Vietnam’s passport has made a remarkable leap in global standing, now ranked 84th in the world as of July 27, 2025, according to The Henley Passport Index. This seven-place jump since early 2025, and a notable improvement from 87th in 2024, signals growing international trust in Vietnam’s foreign policy and administrative reforms. The change means Vietnamese citizens now enjoy easier travel, with visa-free or simplified entry to 51 countries and territories—a record high for the country.
The Henley Passport Index, which tracks global passport power using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlights Vietnam’s progress as one of the most significant among developing nations. This improvement reflects not only better diplomatic relationships but also Vietnam’s efforts to modernize its visa policies and open its doors to the world.
Expanded Travel Freedom: 51 Countries Now Open to Vietnamese Passport Holders
Vietnamese citizens can now travel to 51 countries and territories without needing a traditional visa. This includes visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival (VOA), and electronic travel authorization (ETA) options. These changes put Vietnam on par with several other developing countries in terms of travel freedom, making it easier for Vietnamese travelers to visit new places for tourism, business, or family reasons.
Some of the key regions and countries where Vietnamese passport holders can enter without a traditional visa include:
- ASEAN countries: Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste
- Asia: Taiwan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal
- Africa: Kenya, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Mauritania
- Americas: Panama, Chile, Bolivia, Suriname
- Oceania: Cook Islands, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tuvalu, Niue, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia
Other countries, such as Brunei, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, also offer visa-on-arrival or eTA options for Vietnamese travelers. This expanded list means less paperwork, lower costs, and more spontaneous travel opportunities for Vietnamese citizens.
Recent Visa Policy Reforms: Making Travel Easier for All
Vietnam’s government has introduced several important visa policy reforms in 2025 to boost tourism, attract investment, and encourage international cooperation. These changes not only benefit Vietnamese travelers but also make it easier for foreigners to visit Vietnam.
Visa Waivers Extended for 12 Countries
Under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, issued on March 7, 2025, Vietnam extended visa exemptions for nationals of 12 countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Citizens of these countries can now stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa, regardless of the type of passport they hold or the reason for their visit. This extension is valid until March 14, 2028, making it easier for tourists, businesspeople, and families to visit Vietnam.
Mutual Visa Exemption with Belarus
Starting January 30, 2025, Vietnam and Belarus have agreed to allow each other’s citizens to enter visa-free for up to 30 days with ordinary passports. This mutual agreement strengthens ties between the two countries and encourages more travel and business exchanges.
E-Visa Expansion: Easier Access for All Nationalities
Since August 2023, Vietnam’s e-visa system has been open to citizens of all countries. The validity of the e-visa has also been extended from 30 to 90 days, and travelers can now choose between single or multiple entries. This means that visitors can stay longer and travel in and out of Vietnam more easily. Applications are processed online through official government portals, making the process faster and more convenient. For more information or to apply, travelers can visit the official Vietnam e-visa portal.
Tourism Stimulus Program: Special Visa Exemptions
Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP, issued on January 15, 2025, grants visa exemptions to citizens of Poland, Czech Republic, and Switzerland as part of a tourism stimulus program for 2025. This move is designed to attract more visitors from these countries and boost Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Visa-Free Entry for Tour Groups
From March 1 to December 31, 2025, citizens from Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Poland can enter Vietnam visa-free for 45 days if they are part of itineraries organized by international tour operators. This policy encourages group travel and supports the tourism sector.
No Gap Between Visa-Free Entries
Previously, travelers from visa-exempt countries had to wait before re-entering Vietnam on another visa-free stay. Now, this restriction has been removed, allowing immediate re-entry. This change is especially helpful for frequent travelers and businesspeople who need to move in and out of Vietnam often.
Additional Ports of Entry
Vietnam has added nine more entry and exit points to make it easier for travelers using visa-free and e-visa options. This expansion helps reduce congestion at major airports and land borders, making travel smoother for everyone.
Golden Visa Proposal: Attracting Long-Term Talent and Investment
Vietnam is finalizing a “golden visa” program that will offer long-term residence permits valid for 5 to 10 years. This program targets investors, researchers, athletes, and high-value residents, aiming to attract skilled professionals and significant investment. The golden visa is expected to make Vietnam more competitive with other countries in the region that already offer similar programs.
Practical Implications for Vietnamese Citizens and Foreign Visitors
The recent changes in Vietnam’s visa policies have several practical benefits for both Vietnamese citizens and foreigners:
- Greater Global Mobility: Vietnamese passport holders can now travel to more countries with fewer restrictions, making it easier to explore, study, or do business abroad.
- Simplified Travel Planning: Visa-free access to 51 countries means less paperwork, lower costs, and more flexibility for travelers.
- Easier Visits to Vietnam: The expanded e-visa system and longer validity periods make it simpler for foreigners to visit Vietnam for tourism, business, or family reasons.
- Attracting Investment and Talent: The golden visa and long-stay visa reforms are designed to bring in foreign investment and skilled professionals, supporting Vietnam’s economic growth.
