Vietnam expands tourist visas but adds pre-arrival step

Vietnam has continued to loosen visa rules for foreign holidaymakers, while also introducing a new digital pre-arrival declaration intended to speed up border processing. The latest policy direction is broadly pro-tourism: rather than cutting access, Hanoi has expanded visa-free entry for several European markets and widened the practical use of its electronic visa system.

From 15 August 2025, Vietnam began granting 45-day visa-free entry to citizens of 12 additional countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland. The measure, introduced under Government Resolution No. 229, is due to run until 14 August 2028 and applies regardless of passport type, provided travellers meet Vietnam’s normal entry requirements. These countries sit alongside an earlier unilateral exemption covering Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

For tourists who are not visa-exempt, Vietnam’s e-visa remains the main route. The country issues e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories, valid for up to 90 days and available for single or multiple entry. A further practical change came through Resolution No. 389/NQ-CP, dated 2 December 2025, which added 41 more border gates for e-visa entry and exit, bringing the total to 83 across airports, land crossings and seaports. This is particularly useful for cruise passengers, overland travellers and visitors planning multi-stop regional itineraries rather than simple airport arrivals.

The main new pre-travel information requirement is separate from the visa itself. Vietnam has launched an online pre-arrival declaration system through the Immigration Department portal, asking travellers to submit details before entry. The official portal says visitors should complete the declaration fully and accurately before arrival, while a June 2026 US Embassy notice said Vietnam was expanding mandatory pre-arrival personal information declaration procedures to all airports in the country.

Travellers should be ready to provide passport details, visa or exemption information, flight or transport details, and their first accommodation address in Vietnam. The system generates a QR code to be shown at immigration and is not a replacement for an e-visa or visa exemption. The change follows an earlier 15 April 2026 roll-out at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, where foreign passport holders and overseas Vietnamese entering with visas were required to complete the declaration before immigration clearance.

For holidaymakers, the practical advice is straightforward: check whether their passport qualifies for 45-day visa-free entry, apply for an e-visa if required, and complete Vietnam’s pre-arrival declaration shortly before travel, especially when arriving by air.