Key Takeaways
• Vietnam extends visa exemptions to citizens of 29 countries with stays up to 90 days starting March 2025.
• Special 45-day tourism visa exemption runs March-December 2025 for Poland, Czech Republic, and Switzerland travelers.
• Vietnam’s expanded e-visa program allows all nationalities up to 90-day stays with multiple entries from 2025.
Vietnam’s Visa Exemption Expansion in 2025: What Travelers Need to Know
Vietnam has made major changes to its visa policies in 2025, making it much easier for people from many countries to visit. These changes are part of a plan to boost tourism and improve relationships with other countries after years of travel disruptions. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025, it’s important to know if you qualify for the Vietnam Visa Exemption, what the new rules are, and how these updates might affect your travel plans.
Who is affected? Citizens of 29 countries now enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam, with new rules extending the length of stay and removing some old restrictions. The changes took effect in March 2025 and are set to last for several years, thanks to new government resolutions.
What’s changed? The Vietnamese government passed two important resolutions in early 2025:
- Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP (March 7, 2025): This extended visa exemptions for citizens of 12 countries until March 14, 2028. The new rules started on March 15, 2025, and replaced older resolutions that expired on that date.
- Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP (January 15, 2025): This created a special visa exemption for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland as part of the 2025 Tourism Stimulus Program. This exemption runs from March 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
These changes are designed to attract more tourists, business people, and experts to Vietnam, helping the country’s economy and social development.
Expanded List of Visa-Free Countries and Stay Durations
As of March 2025, citizens with regular passports from 29 countries can enter Vietnam without a visa. The length of stay depends on your country of citizenship and the purpose of your visit.
90-Day Exemptions
– Chile (for non-paid activities)
– Panama (for non-paid activities)
45-Day Exemptions
– Denmark
– Finland
– France
– Germany
– Italy
– Japan
– Norway
– Russia
– South Korea
– Spain
– Sweden
– United Kingdom (not for BNO passport holders)
– Kazakhstan (not more than 90 days within 180 days)
Special 45-Day Exemptions (Tourism Program Only)
– Poland (March 1 – December 31, 2025, with Vietnamese tour companies)
– Czech Republic (March 1 – December 31, 2025, with Vietnamese tour companies)
– Switzerland (March 1 – December 31, 2025, with Vietnamese tour companies)
30-Day Exemptions
– Cambodia
– Indonesia
– Kyrgyzstan
– Laos
– Malaysia (for tourism, press, official duty, visiting relatives, business, investment, sports, or conferences)
– Singapore (for non-paid activities)
– Thailand
– Belarus (not more than 90 days in a 12-month period)
21-Day Exemption
– Philippines
14-Day Exemptions
– Brunei
– Myanmar (for visiting only)
Key Points:
– The Vietnam Visa Exemption allows travelers from these countries to enter Vietnam for the specified period without applying for a visa in advance.
– The exemption period starts from the date of entry and cannot be extended while in Vietnam, except by applying for a different visa type.
Entry Requirements for Visa-Exempt Travelers
Even if you qualify for the Vietnam Visa Exemption, you must meet certain entry requirements:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry date. This is especially important for travelers from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland under the tourism program.
- Entry Conditions: You must meet the requirements set out in Vietnam’s Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners.
- Special Documentation: If you are from Poland, the Czech Republic, or Switzerland and traveling under the tourism program, you need a confirmation letter (Form 2) from your Vietnamese tour company. You can find the official form and more details on the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website.
When you arrive in Vietnam, immigration officers will stamp your passport to show your visa exemption.
Major Policy Changes and Their Impact
Extension of 12-Country Visa Exemption
On March 7, 2025, Vietnam extended visa exemptions for citizens of 12 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland) for three more years, until March 14, 2028. This extension brought several important changes:
- Longer Stay: The maximum stay increased from 15 days to 45 days.
- No Purpose Restriction: The exemption now applies no matter why you are visiting (tourism, business, family, etc.).
- Possible Future Extension: The government may extend this policy again after March 2028.
These changes make it much easier for people from these countries to plan longer trips to Vietnam, whether for vacation, work, or visiting family.
2025 Tourism Stimulus Program
Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP, issued on January 15, 2025, introduced a special visa exemption for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. This is part of Vietnam’s effort to attract more tourists from Europe.
- 45-Day Stay: Travelers can stay up to 45 days without a visa.
- Tourism Only: This exemption is only for people joining tours organized by Vietnamese international travel companies.
- Confirmation Required: You must have a confirmation letter (Form 2) from your tour company.
- Limited Time: The program runs from March 1 to December 31, 2025.
More information about this program is available at 2025.vietnam.travel.
E-Visa Program: An Option for All Nationalities
If you are not from one of the visa-exempt countries, Vietnam’s e-visa program is now open to citizens of all countries. The e-visa system has also been improved in 2025:
- Stay Up to 90 Days: The maximum stay for e-visa holders has increased from 30 to 90 days.
- Multiple Entries: You can enter and leave Vietnam as many times as you want during the e-visa period.
- Easy Application: Apply online at Vietnam’s official e-visa portal or thithucdientu.gov.vn.
