As a tourism promotion measure, Vietnam has implemented a visa exemption of up to 45 days for tourism purposes for nationals of 12 European countries. The scheme did not begin in 2026; it has been in effect since August 15, 2025, under Government Resolution 229/NQ-CP, and is valid through August 14, 2028. One point travelers tend to overlook is that this scheme for the 12 European countries runs in parallel with a separate unilateral visa exemption scheme that covers Japan and other countries.
The 12 European Countries Eligible for Tourism Purposes
The eligible countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Holders of passports from these countries are exempt from visa requirements for tourism purposes for up to 45 days from the date of entry.
| Item to check | Details |
|---|---|
| Target | Nationals of the 12 European countries |
| Purpose | Sightseeing |
| Length of stay | Up to 45 days from the date of entry |
| Duration of the scheme | August 15, 2025 – August 14, 2028 |
| Passport requirements | Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry |
Japanese Nationals Are Not Under This "12 European Countries" Scheme
Japanese nationals are also eligible for a 45-day visa exemption, but under a different scheme. This falls under Resolution 44/NQ-CP, which covers 12 countries including Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, and applies from March 15, 2025, through March 14, 2028. Japanese travelers have not been newly added to the European tourism promotion scheme.
Entry Conditions Still Apply Even Without a Visa
A visa exemption is not an unconditional guarantee of entry. It is premised on holding a valid passport and not falling under any grounds for denial of entry under Vietnamese law. Airline check-in procedures may also require presentation of a return ticket or onward ticket to a third country. For stays exceeding 45 days, employment, or purposes not covered by the scheme, please verify the appropriate visa or e-visa requirements.
Steps to Take Before Traveling
First confirm your passport's nationality and expiration date, then clarify your intended length of stay and purpose of travel. After that, it is safest to check the latest list from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an overseas diplomatic mission. Schemes may be extended or changed after a news article is published, so avoid finalizing airline tickets based solely on older summary articles.
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Source:Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Exemption List
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