Vietnam will grant 45-day visa-free stays to citizens of 12 additional European countries starting August 15, 2025, under a three-year tourism stimulus plan. The move expands the country’s visitor base, offers more flexibility with multi-entry privileges, and aims to boost both tourism revenue and high-value foreign engagement. By targeting travelers who stay longer and spend more, Vietnam strengthens its position as a top Southeast Asian destination while laying the groundwork for broader economic gains.
Key Takeaways
The move is part of a broader tourism stimulus plan, running until August 14, 2028, aimed at making Vietnam one of Southeast Asia’s most visitor-friendly destinations. And with the addition of special multi-entry privileges for certain high-value visitors, the country is positioning itself to draw both holidaymakers and influential contributors to its economy.
Why Vietnam Is Expanding Its Visa-Free Policy in 2025
Vietnam has been climbing the tourism charts for years, thanks to its mix of jaw-dropping landscapes, vibrant cities, and a cuisine that could make even the most loyal pasta or tapas lover stray. But competition in the region is fierce — neighbors like Thailand and Malaysia have long been offering generous visa waivers to European travelers. By extending its visa-free duration and adding more eligible countries, Vietnam aims to give potential visitors one less bureaucratic reason to skip it.
This expansion isn’t just about short-term tourism revenue; it’s also about building repeat travel habits. Longer visa-free stays encourage travelers to explore more regions, spend more money locally, and perhaps even return for business or investment. With European travelers typically staying longer and spending more than other visitor groups, the strategy makes economic sense.
Which 12 European Countries Benefit from the New Rules
Under Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP, the new visa-free policy applies to citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. These nations join Vietnam’s existing list of visa-exempt European countries, significantly broadening the reach of its tourism appeal.
It’s a strategic selection, targeting countries with growing outbound travel markets and solid economic ties to Vietnam. Many of these nations already send travelers to Southeast Asia in large numbers — now, Vietnam has made itself an even easier option.
45-Day Stay: How It Compares to the Old Policy
Previously, visa-free stays for many European visitors were capped at 15 days — barely enough time to adjust to the jet lag, explore a few cities, and sample the full range of street food. The new 45-day allowance is a game-changer. Travelers can now slow down, add beach time after their city tours, or take multi-day trips to remote provinces without rushing to meet an early departure date.
Also Read: Is Vietnam’s New 10-Year Golden Visa Right for You?
The longer stay also makes Vietnam more appealing for remote workers and long-term travelers who want to combine leisure with business. It opens the door to a new market of visitors who would have otherwise opted for destinations with more flexible entry rules.
Multi-Entry Privileges and How They Work
Adding to the appeal is a multi-entry option within the 45-day limit. This means a traveler can enter Vietnam, leave for a side trip to a neighboring country, and then return — all without having to apply for a new visa, as long as the total time in Vietnam doesn’t exceed the 45-day cap.
This flexibility caters especially to travelers exploring multiple countries in one trip. For example, a visitor could fly into Hanoi, spend two weeks in northern Vietnam, hop over to Laos or Cambodia, and then come back to Vietnam for the remaining days of their visa-free period.
When the New Visa-Free Rules Take Effect
Mark your calendars: the changes kick in on August 15, 2025. If you’re planning to travel before that date, the old visa rules still apply, which may mean shorter stays or advance visa applications. After August 15, eligible travelers from the newly added countries will enjoy the full benefits of the expanded policy.
The program runs until August 14, 2028, giving Vietnam three years to measure the policy’s impact on tourism and fine-tune its visa framework for the future.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
The extension is expected to boost arrival numbers significantly, especially during peak travel seasons when European holiday schedules align. Longer stays mean higher spending on hotels, tours, food, and shopping — all of which feed directly into local economies.
Beyond leisure tourism, the accompanying decree on multi-entry waivers for scholars, investors, and cultural influencers is designed to attract individuals who can contribute to Vietnam’s economic and diplomatic objectives. This could lead to new business ventures, cultural collaborations, and even technology partnerships that extend well beyond the travel sector.
Reference: https://visasnews.com/en/vietnam-grants-visa-free-entry-to-12-more-european-countries/
Karan Rawat
Content strategist and Full-time editor of The Immigration World. Karan focuses on simplifying complex immigration rules and scholarship opportunities into clear, practical guidance for global readers. Passionate about making international relocation easier for everyone.
