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February 26th marked a significant step in efforts to boost Vietnam's tourism industry, as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially issued a detailed plan to implement Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP, issued by the Government on January 15, 2025. This plan not only concretizes the Government's directives but also serves as a strong launch for the 2025 tourism stimulus program, with the inspiring theme: "Vietnam - Travel to Love".
The 2025 tourism stimulus program carries a profound message, encouraging tourists to explore and experience the hidden beauty of Vietnam, from majestic natural landscapes to long-standing cultural and historical values. To realize this goal, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has introduced a series of practical measures, including expanding the visa exemption policy.
The above content is part of the plan to implement Government Resolution No. 11 and the tourism stimulus program for 2025.
One of the key highlights of the plan is the visa exemption for citizens of three countries: Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. This policy will be in effect from March 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, facilitating travel and exploration in Vietnam for tourists from these countries. The permitted stay is 45 days from the date of entry, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy the diverse and enriching travel experiences in Vietnam.
To take full advantage of Vietnam's visa-free entry policy, visitors from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland need to be aware of the important conditions and procedures.
First and foremost, visitors must fully meet the entry requirements under the unilateral visa exemption scheme, strictly adhering to the regulations of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam. This includes providing complete and accurate personal information, demonstrating a clear purpose of entry, and complying with national security regulations.
Foreigners from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland entering Vietnam must meet the visa exemption requirements as stipulated in the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.
Visitors' passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure the validity of identification documents and avoid unnecessary complications during the immigration process.
Furthermore, to qualify for visa exemption, tourists must participate in tour programs organized by Vietnamese international travel agencies. This means tourists need to contact and register for package tours or travel packages specifically designed for citizens of these three countries. Upon participating in the tour program, tourists will be issued a confirmation of participation, an important document necessary for immigration procedures.
In the near future, Vietnam will organize many activities such as programs to introduce Vietnamese tourist destinations in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
Regarding travel agencies, to be permitted to organize tours for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, businesses need a valid international travel service business license. Simultaneously, businesses must submit a registration to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration to participate in organizing tours for citizens of these three countries. This is a mandatory procedure to ensure transparency and strict management of tourism activities, while also protecting the rights of tourists.
The visa exemption policy for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland is not merely an administrative measure, but a comprehensive strategy aimed at attracting a large number of international tourists from these potential markets to Vietnam. The main goal is to create a new impetus for Vietnam's tourism industry and enhance its competitiveness on the international tourism map.
According to data from the General Statistics Office, in 2024, the number of international visitors to Vietnam was 17.6 million, equivalent to 98% compared to 2019 - the peak year for tourism.
The application of preferential visa policies, convenient entry procedures, and unique tourism experiences will create a strong attraction for international tourists. Vietnam is not only a safe and friendly destination, but also a treasure trove of rich and diverse culture and nature, ready to meet all the needs and preferences of tourists.
To stimulate tourism in these markets, Vietnam has planned to organize a series of diverse and attractive tourism promotion activities. Programs introducing Vietnamese tourist destinations in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland will be organized to provide tourists with detailed and engaging information about Vietnam's famous destinations.
By 2025, Vietnam's tourism industry aims to welcome 22-23 million international tourists and 120-130 million domestic tourists.
The Vietnam Culture and Tourism Week in Poland and the Czech Republic, commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, will be a special event, contributing to enhanced understanding and cultural exchange between Vietnam and these countries. Communication activities promoting tourism development in 2025 will also be intensified, aiming to spread the message "Vietnam - travel to love" to a wide range of international tourists.
With continuous efforts, Vietnam's tourism industry aims to welcome 22-23 million international tourists and 120-130 million domestic tourists in 2025. These are ambitious figures, demonstrating Vietnam's determination to assert its position as a leading tourist destination in the region and the world.
