From 2023, the National Assembly agreed to extend the duration of electronic visa from 30 days to 90 days, valid for multiple entries; increase the temporary stay from 15 days to 45 days for citizens of countries unilaterally exempted from visa by Vietnam, creating a boost for drawing international tourists, while enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam tourism with other countries in the region.
According to statistics from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), in the first two months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed nearly 4 million international visitors, an increase of 30% over the same period last year. In 2024, Vietnam tourism had a spectacular growth with nearly 17.6 million international visitors, an increase of 39.5% compared to 2023, reaching a recovery rate of 98% compared to 2019.
In order to promote tourism development, aiming to complete the goal of welcoming 22 - 23 million international visitors in 2025, the Government recently issued Resolution No. 44 on visa exemption for citizens of 12 countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland with a temporary stay of 45 days from the date of entry on the basis of fully meeting the entry conditions according to the provisions of Vietnamese law. This policy is valid from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028 and may be considered for extension.
Visa policy is becoming an advantage to attract visitors. Therefore, in Official Dispatch No. 22 dated March 9, 2025 on a number of key tasks and solutions to reduce administrative procedures, improve the business environment, and promote socio-economic development, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Police to continue researching and proposing to the Government a unilateral plan to exempt entry visas for a period of time for citizens of more countries.
