Starting August 15, Vietnam will grant 45-day visa-free entry to citizens of 12 additional countries for tourism purposes, according to a resolution issued by the Vietnamese government on Monday.

The newly eligible countries include Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland, the Vietnam Government Portal reported.

Citizens from these nations can enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for up to 45 days from their date of arrival, regardless of passport type, as long as they meet the country’s legal entry requirements. This new policy will remain in effect until August 14, 2028.

Earlier in March, the government had already extended unilateral visa exemptions to citizens of 12 other countries. With this latest move, Vietnam now offers visa-free entry to 24 countries in total.

Special Visa-Free Entry for High-Profile Guests and Experts

Also taking effect on August 15 is a new limited-term visa waiver scheme for certain foreign nationals whose presence is considered beneficial to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

Eligible visitors under this special category include:

• Distinguished guests invited by top national leaders, such as the Party General Secretary, State President, Prime Minister, and other senior officials.

• Scholars, scientists, university professors, chief engineers, and leading experts in digital technology.

• Investors and executives from the world’s 100 largest corporations.

• Influential cultural, artistic, sports, and tourism figures.

• Vietnam’s honorary consuls abroad.

• Guests of approved research institutes, universities, and major enterprises.

The policy also allows the Minister of Public Security to grant visa-free entry to other individuals serving diplomatic or socio-economic purposes.

Boost to Tourism

The visa expansion is expected to further stimulate Vietnam’s tourism industry, particularly in the high-end travel segment.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the country welcomed 12.2 million international arrivals between January and July this year—a 22% increase compared to the same period in 2024, reported VnExpress.