This is part of a tourism stimulus programme in 2025 and among the ministry’s efforts to lure more international visitors, particularly those from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
It is also meant to realise the Government’s resolution on waiving visa requirements for citizens of these European countries from March 1 to December 31, 2025, among other policies to boost tourism growth.
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland will be granted visa-free entry for a stay of up to 45 days for tourism purposes.
The programme applies to those traveling under itineraries organised by Vietnamese international tour operators, regardless of passport types, provided that they meet Vietnam’s legal entry requirements.
This visa waiver policy takes effect from the first day of March to the last day of December 2025.
International tour operators must register with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to be eligible to organise tours for citizens of these three countries.
The policy is expected to enhance the quality of service for tourists and increase the attraction of international visitors to Vietnam this year.
To fully tap the policy, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will host activities and programmes to introduce Vietnamese tourist destinations in the three European countries.
The Vietnam Culture and Tourism Week in Poland and the Czech Republic will also be held this year to commemorate 75th anniversary of Vietnam – Poland and Vietnam – Czech diplomatic relations.
Vietnam also unilaterally exempts citizens from 13 countries from visa requirements for a duration of stay of up to 45 days from the date of entry, namely Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus.
These countries are among the largest tourist source markets of Vietnam.
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| International friends enjoy wrapping Chung cakes. (Photo: VNA) |
In 2024, Vietnam welcomed around 17.5 million foreign tourists and catered to 110 million domestic visitors, raking in 840 trillion VND (33.6 billion USD) in revenue.
The country targets to attract 22-23 million international tourists and serve 120-130 million domestic travellers this year, surpassing the pre-COVID-19 pandemic figure.
In an effort to promote Vietnam’s tourism to the world and achieve the goal, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has rolled out the tourism stimulus programme 2025 with the theme ‘Vietnam – Travel to Love’.
The programme will feature vibrant promotions with up to 50% discounts on accommodation, transport, dining, and entertainment nationwide.
Iconic sites and scenic spots are slashing fees, making Vietnam a budget-friendly gem. Airlines are also involved by adding direct routes and extra flights to connect Vietnam to the world.
The ‘Vietnam – Travel to Love’ programme will feature vibrant promotions with up to 50% discounts on accommodation, transport, dining, and entertainment nationwide.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism plans to launch a dedicated tourism promotion platform, enabling firms to easily access up-to-date information and promotional programmes. Social media and digital platforms will be fully tapped to showcase Vietnam’s allure to the world.
Myriad events will be held to mark the country’s significant celebrations in 2025, including the 80th founding anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, and National Reunification Day.
Alongside these are various international forums and conferences hosted by Vietnam this year, as well as cultural, sports, tourism events that are designed to diversify visitors’ experience.
Localities, associations, and businesses will join hands to develop tourism packages linking cultural heritage, local culinary with tourism activities while promoting different types of tourism, such as golf tourism, eco-tourism, health tourism, and agricultural, and rural tourism.
