News

featured-image

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.

featured-image

Photo: Collected

Last Update: Thursday January 15, 2026

When planning a trip to Vietnam, choosing the correct visa type is crucial—not only for ensuring a smooth entry but also for avoiding potential legal issues during your stay. Two of the most common visa types are the Tourist Visa and the Business Visa, and understanding the difference between them can help you avoid serious complications like rejection at immigration for holding the wrong type of visa.

1. Purpose of Visit

  • Tourist Visa: This visa is intended for travelers visiting Vietnam for leisure, sightseeing. It does not allow for any work or business-related activities.

  • Business Visa: This visa is for individuals entering Vietnam for work-related purposes such as meetings, conferences, signing contracts, or exploring business opportunities. It does not necessarily require a work permit for short stays but should not be confused with long-term employment visas.

2. Required Documents

The required documents differ depending on the visa type:

  • Tourist Visa: Typically requires a passport valid for at least 6 months, a visa application form, and a passport-sized photo. In some cases, proof of onward travel or accommodation may be requested. 

  • Business Visa: In addition to the standard requirements, a business visa usually requires an invitation letter or sponsorship from a registered company in Vietnam. The process may also involve additional paperwork and approvals.

3. Consequences of Using the Wrong Type of Visa

Applying for or using the wrong type of visa can lead to serious consequences. For example, entering Vietnam on a tourist visa and engaging in business activities may result in visa rejection,or even deportation. It’s vital to select the correct visa based on the actual purpose of your visit.

4. Need a Visa or Urgent Visa?

If you’re unsure which visa you need, or if you require a visa or an urgent visa for Vietnam, it's best to consult professionals to avoid mistakes. You can reach out to Vietnam-immi.org for fast, reliable visa assistance. Their team can help you navigate the process, ensure all required documents are in order, and secure the appropriate visa type for your travel purpose.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct visa is more than a formality—it's a legal requirement that can significantly impact your experience in Vietnam. Always be honest about your travel purpose, gather the correct required documents, and seek expert help if needed to avoid visa rejection or using the wrong type of visa.

For peace of mind and professional visa support, visit Vietnam-immi.org.

featured-image

Photo: Collected

Last Update: Wednesday January 14, 2026

As cross-border travel becomes more accessible, Chinese nationals are increasingly choosing Vietnam as a top destination for tourism and business. With the streamlined Vietnam eVisa system, the immigration process for Chinese passport holders has become more convenient—but there are specific considerations and procedures that applicants must be aware of. In particular, Chinese nationality involves some special handling during entry, especially regarding the loose leaf visa and entry stamping process.

1. Overview of the Vietnam eVisa for Chinese Passport Holders

The Vietnam eVisa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, allowing foreign nationals to enter the country for up to 90 days with either single or multiple entries. Chinese citizens are eligible to apply for this visa online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

However, the process for Chinese nationals involves specific nuances, particularly due to how immigration officers handle visa documentation and entry procedures for this nationality.

Photo: Collected

2. The Application Process

Chinese passport holders can apply for the Vietnam eVisa through the official Vietnamese government immigration portal. The steps include:

  • Completing an online application form

  • Uploading a scanned copy of the passport data page

  • Uploading a passport-sized photo (white background, no glasses)

  • Paying the non-refundable visa fee online

  • Waiting approximately 3–4 business days for processing

Once approved, the applicant receives a PDF visa approval document, which must be printed and presented at the port of entry.

3. The Special Case of the Loose Leaf Visa

Unlike most other nationalities, Chinese passport holders are typically issued a "loose leaf visa" instead of having the eVisa stamped directly into the passport. This document is a separate sheet of paper that includes personal information, visa validity, and a barcode.

This is especially important for Chinese citizens to note: you must carry a printed copy of your loose leaf eVisa approval when entering Vietnam. Immigration officers will not accept a digital version on a phone.

4. Entry Stamp Procedure for Chinese Nationals

There is a special immigration process for Chinese nationals when entering Vietnam:

  • At the arrival counter, the officer will verify the loose leaf visa against your passport and request for the selfie photo.

  • Once verified, an entry stamp will be placed on the loose leaf visa paper, not directly in the passport.

  • You must keep this stamped document carefully throughout your stay, as it will also be required upon departure from Vietnam.

This stamping practice is specific to certain nationalities, including China, and is meant to ensure proper tracking and immigration control.

The separate visa for Chinese (make sure to store it carefully for exit procedures)

5. Important Reminders for Chinese Travelers

  • Always print both your eVisa approval and your itinerary before flying.

  • Keep your loose leaf visa document safe during your stay in Vietnam. If lost, replacing it can be difficult and may delay your departure.

  • The eVisa is only valid at designated ports of entry (airports, land borders, and seaports listed on the official site). Ensure your arrival point is among them.

  • If you plan to enter and exit multiple times, apply for a multiple-entry visa at the outset.

In Conclusion

While the Vietnam eVisa for Chinese passport holders offers convenience, it’s essential to be aware of the unique immigration process for Chinese nationals, especially the use of the loose leaf visa and the entry stamp procedure. Understanding and following these requirements will ensure a smooth arrival and a hassle-free experience in Vietnam.

featured-image

Photo: Collected

Last Update: Sunday January 11, 2026

The Vietnamese government is actively considering more liberal visa policies to boost tourism and foreign spending, particularly:

The motivation is clear: after recovering from the pandemic, Vietnam wants to make itself more competitive in regional tourism, extend tourist stays, increase spending, and attract more high-value visitors.

Strengths & Potential Benefits

Photo: Collected

  1. Tourism Revival & Growth
    The pandemic greatly disrupted international travel. Easing visa barriers is a proven lever to stimulate tourism flows, and is already being adopted by other nations in Southeast Asia. The proposal could accelerate the rebound, especially from long‑haul markets.

  2. Longer Stays, Higher Spending
    A 36‑month multiple entry visa gives travelers flexibility, encouraging them to stay longer or make repeated visits. Visitors who see Vietnam as a base for exploring the region might spend more on accommodation, transport, services, etc.

  3. Competitive Positioning in the Region
    Vietnam’s tourism neighbors (e.g. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore) already offer more liberal visa regimes. To avoid losing out, Vietnam must match or exceed ease of entry if it seeks to capture a larger share of travelers.

  4. Attracting Retirees, “Bleisure” and Niche Markets
    The policy targets not just short-term tourists, but also long-term, higher-spending visitors—retirees, digital nomads, repeat visitors. These often produce greater per-capita economic benefits.

  5. Facilitating Travel Logistics
    Emphasis on automation (FaceID, e‑passport, online exit/entry systems) could reduce friction, queues, and processing times. That improves the visitor experience and reduces administrative burdens.

Risks, Challenges & Caveats

Photo: Collected

The proposal is bold and forward-looking. If implemented well, it could mark a transformative shift in how Vietnam positions itself in global tourism, making it more accessible, visitor-friendly, and competitive. The long-term multiple-entry visa, especially up to 36 months, is quite ambitious and signals confidence in Vietnam’s attractiveness and stability.

However, success is not guaranteed. The risks are nontrivial—governance, security, infrastructure, equitable rollout, and maximizing local benefit all matter. Much will depend on the details: which countries are eligible, how strict the vetting process is, how user-friendly the systems are, and how rapidly the administrative machinery can adjust.

If Vietnam can strike a balance—opening doors while maintaining control—it could enjoy significant gains: more inbound tourists, higher tourism revenue, longer stays, more repeat visits, and increased global competitiveness. But missteps could lead to security concerns or disillusionment if promised ease is delayed or poorly implemented.

Page:
2
...