Introduction: A New Era for Vietnamese Tourism
Vietnam is rolling out the red carpet for international travelers with a game-changing new visa policy. Effective from August 15, 2025, the government has extended the visa-free stay period to a generous 45 days for citizens of 12 more countries. This landmark decision, announced in Government’s Resolution No. 229, is a significant boost for the tourism industry and a fantastic opportunity for you to explore the country at a more leisurely pace.
This new policy not only simplifies travel arrangements but also opens the door for a more immersive and in-depth experience, allowing you to journey from the majestic mountains of the North to the vibrant deltas of the South without the worry of visa applications.
The New 45-Day Visa Waiver: What You Need to Know
As part of its tourism stimulus efforts, the Vietnamese government has enacted Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP on August 8, 2025, granting a 45-day visa-free stay to citizens of 12 European countries, regardless of passport type. This expansion raises the total number of countries eligible for Vietnam’s visa waivers to 39.
The 12 new countries now eligible for a 45-day visa-free stay are:
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- The Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Luxembourg
- The Netherlands
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
This means citizens of these countries can now enjoy a longer, more flexible holiday in Vietnam, giving them the freedom to explore multiple cities and provinces without the pressure of a short timeline.
Important note: Before this Resolution, citizens of Czech Republic, Switzerland and Poland are exempted from 45-day Vietnam visa if they book a tour operated by a licensed Vietnamese tour operator. With this move, this tour booking condition is no longer required for those travelers.
Comprehensive List of Vietnam Visa Exemptions
To help you plan your trip, here is a complete and updated list of countries with Vietnam visa exemptions, categorized by the duration of stay.
45-Day Visa-Free Stay
- Russia, Japan, South Korea, Belarus, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, The United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.
30-Day Visa-Free Stay
- Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines (as part of a special program).
21-Day Visa-Free Stay
- Philippines
14-Day Visa-Free Stay
- Brunei, Myanmar
Special Case: Phu Quoc Island
- All international tourists, regardless of nationality, are eligible for a visa exemption for up to 30 days when visiting Phu Quoc Island. This is the ONLY destination in Vietnam offering this special exemption.
Important Notes: Understanding the Policy’s Rules
This new policy is a fantastic development, but it’s crucial to understand the rules to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip.
- Purpose of Visit: The 45-day visa waiver is strictly for tourism purposes. Any misuse of the visa waiver for non-tourism activities, such as working or conducting business without proper documentation, is a serious offense.
- Penalties for Misuse: As per Vietnamese law, entering the country for a purpose other than tourism under the visa waiver scheme is subject to a heavy fine, which can be as high as 80,000,000 VND.
- Passport Validity: To enter Vietnam under this policy, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Re-Entry Rule: The previous rule mandating a 30-day gap between two visa-exempt entries has been removed. Travelers can now exit and re-enter Vietnam immediately without waiting, giving you even more flexibility.
Asian Rainbow Travel: Your Partner for a Longer, Deeper Journey
Vietnam’s expansion of its visa-exemption program makes it easier than ever for travelers from eligible countries to experience the country’s rich culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality without the hassle of a visa application. Whether you’re visiting for a short holiday or planning an extended stay, you now have more options to fit your travel style — from the 45-day visa waiver to the 90-day e-visa, and even visa runs for repeat entries.
With a full 45 days to explore, you can finally plan that dream trip to Vietnam you’ve always wanted. Imagine a journey that takes you from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil rice paddies of Ninh Binh, through the ancient lanterns of Hội An, and all the way to the pristine beaches of Phú Quốc.
At Asian Rainbow Travel, we specialize in crafting custom itineraries that make the most of this extended stay. We handle all the logistics, so you can focus on making memories. Our expert guides will take you to hidden gems, introduce you to local culture, and ensure your 45-day adventure is perfectly tailored to your interests.
Ready to start planning your extended Vietnamese holiday? Contact us today to turn your travel dreams into reality.
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