45-Day Visa Waiver for 12 Additional Countries

Boosting tourism and facilitating long-term engagement with high-value international professionals

45-Day Visa Waiver for 12 Additional Countries

August 05, 2025

Vietnam has recently enacted two major visa policy enhancements aimed at boosting tourism and facilitating long-term engagement with high-value international professionals.

1. 45-Day Visa Waiver for 12 Additional Countries

Starting August 15, 2025, the Vietnamese government issued Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP, extending visa-free entry to citizens of 12 additional countries. Travelers from Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland can enter Vietnam for tourism purposes, stay for up to 45 days from the date of entry, and do not require a visa or specific passport type—as long as they meet standard entry requirements until August 14, 2028.

This move further expands Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption program, already offering 45-day visa-free access to tourists from major markets like Germany, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

2. Special Visa Exemption Card (SVEC) for Long-Term Visitors

On the same day, Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP introduced a Special Visa Exemption Card (SVEC) scheme. This policy enables multiple-entry visa waivers valid up to five years for select individuals—such as scholars, scientists, technology experts, high-level executives, cultural figures, and diplomatic guests—nominated by authorized agencies. SVEC holders receive temporary residence stamps (typically 90 days per entry) and enjoy streamlined border crossing.

Summary Table

Policy	Eligible Countries or Groups	Duration & Validity
45-Day Visa Waiver	Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland	Up to 45 days per entry; Effective 15 Aug 2025 – 14 Aug 2028
Unilateral waiver (prior)	Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland	Up to 45 days; Effective 15 Mar 2025 – 14 Mar 2028
SVEC (Special Visa Exemption Card)	Distinguished professionals, diplomats, cultural figures, etc., invited by government bodies	Multiple entries, up to 5 years

Why These Changes Matter

For Tourists: This expansion simplifies entry for travelers—removing visa obstacles and encouraging greater arrivals from Europe.
For Long-Term Professionals: The SVEC model presents a flexible, efficient visa option for high-level foreigners contributing to Vietnam’s socio-economic development—especially business leaders, researchers, and cultural influencers.
These policies align with Vietnam’s tourism recovery goals, including reaching 22–23 million international arrivals in 2025.

Vietnam’s recent visa policy enhancements make it easier than ever for both short-term travelers and long-term professionals to visit and collaborate with the country. The 45-day visa-free scheme fosters tourism growth, while the SVEC program sets the groundwork for sustained international cooperation.