Vietnam Expands Visa Waivers to Attract High-Quality Tourists and Boost Economic Growth

Vietnam Accelerates Tourism Growth Through Comprehensive Visa Liberalization

Vietnam is positioning itself as Southeast Asia’s most accessible destination through an aggressive expansion of visa exemption policies designed to attract high-spending international visitors. Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh announced on January 20, 2026, that the Ministry of Public Security will collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study and propose more open visa policies, specifically targeting unilateral visa exemptions for major and high-potential source markets. This initiative represents a coordinated effort to transform Vietnam into a premier destination for quality tourism while supporting the national goal of welcoming 25 million international visitors in 2026.

The announcement follows a record-breaking year for Vietnamese tourism. In 2025, the country welcomed 21.2 million foreign tourists, marking a 20.4% increase from the previous year and establishing a new historical high. The World Tourism Organization has recognized Vietnam among the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, validating the government’s strategy to position tourism as a spearhead economic sector. As the nation prepares for the 14th National Party Congress and the implementation of the 2026-2030 five-year socio-economic development plan, tourism authorities view visa facilitation as a critical tool for economic resilience amid global volatility.

The visa liberalization strategy extends beyond simple border opening. Officials focus on attracting high-quality visitors, those who stay longer, spend more, and contribute to sustainable development. This approach requires synchronized efforts across multiple ministries to remove bottlenecks, upgrade infrastructure, and create legal frameworks that support premium tourism segments including green tourism, wellness retreats, MICE events, and golf tourism.

European Markets Gain Expanded Access with 45-Day Exemptions

The most concrete manifestation of Vietnam’s open-door policy arrived on August 15, 2025, when citizens from 12 additional European countries became eligible for 45-day visa-free entry. Under Resolution 229/NQ-CP and Decree 221/2025/ND-CP, travelers from Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland can now explore Vietnam without visa formalities through August 14, 2028.

This expansion complements earlier exemptions granted to another 12 countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, which were extended through March 14, 2028. Together, these policies create a comprehensive visa-free network covering nearly all major European and Northeast Asian markets, regions traditionally associated with high per-capita tourism spending.

The policy eliminates previous restrictions that limited visa-free entry for Polish, Czech, and Swiss citizens only when booking through licensed Vietnamese tour operators. Now, independent travelers from these nations enjoy the same flexibility as other visa-exempt visitors, allowing for spontaneous travel and extended exploration. For those wishing to remain longer than 45 days, Vietnam offers a 90-day e-visa option with single or multiple entries, or the possibility of a visa run to reset the exemption period.

Early data suggests the strategy is working. In the first seven months of 2025, European arrivals surged 131.8% compared to the previous year, with Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany posting triple-digit growth rates. Italian arrivals increased 24.7%, French visitors 19.8%, and British tourists 19.5%. European visitors typically stay between 8 and 12 days, significantly longer than regional tourists, and demonstrate strong preference for four and five-star accommodations in destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang.

Rolling Out the Red Carpet for High-Value Visitors

Beyond standard tourist exemptions, Vietnam has implemented targeted visa privileges for individuals categorized as strategic contributors to economic development. Decree 221/2025/ND-CP establishes special visa exemption cards valid for up to five years with multiple entry privileges for select categories of visitors.

Eligible recipients include high-level official guests invited by Vietnam’s top leadership, distinguished researchers and professors from foreign institutions, top-tier experts in science and technology, major investors and executives of leading global corporations, influential cultural figures, renowned artists and athletes, and Vietnam’s honorary consuls abroad. Additionally, approved invitees from major universities, research institutes, and large enterprises may qualify for preferential entry.

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh has signed detailed implementation plans ensuring these privileges operate within strict legal frameworks while maintaining security standards. The Ministry of Public Security coordinates with other agencies to issue special exemption cards, with the Ministry of Education and Training and Ministry of Finance developing criteria for identifying qualifying institutions and enterprises.

This targeted approach recognizes that modern tourism intersects with business, investment, and cultural exchange. By enabling entry for tech experts, financial specialists, and innovation leaders, Vietnam creates pathways for knowledge transfer and foreign direct investment while simultaneously building its reputation as a hospitable destination for global elites.

Digital Transformation Streamlines Border Crossing

Recognizing that visa policy changes must accompany operational improvements, Vietnamese authorities are accelerating digital transformation initiatives to reduce friction at entry points. The Ministry of Public Security has received specific instructions to enhance electronic visa issuance procedures through advanced information technology applications.