- Fees: $25 USD for a single-entry e-visa, $50 USD for a multiple-entry e-visa. Payment is made by bank transfer.
This expanded e-visa program means that almost anyone can visit Vietnam for up to three months without needing to visit an embassy or consulate.
Practical Benefits for Travelers
The new Vietnam Visa Exemption rules and the expanded e-visa program offer several practical benefits:
- Longer Visits: Many travelers can now stay up to 45 days or even 90 days, compared to the old 15-day limit.
- No Re-Entry Wait: The old rule that required a 30-day gap between visa-exempt visits has been removed. You can now leave and re-enter Vietnam right away.
- Faster Entry: Visa-exempt travelers can use Vietnam’s Fast-track service at the airport, making arrival smoother.
- Easy Extensions: If you want to stay longer than your exemption allows, you can apply for an e-visa online.
These changes make Vietnam a more attractive destination for tourists, business travelers, and people visiting family or friends.
What Travelers Need to Prepare
Before you travel to Vietnam under the visa exemption or e-visa program, make sure you:
- Check Your Passport: It must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned entry date and have at least 2 blank pages.
- Know Your Exemption Period: Be clear about how long you can stay without a visa, based on your nationality.
- Get Required Documents: If you are joining a tour under the special program (Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland), make sure you have the confirmation letter (Form 2).
- Plan for Extensions: If you want to stay longer, apply for an e-visa before your exemption period ends.
For official information and updates, always check the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website.
Background: Why Vietnam Changed Its Visa Policies
Vietnam’s new visa policies are a response to several factors:
- Tourism Recovery: After global travel disruptions, Vietnam wants to attract more visitors to help its tourism industry recover.
- Economic Growth: By making it easier for investors, experts, and business people to visit, Vietnam hopes to boost its economy.
- International Relations: Expanding visa exemptions helps strengthen ties with other countries, especially in Europe and Asia.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes put Vietnam in line with other Southeast Asian countries that have also relaxed visa rules to attract more tourists and business travelers.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Tourists
- Easier Planning: Longer visa-free stays mean tourists can plan extended trips, explore more regions, and enjoy Vietnam’s culture and nature.
- Lower Costs: No visa fees for exempt countries reduce travel costs.
- More Flexibility: The removal of re-entry restrictions allows for multi-country trips in the region.
For Business Travelers
- Simpler Entry: Business people from exempt countries can attend meetings, conferences, or explore investment opportunities without visa hassles.
- Longer Stays: The 45-day and 90-day exemptions make it easier to handle longer projects or negotiations.
For Vietnamese Tour Companies
- New Opportunities: The special tourism program for Poland, Czech Republic, and Switzerland encourages partnerships with European travel agencies.
- More Bookings: Easier entry means more tourists and higher demand for tours and services.
For the Vietnamese Government
- Boosted Tourism Revenue: More visitors mean more spending on hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
- Improved Global Image: Friendly visa policies show that Vietnam is open and welcoming to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I extend my visa exemption while in Vietnam?
A: No, you cannot extend your visa exemption period. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an e-visa or another type of visa before your exemption ends.
Q: What happens if I overstay my exemption period?
A: Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or being banned from re-entering Vietnam. Always make sure to leave or apply for a new visa before your exemption expires.
Q: Do these rules apply to all types of passports?
A: The exemptions listed above are for regular (ordinary) passports. Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
Q: Where can I find the latest forms and official updates?
A: Visit the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official website for forms, updates, and contact information.
Official Contacts and Resources
If you have questions or need help with your visa, you can contact:
- Vietnam Immigration Department: evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.gov.vn
- Vietnamese Embassies: For example, the Embassy of Vietnam in Chile can be reached at [email protected] or WhatsApp +56 9 9815 6004.
Conclusion: Vietnam’s Open Door in 2025
Vietnam’s visa exemption policies for 2025 mark a big step forward in making the country more accessible to the world. With 29 countries now enjoying visa-free entry for periods ranging from 14 to 90 days, and a much-improved e-visa system for everyone else, Vietnam is ready to welcome more visitors than ever before. Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or part of a special tour program, these changes make it easier, cheaper, and more flexible to experience all that Vietnam has to offer.
Before you travel, always check the latest rules and prepare your documents. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official Vietnam Immigration Department website. This will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip under the new Vietnam Visa Exemption policies and the expanded e-visa program.
Learn Today
Visa Exemption → Permission to enter and stay without a visa for a specified period under government rules.
E-visa → An electronic visa allowing travelers to apply online without visiting embassies or consulates.
Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP → A Vietnamese government decision extending visa exemptions for 12 countries until March 14, 2028.
Tourism Stimulus Program → A special initiative to attract tourists with visa exemptions and travel incentives in 2025.
Passport Validity → The required minimum duration a passport must remain valid beyond the entry date, typically six months.
This Article in a Nutshell
Vietnam expanded visa exemptions in 2025, allowing citizens of 29 countries longer stays and easier entry. Special programs and an improved e-visa system make Vietnam more accessible for tourists, business travelers, and experts. These changes aim to boost tourism and economic growth while simplifying travel requirements effectively and efficiently.
— By VisaVerge.com
