Vietnam has opened its doors wider than ever, rolling out new visa policies on August 2, 2025, that make it easier for travelers from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and many other countries to visit. The government’s move aims to boost global tourism and attract more investment, offering visa-free entry and flexible e-visa options that are already drawing millions of visitors.
Visa Exemption for 29 Countries: What Travelers Need to Know
Vietnam now grants visa-free entry for up to 45 days to citizens of 29 countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Russia. This exemption covers all passport types—ordinary, diplomatic, and official—and applies whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or family reasons. The policy, confirmed by Vietnam’s Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, is in effect from March 15, 2025, through March 14, 2028, with the possibility of further extension.
Key points for travelers:
– No mandatory waiting period between visa-free visits. You can leave and re-enter Vietnam right away, making it easy for those who need to make multiple short trips.
– Passport requirements: Your passport must have at least six months of validity left and two blank pages.
– Visa-free stays are capped at 45 days. If you want to stay longer, you must exit and re-enter or apply for a different visa. Extensions are not available under this exemption.
– Visa exemption applies regardless of the purpose of entry, as long as you meet entry conditions like health and security checks.
This policy is a major part of Vietnam’s plan to grow its tourism sector. In the first half of 2025, the country saw a 20.7% increase in foreign arrivals, with over 10.6 million visitors. South Korea and China remain the top sources, but the number of travelers from Europe and other Asian countries is rising fast.
Expanded E-Visa Program: More Options for More People
Since August 2023, Vietnam’s e-visa system has been open to citizens of all countries, not just those eligible for visa exemption. The e-visa now allows stays of up to 90 days—triple the previous limit—and can be used for single or multiple entries during that period. This makes it easier for tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family to plan longer or more flexible trips.
How to apply for a Vietnam e-visa:
– Submit your application online through the official e-visa portal or Vietnam’s electronic visa information site.
– The process is straightforward, and you can check your application status online.
– E-visas are available to all nationalities, making Vietnam one of the most accessible countries in the region for international visitors.
The e-visa program works alongside the visa exemption and traditional visa routes, giving travelers more choices based on their needs and nationality.
Long-Stay and Golden Visa Reforms: Attracting Talent and Investment
Vietnam is also working on new long-stay visa options to attract investors, skilled workers, and professionals. The government plans to introduce a five-year visa waiver for investors, researchers, and athletes, as well as a “golden visa” valid for up to 10 years for high-value residents. These reforms are expected to be finalized and launched within 2025.
What these reforms mean:
– Investors and skilled workers will have more stability and can commit to long-term projects in Vietnam.
– The golden visa targets high-net-worth individuals and professionals, aiming to bring in talent and capital to support Vietnam’s economic growth.
– These changes are part of a broader strategy to make Vietnam a regional hub for business, innovation, and skilled migration.
Practical Details and Implications for Travelers
Vietnam’s new visa policies come with several practical benefits and changes:
- Nine new ports of entry have been added, making it easier to enter and exit the country from more locations.
- Visa exemption applies to all passport types, so diplomats and officials also benefit.
- The policies support not just tourism, but also business, cultural exchange, and family visits.
- Travel agencies and tour operators are seeing more demand, especially for organized tours from countries like the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Poland, which also enjoy 45-day visa-free stays in 2025.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are leading the rollout of these policies, working closely with travel industry partners to ensure smooth implementation.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives: What People Are Saying
Tourism experts say Vietnam’s visa liberalization is a smart move to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and compete with other destinations in Asia. “Vietnam’s open visa policies are a game-changer for global tourism,” says a leading tourism analyst. “They make it much easier for travelers to choose Vietnam over other countries in the region.”
Investors and expatriates are also welcoming the proposed long-stay and golden visa options. “A five-year or ten-year visa gives us the confidence to invest in Vietnam’s future,” says a foreign business owner based in Ho Chi Minh City.
However, some experts caution that Vietnam needs to keep improving its infrastructure and immigration systems to handle the expected rise in visitors. “The challenge will be making sure airports, hotels, and immigration checkpoints can keep up with the growth,” notes a travel industry consultant.
Visa Policies and Global Tourism: The Bigger Picture
Vietnam’s new visa policies are not just about making travel easier—they are part of a larger plan to boost the country’s role in global tourism and the world economy. By offering visa-free entry and flexible e-visa options, Vietnam is positioning itself as a top destination for both leisure and business travelers.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are expected to help Vietnam reach its goal of 30 million international arrivals by the end of 2025. The government is also looking to attract high-value residents and skilled workers to support its economic development.
Background: How Vietnam’s Visa Policy Has Changed
Vietnam’s approach to visas has changed a lot in recent years. In the past, only a few countries enjoyed visa-free access, and most visitors had to apply for short-term visas. Since 2023, the government has taken big steps to open up, including:
– Extending visa-free stays from 15 to 45 days for many countries
– Allowing e-visa access for all nationalities
– Planning long-term visa options for investors and skilled workers
These changes reflect Vietnam’s growing confidence as a global player and its desire to welcome more visitors, talent, and investment.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Vietnam’s Visa Policies?
Looking ahead, Vietnam is expected to:
– Finalize and launch the golden visa program within 2025, making it even more attractive for high-value residents.
– Add more countries to the visa exemption list, expanding access for travelers from around the world.
– Further digitalize and simplify visa procedures, making the process even faster and more user-friendly.
The government’s goal is to keep tourism growing and attract the people and investment needed to support Vietnam’s future.
How to Get Official Information and Apply
For the latest updates and to apply for a visa, travelers should use official resources:
– Vietnam e-visa portal for online applications
– Vietnam National Authority of Tourism for travel information and updates
– Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam for policy details and embassy contacts
Travelers can also contact Vietnamese embassies or consulates in their home countries for help with visa questions.
Practical Tips for Travelers and Businesses
- Check your passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least six months and has two blank pages before you travel.
- Plan your stay: Remember that visa-free stays are limited to 45 days. If you need more time, look into e-visa or long-stay options.
- Use official websites: Always apply for visas through official government portals to avoid scams.
- Stay updated: Visa policies can change, so check for the latest information before booking your trip.
Conclusion: Vietnam’s Open Door to the World
Vietnam’s new visa policies mark a turning point for the country’s role in global tourism and investment. By welcoming visitors from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and many more countries with open and flexible visa rules, Vietnam is making it easier than ever to explore its rich culture, do business, or start a new life. As the government continues to expand and improve these policies, Vietnam is set to become a leading destination for travelers and investors from around the world.
For more details on Vietnam’s visa policies and how they support global tourism, visit the official e-visa portal.
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