Photo: Collected

Last Update: Friday January 16, 2026

Vietnam has officially extended and expanded its visa exemption policy, making travel significantly easier for many European visitors. If you're planning a trip and hold a passport from the EU, this update could mean you no longer need a visa to enter Vietnam — at least for stays up to 45 days.

Here’s what you need to know.

Current 45‑Day Visa Waiver (March 15, 2025 – March 14, 2028)

Under Resolution 44/NQ-CP, effective from March 15, 2025, citizens of 12 countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days, for any purpose — tourism, business, or otherwise — without needing to apply for a visa in advance.

This applies to passport holders from:

• Germany

• France

• Italy

• Spain

• United Kingdom

• Russia

• Japan

• South Korea

• Denmark

• Sweden

• Norway

• Finland

This Vietnam 45-day visa waiver is valid through March 2028, offering a convenient way to travel with minimal paperwork and cost.

Newly Added: More EU Countries Included from August 15, 2025

Vietnam is going even further with Resolution 229/NQ-CP, issued on August 11, 2025. Starting August 15, 2025, 12 more European countries will be eligible for the same 45-day visa-free stay, specifically for tourism.

The new countries added to the exemption list are:

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Czech Republic

• Hungary

• Luxembourg

• Netherlands

• Poland

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Switzerland

This means that travelers from 24 EU-region countries will be able to visit Vietnam without a visa, making it one of the most accessible Southeast Asian destinations for European tourists.

What Are the Official Rules?

To enter Vietnam under the visa exemption policy, you’ll need to meet a few standard requirements:

• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.

• Length of stay: Visa-free entry allows up to 45 days, including the day of arrival and departure.

• Purpose of visit: The original 12 countries can enter for any reason (tourism, business, etc.). The newly added countries are currently eligible for tourism only.

• Re-entry: If you leave Vietnam and want to return visa-free, you may need to wait 30 days between entries unless you obtain an e-visa or traditional visa.

• Extensions: Visa exemptions cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to exit and re-enter or apply for a visa.

What This Means for European Travelers

If you're from any of the countries listed above, Vietnam has made it much simpler to visit. You won’t need to go through the e-visa process or apply for a visa at an embassy — just check your passport's validity, book your trip, and enter visa-free for up to 45 days.

However, it’s important to remember the specific starting date for your country’s eligibility. If you’re from one of the newly added countries, make sure your travel begins on or after August 15, 2025, to benefit from the exemption.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam is clearly opening its doors wider to European travelers. With this expanded Vietnam visa exemption list now covering most of the EU, planning a holiday to Vietnam has never been more straightforward.

As long as you follow the official rules, check your travel dates, and ensure your passport is in order, you're all set to explore Vietnam’s landscapes, food, and culture — without the paperwork.

If you need help navigating visa rules or understanding how this affects your specific travel plans, feel free to ask.