Since the beginning of the year, the Vietnamese government has issued two resolutions granting visa exemptions to citizens of 15 countries. The latest, Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, issued on March 7, 2025, grants 45-day visa-free entry to passport holders from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, regardless of passport type or travel purpose, provided they meet Vietnam’s entry requirements.
This policy will be in effect from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2028, with a possibility to extend based on Vietnam’s legal framework.
Previously, Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP, issued on January 15, 2025, introduced a temporary visa waiver under the 2025 Tourism Promotion Programme for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Visitors from these countries are also granted 45-day visa-free stays, but only when travelling for tourism purposes under tour packages arranged by licensed Vietnamese travel agencies.
This temporary visa policy will be effective from March 1 to December 31, 2025, as part of Vietnam’s broader efforts to stimulate tourism demand.
Experts believe that Vietnam’s expanded visa exemption policy will serve as a major catalyst for attracting international visitors while creating new opportunities for business partnerships and foreign investment. This, in turn, will position Vietnam as a key destination for high-spending travellers.
According to Nguyen Phi Hong Nguyen, Sales Director of Vietpromotion Travel & Services Co., Ltd. and Vice President of the Khanh Hoa Travel Association, the visa-free policy has made travel to Vietnam—particularly to Khanh Hoa Province—easier and more accessible for international tourists.
"For travel businesses like ours, we have high expectations that this visa exemption policy will enable us to tap into new potential markets while fostering trade and investment opportunities for Vietnam’s tourism sector. It will also contribute to job creation and workforce development at the local level," Nguyen emphasised.
According to statistics from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Vietnam welcomed nearly four million international visitors in the first two months of 2025, reflecting a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The European market has been a key driver of this growth, with impressive increases recorded in several countries: the UK (up 24.1%), France (up 30.2%), Germany (up 26.7%), Italy (up 31.5%), Spain (up 19.9%), Russia (up 104.3%), Denmark (up 20.9%), Sweden (up 1.8%), and Norway (up 21.4%).
Additionally, Poland and Switzerland have also reported notable growth in visitor numbers, rising by 54.2% and 14.2%, respectively, compared to early 2024.
This surge in international arrivals can be largely attributed to the government’s relaxed visa policies, aggressive tourism promotion campaigns and an increasingly diverse range of tourism products and services tailored to global traveller preferences. These factors are expected to further drive Vietnam’s international tourism growth in the coming months.
Despite the new visa exemptions, experts suggest that Vietnam must strengthen its promotional campaigns to maximise its appeal to high-spending travellers from visa-free markets. Expanding tourism incentive programs and extending their duration will also help accelerate the sector’s growth.
Localities are urged to focus on developing high-end tourism experiences that align with European visitors’ preferences. In addition to leveraging natural and cultural resources, Vietnam must enhance its entertainment, shopping, and premium hospitality offerings to improve competitiveness. The tourism sector should also invest in distinctive cultural experiences, transforming cultural tourism into a key industry that can serve as a driving force in attracting visitors.
According to Nguyen Phi Hong Nguyen, Vietnam must prioritise eco-friendly tourism as European travellers are particularly drawn to nature-based and culturally immersive experiences.
"Khanh Hoa, with its warm climate year-round and diverse tourism products connecting key destinations such as Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, and Binh Dinh, is well-positioned to attract international visitors," he noted.
Khanh Hoa's travel agencies offer over 40 tour packages within the province and in partnership with neighbouring regions. These tours emphasise interactive experiences and cultural exploration, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions and regional heritage.
Recognising market trends, Vietnamese travel businesses have also introduced luxury tourism experiences such as golf tourism, cruise travel, wellness retreats, and adventure tourism, catering to high-end travellers seeking exclusive and sophisticated experiences.
Vietnam has set an ambitious target of welcoming 22-23 million international arrivals in 2025. To achieve this, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has launched the 2025 Tourism Promotion Programme under the theme "Vietnam - Travel to Love".
This initiative offers special incentives on pricing and services while expanding visitor experiences to encourage longer stays and higher spending.
In support of the campaign, the VNAT released a promotional video titled "Vietnam - Travel to Love!" in March. The video showcases Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, aiming to inspire international travellers to visit and explore the country.
With progressive visa policies, attractive tourism products, and extensive marketing campaigns, Vietnam's tourism industry is well-positioned for a remarkable breakthrough in 2025, bringing it closer to the goal of welcoming over 22 million international tourists this year.
