Vietnam expands visa exemption to three more European countries

Mar 25, 2025 108 Views

On January 15, the Vietnamese government issued Resolution No. 11, granting visa exemptions to Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic citizens as part of the 2025 Tourism Development Stimulus Program.

According to the resolution, citizens from these three countries will be allowed to enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days, regardless of passport type, provided they enter for tourism purposes.

This policy applies to travelers who join tours organized by Vietnamese international travel service enterprises. Entry must comply with Vietnam’s legal regulations on immigration.
The visa exemption program for these nations will take effect from March 1 and remain in place until December 31, aligning with Vietnam's efforts to boost tourism in 2025.

Currently, Vietnam grants visa exemptions to citizens of 25 countries, including 13 under a unilateral exemption policy. Since mid-August 2023, Vietnam has expanded its e-visa program to all nationalities and territories, extending the duration of stay from 30 to 90 days with multiple entries. Additionally, the stay period for citizens of the 13 countries under the unilateral exemption has been increased to 45 days.

These visa policy changes have significantly enhanced travel convenience, attracting more international visitors to Vietnam.
According to the General Statistics Office, international arrivals to Vietnam in 2024 reached over 17.5 million, marking a 40% increase compared to 2023 and reaching 98% of pre-COVID-19 levels (2019).

South Korea was the largest source market in 2024, with over 4.5 million visitors, accounting for 25.98% of total arrivals. China ranked second with 3.7 million visitors, making up 21.26%. Other top 10 markets included Taiwan (China), Japan, India, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Notably, China recorded the highest growth rate in 2024, with visitor numbers reaching 214% of the 2023 figure. Other markets with strong growth included Russia, Italy, Sweden, and France—all of which are among the countries benefiting from Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption policy.

Important Notes for Entry into Vietnam

Although citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland are exempt from visas, they must still comply with Vietnam’s immigration regulations. Passports must be valid for at least six months, travelers must not be on the entry ban list, and the purpose of entry must align with the visa exemption policy—specifically for tourism.

Additionally, while not mandatory, travelers are encouraged to have travel insurance to cover unforeseen risks. Certain regulations on temporary residence declarations and accommodation reporting should also be observed to avoid legal violations in Vietnam.

The visa exemption for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, effective from March 1, 2025, is a significant decision that not only promotes tourism but also fosters economic and cultural cooperation between Vietnam and European countries. This is a strategic move in Vietnam’s international integration efforts, creating favorable conditions for tourists and the tourism industry.

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