As a tourism-promotion measure, Vietnam is granting citizens of12 European countriesa visa exemption of up to45 days.The aim is "high-value guests" who stay long and spend a lot. The policy is to expand the target countries further, and combined with European charter flights and new routes, it's boosting the inflow from Europe.
The 12 countries with the 45-day exemption
The targets are 12 countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. For tourism purposes, a stay of up to 45 days from the date of entry is permitted. A stay longer than the previous exemption draws in long-term travelers.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Target | 12 European countries |
| Stay | Up to 45 days (tourism purposes) |
| Policy | Considering expanding the target to major and high-potential markets |
A shift toward "high-value guests"
The Ministry of Public Security, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is considering expanding the unilateral visa exemption to major and high-potential markets. Rather than chasing numbers, taking in high-spending guests, that aim is reflected in the selection of target countries too. Special exemptions for investors, experts, and prominent figures in the culture and sports fields have also been established.
The effect shows in the numbers
Guests from exempted European countries grew across the board in Q1, with Poland +52%, Sweden +27.5%, and Switzerland over +27%. The measure of widening the "entrance" of the visa, combined with new services and charters, is pushing up the inflow from Europe in real numbers. The length of 45 days also matches demand for long-stay resort visits.
Impact on readers
Visa policy is updated daily. When heading to Vietnam, always check your own country's exemption conditions and permitted length of stay before departure. Including the handling of Japanese nationals, checking the latest entry rules gives peace of mind. The trend of expanded exemptions directly relates to the ease of travel going forward.
Summary
The 45-day exemption is a symbol of Vietnam steering toward being an "easy-to-come-to country." The more it opens the entrance, the thicker the flow of people from Europe becomes. Where the next expansion target lands will shape next season's clientele.
Related reading:
・European charter flight makes its first landing in Vietnam
・Vietnam Airlines launches a Hanoi-Amsterdam direct flight
・Tan Son Nhat Airport clears congestion at Terminal 3
Source:Việt Nam News / VietnamNet
