Vietnam Expands Visa Policy to Help Draw Tourists, Investors

Vietnam has expanded its visa exemption policy to citizens of 15 countries, marking a strategic move to strengthen the nation's competitiveness in global tourism and investment.

- 

HANOI - Vietnam has expanded its visa exemption policy to citizens of 15 countries, marking a strategic move to strengthen the nation's competitiveness in global tourism and investment.

Under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP issued on March 7, citizens from Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland will be granted visa-free entry to Vietnam.

Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland had already been granted visa waivers earlier—from Jan 15—as part of Vietnam's 2025 tourism stimulus programme.

"A flexible visa policy is an essential instrument to elevate a country's appeal as a destination," said Mr. Ha Van Sieu, deputy director-general of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST).

"It positions Vietnam to better compete with other nations, while also signaling our readiness to welcome the world."

Beyond tourism, the updated visa strategy is aimed at enticing international talent, high-net-worth travelers and foreign investors—individuals who bring long-term value to the economy. According to Mr. Sieu, this is not merely a question of waiver, but also about strategically targeting key segments and optimizing the benefits from international arrivals.

The approach is in line with the Politburo's order to prioritize attracting scientists and international experts in support of Vietnam's science and technology goals.