The Government has just issued Resolution 229, granting a 45-day visa waiver for citizens of 12 European countries, namely Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. The policy is in effect from August 15, 2025, to August 14, 2028, raising the total number of countries unilaterally exempted from visas by Vietnam to 24.

Earlier, under Resolution 44, citizens of 12 other countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, were already granted visa-free entry. With this expansion, Vietnam now covers nearly all major tourism markets in Europe and Northeast Asia – the regions that contribute large numbers of international visitors with high spending capacity.

At the same time, the Government has issued Decree 221, allowing visa exemptions of up to five years for certain special groups serving socio-economic development needs.

A strategic move to boost competitiveness

Expanding visa waivers is seen as a “golden lever” that strengthens Vietnam’s competitiveness compared to other Asian destinations. The new policy not only encourages Western and Eastern European tourists who typically favour long holidays but also stimulates higher spending on premium services.

According to travel booking platform Agoda, in June Vietnam ranked among the top 5 most searched Asian destinations by European travellers for summer 2025, behind Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. Notably, alongside traditional markets such as France, Germany, Russia, and the UK, emerging markets like Hungary, Poland, and Turkey recorded a surge in search volumes.

Statistics from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism show in the first seven months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed over 12.2 million international visitors, representing a year-on-year rise of up 22.5%. European arrivals alone reached 1.5 million, a surge of 131.8%, far outpacing the overall growth rate. Russia, the UK, France, and Germany all posted triple-digit increases of 256.6%, 122.2%, 123.1% and 117.1% respectively.

European tourists generally stay between 8–12 days, prefer 4–5 star services, and are drawn to destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang. Travelers from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, in particular, are known for their willingness to spend on luxury resorts while also opening doors for trade and investment cooperation.

Ready for year-end peak season

This summer, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism carried out a large-scale promotional campaign across France, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland, generating positive momentum. The delegation comprised representatives from various tourism management agencies, artisans and artists, as well as businesses in hospitality, travel, aviation, and localities.

The programme indicates that the Tourism Authority is stepping up its promotion campaign in Europe to attract more visitors, a segment that remains modest in numbers but holds great potential for Vietnam. In addition to traditional markets such as France, the UK, Germany, and Russia, Vietnam is also opening up to emerging markets in Eastern Europe like the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary, which show significant promise thanks to the large Vietnamese communities there and the growing demand for travel experiences in Asia.

The recent visa exemption for 12 European countries will help reduce entry barriers, making it easier for tourists to plan their trips during the peak travel months at the end of this year and the beginning of next year. This period coincides with the winter season in Europe, when demand to escape the cold and seek warm destinations with golden sunshine and blue seas, such as Vietnam, is particularly high. With this visa boost and synchronised promotional efforts, Vietnam’s tourism industry is well-positioned for a strong breakthrough by the end of 2025, especially from the European market.

Vietnam grants 45-day visa waivers to citizens from 12 countries

Citizens from 12 countries will be granted visa-free entry for stays of up to 45 days in Vietnam for tourism purposes, regardless of their passport types.