Vietnam is opening its doors to even more tourists, expanding visa-free options and simplifying entry for certain categories of visitors. Find out which countries have received a 45-day visa-free regime, who will be able to travel with special invitations, and how to apply for an e-visa for a comfortable journey

Vietnam has long been considered one of the gems of Southeast Asia. Its ancient temples, fabulous beaches, rich cuisine and diverse landscapes – from the rice terraces of Sapa to the sea cliffs of Halong Bay – attract millions of visitors every year. And now visiting the country has become even easier: in August 2025, the Vietnamese government is expanding its visa-free travel program and introducing new exemptions for certain categories of foreigners.

These changes are not just a convenience for tourists. They open the door to longer trips, more flexible itineraries and even new opportunities for business and cultural projects. Let’s take a look at what exactly will change and how to take advantage of them.

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Visa-free travel for 12 new European countries

Starting August 15, 2025, citizens of the following countries will be able to travel to Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days:

Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.

This means that residents of these countries will be able to plan trips spontaneously - all they need is a ticket and a passport. The program will be valid until August 14, 2028, and applies to all types of passports - ordinary, service and diplomatic.

Previously, tourists from most of these countries were forced to apply for a visa or electronic permit even for short trips. Now, for example, a resident of Amsterdam can buy a ticket to Ho Chi Minh City and set off on an adventure the next day, without spending weeks on bureaucracy.

Visa-free travel extended for 12 more countries

Vietnam has also extended its visa-free regime until 2028 for the following countries:

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland.

These countries previously had a 45-day visa-free regime, but now travel is guaranteed until at least March 2028. The only change is that Belarus is no longer on the list, so its citizens must apply for a visa.

For tourists from Europe and Asia, this stability means that you can plan your trips in advance and combine them with other destinations, for example, visiting Vietnam after a few days in Thailand or Singapore.

Read more about visa-free travel in Vietnam in this article.

Temporary visa waiver for three countries

An interesting innovation is the short-term visa waiver for citizens of Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Poland. From March 1 to December 31, 2025, they can enter Vietnam without a visa for 45 days for tourist purposes.

This “test period” could be the beginning of a longer partnership. If tourist numbers increase, the authorities may extend the exemption. For tourists from these countries, this is an ideal opportunity to see what Vietnam is like – from the narrow streets of Hanoi to the coral reefs of Con Dao Island.

Special categories of visa-free visitors

In addition to the standard visa-free regime, Vietnam has introduced a new category of “high-value visitors”. These are foreigners whose activities or presence are important for the economy or cultural image of the country. The list includes:

- Invited by the country’s leadership – the president, prime minister or other top officials.

- Representatives of governments and international organizations.

- Experts, scientists, technicians in high-tech industries.

- Major investors and global business leaders.

- Famous artists, athletes, cultural figures with an international reputation.

- Honorary consuls of Vietnam.

- Invited by universities, research centers or leading companies.

This list allows the country to attract influential people, develop science, innovation and cultural exchange.

Electronic visa for other travelers

Not on the visa-free list? Vietnam has a convenient alternative - e-visa. It can be issued online in a few days. The electronic visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be single or multiple.

Advantages of e-visa:

- no need to go to the consulate;

- the ability to travel longer;

- access to most border crossings.

For example, a traveler from Canada could come to Vietnam, spend a few weeks on the coast, and then move on to Laos to return again – on the same multiple-entry visa.

What does this mean for tourists?

Vietnam is banking on tourism as a key driver of its economy. For travelers, this means:

- Less bureaucracy – no need to waste time and money on a visa for short trips.

- Longer itineraries – 45 days allow you to visit not only major cities, but also remote regions.

- Convenience of combined tours – you can easily combine Vietnam with other countries in Indochina.

- Benefits for business and culture – simplified entry for experts and artists paves the way for new projects.

Mini guide: what to see in Vietnam

If you have a month and a half, here is an example of an itinerary:

- North – Hanoi, Halong Bay, mountainous Sapa.

- Center – the ancient city of Hoi An, the Imperial City of Hue, the beaches of Da Nang.

- South – Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island.

This route will allow you to see both cultural attractions and natural wonders, as well as modern city life.

Practical tips for traveling

- When to go: high season – November-April, when there is less rain.

- Money: cards are accepted in large cities, but cash is required in the provinces.

- Transport: domestic flights are often cheaper than long-distance buses.

- Language: English is spoken in tourist areas, in remote villages – it is better to learn a few phrases in Vietnamese.

- Culture: dress modestly in temples, take off your shoes before entering.

Vietnam is confidently moving towards becoming a tourist and business hub in the region. The expansion of visa-free travel, the introduction of special categories of visitors and a convenient e-visa system make the country more open than ever.

If you've been dreaming of a trip to the heart of Indochina, the next few years are the perfect time. Pack your bags, book your tickets - and off you go, towards Vietnamese adventures!

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

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Let's remind you! Vietnam plans to introduce a "Golden Visa" program, which will allow foreigners to obtain the right to long-term residence in the country. We have already told you why the country made such a decision, what visa is offered and how it differs from existing programs.

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