly! Know All Details
