VIETNAM EXTENDS VISA-FREE VISIT FOR 12 COUNTRIES UNTIL 2028

Vietnam is keeping its visa-free rule in place for citizens from 12 European and Asian countries until 2028. The news came out with a mix of enthusiasm and practicality—tourism gets a boost while trade opportunities get a nudge.

The policy first popped up in August 2023 and will be running until March 14, 2028. Travelers from those nations can roam Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days, which is quite the perk.

Among the eligible countries are France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Belarus, which was once on the list, has been pulled out. The new rules were locked in on March 7, 2025, and they replace the older provisions set to end on March 15, 2025.

This change isn’t just about making paperwork easier—it's a clear sign that Vietnam wants to welcome more international visitors. Since the borders reopened after the pandemic, the country has been tweaking its entry processes in a flexible kind of way, drawing in travelers and giving the economy a friendly lift.

Then there’s an extra twist: Vietnam has recently whipped up a temporary visa-free option for people from Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Starting on March 1, 2025, and running until December 31, 2025, citizens of these nations can visit Vietnam for tourism without needing a visa—but like everything else, it's capped at 45 days. Even if this move is just a short-term experiment, it signals that Vietnam is open to exploring fresh tourism and business ties with more European countries.

On another note, this whole initiative has a broader goal. It’s meant to spark stronger international bonds, not only in tourism but also in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. That said, no matter why or how long someone visits, all travelers still have to stick to Vietnam’s entry rules, ensuring that every visit—whether for leisure, work, or family—goes off without a hitch.

At the same time, Vietnam is speeding up the rollout of its online e‑Visa system. This online method lets visitors from around the world snag a visa for up to 90 days with relative ease, supporting both single and multiple entries. Generally speaking, this digital shift helps smooth the travel process considerably.

All these efforts tie into Vietnam’s bigger plan to draw in 23 million visitors by 2025. By cutting back on red tape and making travel as breezy as possible, the country is setting its sights on being one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations. With stunning landscapes, deep-rooted culture, and a famously warm welcome, Vietnam seems set to charm visitors from every corner of the globe.