Vietnam to waive visas for Polish, Czech, and Swiss tourists

Vietnam, a destination prized for its cultural richness and breathtaking scenery, is taking another step in its efforts to attract European travelers. A strategic decision has been made by the Vietnamese government to issue a resolution on visa exemption for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. This initiative, in force from March 1 to December 31, 2025, is part of a program to boost national tourism.  

This article deciphers the announcement and its implications for travelers and the tourism sector.

Key details

A longer length of stay

According to the new resolution, citizens of these three European countries will be granted a visa-free stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days for tourism purposes. This offers tourists greater flexibility to explore the country’s many facets, from the awe-inspiring rice terraces of Sapa to the paradisiacal beaches of Phu Quoc.

Eligibility conditions

The exemption is limited to tourists traveling under programs organized by Vietnamese international travel agencies and applies to all types of passports. Nevertheless, travelers need to meet the usual legal requirements to enter Vietnamese territory.

A temporary but strategic policy

This visa exemption policy is a pilot initiative aimed at assessing the impact on tourist flows and economic spin-offs. If the program proves successful, it could inspire extensions or similar agreements with other European countries.

Potential for tourism and economic development

The growing importance of tourists from Poland and the Czech Republic

In 2024, Vietnam welcomed around 50,000 Polish tourists and 25,000 Czech tourists, confirming the growing interest of these two countries in travel to Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Poland and the Czech Republic are among Vietnam's most dynamic trading partners in Central and Eastern Europe. This initiative by the Vietnamese government will enhance tourism and bilateral economic relations in tandem.

A key role for Switzerland

While figures for Swiss tourists in Vietnam are more modest compared to those of the two aforementioned countries, Switzerland stands out as the 6ᵉ largest European investor in Vietnam, with total registered capital of 2.1 billion USD. The visa-free resolution represents an opportunity to expand bilateral relations, particularly in education, sustainability, and cultural exchanges. Switzerland also shows great potential for attracting tourists with higher purchasing power, in line with the upmarket nature of Vietnam's tourism offering.

Benefits for European tourists

Visa exemption offers a new level of flexibility for exploring Vietnam's natural and cultural treasures without the administrative hassle. Polish, Czech, and Swiss citizens can take advantage of this opportunity to discover iconic places such as:

- Hanoi: historical and cultural capital;

- Halong Bay: a UNESCO World Heritage Site;

- Hoi An: famous for its architecture and colorful lanterns;

- Ha Giang's mountains: perfect for adventure tourism;

- The Mekong Delta: ideal for immersion in local life.

This initiative also encourages longer stays, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in Vietnam's unique atmosphere.

Future prospects for the Vietnamese tourism industry

With this resolution of visa exemption, Vietnam expects to stimulate a significant influx of European tourists. The goal is to: 

Increase the number of European visitors and diversify the nationalities of travelers.

Encourage collaboration between Vietnamese and European travel agencies to promote tailor-made tours adapted to visitors' specific needs.

Increase tourism revenues, notably through longer stays and higher visitor spending.

Travel agencies, hotels, and local businesses are actively preparing to welcome this new influx of tourists, promoting quality services and immersive experiences.

An opportunity not to be missed

Visa exemption for Polish, Czech, and Swiss citizens represents a major step forward for Vietnam's tourism sector. This strategic, albeit temporary, measure is evidence of Vietnam's growing appeal as a must-visit destination in Asia. For European travelers, it's an invitation to discover a country with a thousand faces, where tradition, modernity, and hospitality blend harmoniously.

If you are a Polish, Czech, or Swiss citizen, now is the perfect time to plan your trip to Vietnam. We at Authentik Vietnam are pleased to help you plan your itinerary to take full advantage of this unique opportunity. Don’t hesitate to contact us via this email address: info@authentikvietnam.com or +84 (0) 9 12 12 10 91 on WhatsApp to start your journey to Vietnam.

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