Vietnam has strengthened its position as a top travel destination by extending visa exemptions to 25 European countries, part of a wider tourism development stimulus program. Starting August 15, citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland can enjoy visa-free stays of up to 45 days, regardless of passport type, provided they meet entry requirements. Earlier this year, the same policy was implemented for passengers from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
Industry experts see the move as a game-changer for Vietnam’s tourism competitiveness. Nguyen Tuan Linh, director of Mr. Linh’s Adventures, noted that extending visa exemptions for developed countries will encourage growth in visitor numbers and allow travel companies to upgrade their offerings. According to the World Tourism Organization, easing visa requirements can increase international arrivals by as much as 25% annually.
Europe is Vietnam’s second-largest tourist source market, after Asia, accounting for 11.3% of arrivals in 2024. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, more than 12.2 million international travelers visited Vietnam, with strong demand from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.
Travel experts highlight that European visitors typically prefer longer, higher-spending trips—spending $1,500–2,500 per trip—often combining relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery. Popular itineraries include UNESCO World Heritage sites, nature escapes in the northeast and northwest, and luxury experiences like private yachts in Halong Bay, golf in coastal resorts, and villas in Phu Quoc.
RMIT University’s Dr. Justin Matthew Pang added that sustainable tourism will be a major draw for Europeans, who increasingly value eco-friendly experiences and community-based travel.Vietnam’s expanded visa policy, combined with flexible e-visas and longer stays, signals a strategic push to attract high-quality, long-term international visitors and strengthen its competitive edge in Southeast Asia.