Current e-visa provisions allow citizens from most countries to obtain 90-day visas online for single or multiple entries, eliminating consulate visits and paperwork. The government aims to further simplify these processes while shortening immigration clearance times at airports, seaports, and land borders. These improvements target the creation of maximum convenience for travelers, addressing common complaints about bureaucratic delays that previously tarnished Vietnam’s tourism reputation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a complementary role in intensifying information dissemination about Vietnam’s visa policies to international partners. This diplomatic outreach ensures that travel agencies, airlines, and potential visitors understand the full scope of available options, from the 45-day exemptions to extended e-visa possibilities. Clear communication prevents confusion at borders and builds confidence among travelers considering Vietnam for extended holidays or business trips.

Economic Impact Extends Beyond Tourism Receipts

The visa waiver expansions are generating measurable economic effects that ripple through multiple sectors. According to the Vietnam Association of Realtors, the tourism recovery fueled by international arrivals has significantly revitalized resort real estate markets, particularly in coastal destinations. Four and five-star hotels in Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc now operate at 70-90% capacity, with some properties fully booked during holidays and festivals. Room revenues have increased 20-30% year-over-year.

This demand has stimulated new investment in luxury properties. Developers are launching or resuming high-end resort projects, focusing on beachfront villas, international-standard resorts, and premium condotels designed for long-stay international visitors. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism notes that travelers from emerging European markets such as Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary show particular willingness to invest in luxury accommodations while opening doors for trade and investment cooperation.

Real estate analysts observe that repeat visitors increasingly view Vietnam not merely as a holiday destination but as a potential residence for retirement, remote work, or investment. The visa facilitation policies support this transition from short-term tourism to long-term economic engagement, creating sustainable value beyond immediate hospitality revenues.

Strategic Shift Toward Sustainable High-Value Tourism

Vietnam’s visa strategy reflects a deliberate pivot from volume-based tourism to value-oriented development. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is conducting comprehensive reviews of the 2017 Law on Tourism to remove outdated provisions while formulating strategies for high-end segments including green tourism, wellness tourism, MICE tourism, and golf tourism.

This restructuring addresses changing global travel patterns. Modern international visitors increasingly prioritize environmental sustainability, health and wellness experiences, and professional conference opportunities alongside traditional sightseeing. By targeting markets with high spending power and longer average stays, Vietnam aims to increase per-visitor economic impact while reducing the environmental strain associated with mass tourism.

The Tourism System Master Plan for 2021-2030, with vision extending to 2045, is being updated to align with urban development and administrative restructuring. This long-term planning ensures that tourism growth integrates with infrastructure development, including transportation networks connecting airports, seaports, and expressways directly to national tourism sites. The Ministry of Construction prioritizes these strategic infrastructure investments to ensure seamless connectivity for international travelers.

Coordinated Implementation Across Government Sectors

The visa expansion represents one component of a synchronized government effort involving multiple ministries and local authorities. Deputy Prime Minister Chinh has assigned specific responsibilities to ensure cohesive execution of Resolution No. 08, which aims to develop tourism into a spearhead economic sector.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade integrates tourism promotion into trade programs, international fairs, and exhibitions, leveraging Vietnam’s overseas trade offices to strengthen collaboration between commercial and tourism objectives. Meanwhile, local People’s Committees are establishing tourism development steering committees and adjusting regional planning to attract strategic investors for entertainment complexes and high-end resorts.

Authorities are also strengthening state management capabilities to ensure environmental sanitation, food safety, and civilized service standards. These quality controls complement the visa opening by ensuring that increased visitor numbers do not compromise the visitor experience or environmental integrity.

As Vietnam approaches 2026, the coordinated visa policies position the country to capture growing demand from European travelers seeking winter escapes from cold weather. The timing aligns with peak travel months, offering Vietnam a competitive advantage against other Asian destinations. With streamlined entry procedures, expanded digital services, and targeted outreach to high-value segments, Vietnam is establishing itself as a premier destination for the world’s most discerning travelers.

Key Points

• Vietnam announced expanded unilateral visa waivers on January 20, 2026, targeting high-quality international tourists from major and high-potential markets.
• Citizens from 24 countries now enjoy 45-day visa-free entry, including 12 European nations added on August 15, 2025: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
• Special five-year visa exemption cards are available for experts, investors, researchers, celebrities, and high-level guests under Decree 221/2025/ND-CP.
• Vietnam welcomed a record 21.2 million foreign tourists in 2025, with European arrivals surging 131.8% in the first seven months of that year.
• The government targets 25 million international visitors in 2026, emphasizing high-value segments including wellness, MICE, green tourism, and golf tourism.
• Digital transformation initiatives are streamlining e-visa processes and reducing border clearance times to improve traveler convenience.
• Visa policies are stimulating resort real estate recovery, with luxury hotel occupancy reaching 70-90% in major destinations like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.