Vietnam e-Visa Extended to 90 Days from August 15
The Vietnamese government will extend visa exemptions to 45 days and boost e-visas to 90 days starting August 15, aiming to revive tourism post-pandemic.
In response to the global health crisis, Vietnam will extend visa exemptions and its electronic visa (e-visa) validity to stimulate tourism and attract more international travelers. Shorter stays of up to 45 days will be exempt from visa requirements, while e-visas will be valid for up to 90 days. The National Assembly approved this initiative during its plenary session on June 24.
The role of tourism in Vietnam’s economy
Tourism is a cornerstone of Vietnam’s economy, contributing around 10% of the country’s GDP in 2019. The industry had seen rapid growth in recent years, welcoming nearly 18 million international visitors in 2019—a 16% increase from the previous year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the sector, causing a dramatic drop in foreign tourist arrivals and heavily impacting Vietnam’s economy. Extending visa exemptions and e-visa validity aims to revive international travel to Vietnam and support its struggling tourism industry.
Visa exemptions and e-visa details
The 45-day visa exemption applies to passport holders from 13 countries: Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Travelers from these countries can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without applying for a visa in advance. There are no longer any restrictions on the frequency of using this exemption. Meanwhile, the e-visa system—an online visa application process that allows travelers to obtain their visa without visiting a Vietnamese embassy or consulate—will now be valid for up to 90 days with multiple entries. It should be noted that the e-visa is currently available only to nationals of select countries as determined by the Vietnamese government.
If the implementing texts are published in time, the new rules will take effect on August 15.
Tourism sector welcomes the measures
The National Assembly’s decision has been welcomed by Vietnam’s tourism stakeholders, who hope it will draw more international visitors and revive the sector. According to industry representatives, easing entry requirements has made travel to Vietnam easier and more appealing. However, they emphasize that further steps are needed to bolster the country’s appeal, such as strengthened overseas promotion of Vietnam as a destination, improved tourism infrastructure, and simplified administrative procedures for travelers.
