 (Illustrative photo: VOV) |
The 12 countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Citizens of these countries are exempt from visas for stays of up to 45 days for tourism purposes. The exemption applies regardless of passport type and will be in effect for three years, until August 14, 2028.
This new policy will encourage travel agencies, hotels, and airlines to develop packages and promotional campaigns tailored for each market.
Visa exemption for key markets has helped attract more foreign visitors to Vietnam, particularly from Europe, Vu Phuong Thao, the manager of the Madelise Hotel on Ma May street in Hanoi, said.
“This group of visitors has high spending capacity and tends to stay longer to explore our diverse culture, history, and landscapes. Simplifying entry procedures enables visitors’ easier access to premium services, encourages longer stays, and increases spending. We need to invest more in luxury resorts and high-end entertainment complexes to meet the growing demand,” said Thao.
The visa-free policy significantly reduces entry barriers, making it easier for travelers to choose Vietnam as their next destination.
“We now have the opportunity to develop products with longer travel experiences while building more sustainable business plans. Tours for European visitors are often designed flexibly, running from the north to the central and southern regions or vice versa,” said Mr. Nguyen Quang Anh, Deputy Director of Tour Operator Travel Agency.
These itineraries combine a variety of experiences, from beach resorts and mountain adventures to the waterways of the Mekong Delta, he noted. “Businesses can offer a wide range of options, from multi-destination and single-destination trips to specialized programs focusing on leisure, sightseeing, culture, and history.”
In March, the Government extended its unilateral visa exemption to citizens of 12 countries. With this update, Vietnam now grants unilateral visa exemption to citizens of 24 countries in total which creates more opportunities for Vietnam to welcome a new wave of international visitors.