On August 8, 2025, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP, effective from August 15, 2025, on limited visa term waiver schemes for foreigners entering the country. Under this scheme, visa exemptions will be valid for up to five years with multiple entries. Priority will be given to individuals expected to contribute to Vietnam’s socioeconomic development. Special Visa Exemption Cards (SVECs), in digital or physical forms, will be issued to qualified individuals.
Eligible groups for visa exemption include: (i) foreign investors or executives of major international corporations; (ii) academic researchers, experts, scientists, professors, think-tanks, highly qualified digital technology industry personnel, (iii) individuals in the arts, cultural and sports sectors with positive public influence; (iv) Honorary Consuls of Vietnam abroad; and (v) guests of research institutes, universities, or major enterprises.
In addition, on August 11, the Vietnamese government also issued Resolution No.229/NQ-CP, granting a 45-day visa exemption for citizens from Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden. A more flexible visa policy is expected to boost 20-25 percent of tourists to Vietnam annually, facilitating Vietnam to welcome more international visitors, making Vietnam an attractive destination for foreign tourists, businesses, and investors.
