In a significant move to invigorate its tourism sector and simplify travel for European visitors, the Vietnamese government has announced a new, streamlined 45-day visa-free entry program. This policy is specifically tailored for tourists from twelve European countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
The initiative, designed to offer an extended and hassle-free stay, comes with one key condition: to be eligible for the 45-day visa exemption, travelers must book their trip through a licensed international travel company based in Vietnam. This strategic approach aims to not only welcome more visitors but also to ensure they have a well-supported and immersive experience, guided by local experts. For tourists from these twelve nations, the path to exploring Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history has just become significantly easier, removing the traditional visa application process entirely.
Understanding the New Tourism-Focused Policy
This new regulation is a clear signal of Vietnam’s commitment to becoming a premier travel destination in Southeast Asia. By extending the stay period to 45 days—a significant increase from previous visa-free arrangements—the government is encouraging longer, more in-depth travel experiences. This allows visitors to move beyond a single region and truly discover the diversity of the country, from the mountainous north to the Mekong Delta in the south.
It is crucial to emphasize that this visa exemption is granted exclusively for the purpose of tourism. The policy is not applicable for individuals seeking to work, conduct business, visit family, or engage in any other activities. The framework is intentionally designed to bolster the organized tourism industry. When arriving in Vietnam under this scheme, travelers should be prepared to potentially show evidence of their tour booking and itinerary, which will be arranged by their chosen Vietnamese travel agency. This ensures that the purpose of the visit aligns with the government’s tourism promotion goals.
The Central Role of Your Vietnamese Travel Company
The cornerstone of this new visa-free program is the partnership between the international tourist and a local Vietnamese travel company. This relationship is not merely a recommendation but a mandatory condition for eligibility. The process is designed for ultimate convenience, placing the logistical burden on the local experts and allowing the traveler to focus on planning their adventure.
Here’s how the process works:
- Choose Your Itinerary: Prospective travelers begin by exploring the types of tours they are interested in. Whether it’s a culinary journey through Hanoi, a trekking adventure in Sapa, a cruise in Ha Long Bay, or a cultural exploration of Hoi An and Hue, the options are limitless.
- Select a Licensed Vietnamese Tour Operator: The next step is to connect with a reputable, government-licensed international travel company in Vietnam. These agencies are well-versed in the new regulations and are authorized to manage the process on behalf of their clients.
- Book Your Tour Package: Once a tour package is selected and booked, the travel company takes over. They will collect the necessary personal information from the traveler (such as passport details) to register the tour with the relevant Vietnamese authorities.
- Seamless, Visa-Free Entry: The Vietnamese travel company will handle all the necessary arrangements to ensure their customers’ eligibility for the 45-day visa exemption upon arrival. When the traveler arrives at the airport in Vietnam, their entry is pre-approved under this tourism scheme, eliminating the need for a visa sticker, an e-visa, or a visa-on-arrival application.
This system provides a dual benefit: it simplifies the entry process for tourists while ensuring they are in the hands of knowledgeable local guides who can provide a safe, authentic, and enriching travel experience.
A Win-Win for Travelers and Vietnam
The advantages of this new policy are manifold. For travelers, it means significant savings in both time and money. There are no visa application fees to pay and no administrative hurdles to overcome. The 45-day duration offers the freedom and flexibility to travel at a more relaxed pace, fostering a deeper connection with the country and its people.
For Vietnam, the policy is a strategic initiative to attract high-quality tourism. By channeling visitors through licensed companies, the country can better manage tourist flow, uphold service standards, and support local businesses that are the backbone of the tourism economy. It encourages a more sustainable model of travel that benefits both the visitor and the host nation.
In conclusion, for citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland, the dream of an extended Vietnamese holiday is now a simple, straightforward reality. By partnering with a local travel expert, you can unlock a 45-day, visa-free journey into the heart of Southeast Asia. Your adventure awaits, with the assurance of a seamless welcome.
See the official docment : https://www.vietnamimmigration.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Vietnam-Visa-Exemption-229-cp.signed.pdf