- Stronger International Ties: Visa exemption extensions and mutual agreements help build closer relationships with key countries, encouraging more tourism and business exchanges.
Official Resources and Contacts for Travelers
Travelers seeking more information or wishing to apply for an e-visa can use the following official resources:
For visa inquiries, travelers can also contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Chile as an example:
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: +56 9 9815 6004
Background: Vietnam’s Steady Rise in Passport Power
Vietnam’s passport ranking has improved steadily over the past decade, reflecting the country’s growing diplomatic ties and economic integration. The Henley Passport Index, which has tracked Vietnam’s passport access for nearly 20 years, shows that the recent jump to 84th place is one of the most significant improvements for the country. This rise signals increased trust and cooperation with other nations and highlights Vietnam’s commitment to making travel easier for its citizens.
Expert Analysis: Why Vietnam’s Passport Power Is Growing
Experts say that Vietnam’s rise in the Henley Passport Index is due to several factors:
- Strategic Foreign Policy: Vietnam has worked hard to build strong relationships with other countries, both in the region and around the world.
- Administrative Transparency: Improvements in government processes and transparency have made it easier for other countries to trust Vietnam’s travel documents.
- Active Participation in Global Organizations: Vietnam’s involvement in regional and international groups has helped boost its reputation and influence.
VisaVerge.com reports that these reforms are a key driver for tourism growth, with Vietnam welcoming over 10.6 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2025—a 20.7% increase compared to the previous year. Most of these visitors came from China and South Korea, showing the impact of visa policy changes on tourism.
Golden Visa Program: A New Chapter for Vietnam
The proposed golden visa program is expected to make Vietnam more attractive to long-term investors and expatriates. Similar programs in other Southeast Asian countries have successfully drawn in foreign capital and skilled workers. By offering long-term residence permits, Vietnam hopes to compete with its neighbors and support its economic development goals.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Vietnam’s Passport and Visa Policies?
Looking ahead, Vietnam is expected to expand its visa exemption list beyond the current 29 countries. This will further increase travel freedom for Vietnamese citizens and make it easier for foreigners to visit. The golden visa and long-stay visa reforms are likely to be officially implemented within 2025, with detailed regulations to be announced soon.
Continued improvements in passport ranking and visa policies are expected as Vietnam deepens its international integration and focuses on economic growth. These changes will help Vietnamese citizens connect with the world and bring more visitors, investment, and talent to Vietnam.
Case Study: How the New Policies Affect Real Travelers
Consider the experience of a Vietnamese businesswoman who frequently travels to Southeast Asia for meetings. With visa-free access to all ASEAN countries, she can now plan trips on short notice, saving time and money on visa applications. Similarly, a family from France can visit relatives in Vietnam for up to 45 days without worrying about visa paperwork, thanks to the extended visa waiver.
For foreign visitors, the expanded e-visa system means a tourist from Canada 🇨🇦 can apply online for a 90-day visa, making it easier to explore Vietnam’s diverse regions. Investors and skilled professionals looking to settle in Vietnam will soon benefit from the golden visa program, offering long-term stability and new opportunities.
Tips for Vietnamese Travelers and Foreign Visitors
- Check the Latest Visa Requirements: Before traveling, always check the official government websites or contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy for the most up-to-date information.
- Use the E-Visa System: For most short-term visits, the e-visa system is the fastest and easiest way to get permission to enter Vietnam.
- Plan for Longer Stays: If you are an investor, researcher, or skilled professional, keep an eye on updates about the golden visa program, which will offer longer-term residence options.
- Take Advantage of Visa-Free Travel: Vietnamese passport holders should explore the 51 countries now open for visa-free or simplified entry, making travel more affordable and convenient.
Conclusion: Vietnam’s Passport Power Is on the Rise
Vietnam’s steady climb in the Henley Passport Index and its expanding list of visa-free destinations mark a new era for Vietnamese travelers. The government’s ongoing visa reforms, including the golden visa proposal and expanded e-visa system, are opening doors for both citizens and visitors. These changes support tourism, business, and international cooperation, helping Vietnam connect more closely with the world.
As Vietnam continues to improve its global standing, travelers and investors can expect even greater opportunities in the years ahead. For the latest updates and official information, always refer to trusted government sources and stay informed about new policies that may affect your travel plans.
Learn Today
Henley Passport Index → A ranking measuring passport power based on visa-free or simplified access to countries worldwide.
Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) → Permission to obtain a visa upon entering a foreign country, not before travel.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) → An online pre-approval required for entry instead of a traditional visa.
Golden Visa → A long-term residence permit program targeting investors and skilled professionals.
E-Visa → A digital visa applied for and issued electronically, streamlining entry processing.
This Article in a Nutshell
Vietnam’s passport jumped to 84th globally in 2025, granting visa-free travel to 51 countries. Visa reforms and a new golden visa boost tourism, business, and investment, simplifying travel and attracting global engagement for Vietnamese citizens and visitors alike.
— By VisaVerge.com
