The Vietnamese Government has just issued Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP dated 11 August 2025, introducing a visa exemption programme under the Tourism Development Stimulus Scheme for citizens of 12 countries.

Under the resolution, citizens of the following countries will be eligible for visa-free entry: 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.

Visitors from these countries may stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days from the date of entry for tourism purpose, regardless of passport type, provided they meet all entry conditions stipulated by Vietnamese law.

This visa-free policy will be in effect from 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028, as part of Vietnam’s initiative to stimulate tourism growth.

As a result, Government Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP dated 15 January 2025, which granted visa exemptions in 2025 to citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland will cease to be effective from 15 August 2025.

Special Visa Waiver for Priority Foreign Visitors

The Government has also promulgated Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP dated 8 August 2025, providing visa exemption for foreign nationals in special categories that are prioritized for Vietnam’s socio-economic development, effective from 15 August 2025.

According to the Decree, the following groups are eligible:

a) Official guests of top Vietnamese leaders, including the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State President, the National Assembly Chair, the Prime Minister, the Standing Member of the Party Secretariat, the Vice President, the Vice Chair of the National Assembly, the Deputy Prime Minister, the President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the State Auditor General, Ministers and equivalent positions, Provincial/City Party Secretaries, and Chairpersons of People’s Councils and People’s Committees;

b) Academics, experts, scientists, and professors from universities and research institutes; chief architects; and highly skilled professionals in the digital technology industry;

c) Investors, corporate leaders, and executives of major global enterprises;

d) Figures in culture, arts, sports, and tourism who have a positive public influence;

đ) Vietnam’s honorary consuls abroad;

e) Invited guests of recognized research institutes, universities, and large enterprises, as approved by competent ministries and government agencies;

g) Other special cases requiring visa privileges for diplomatic or socio-economic development purposes, as decided by the Minister of Public Security upon recommendation from relevant agencies or organizations.

Eligible individuals will receive a special visa exemption card allowing multiple entries into Vietnam within the validity period. The exemption period will not exceed five years and must be at least 30 days shorter than the passport’s remaining validity.