February 26 marked an important step forward in the effort to promote Vietnam's tourism industry, when 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 is not only a concretization of the Government's directives but also a strong launch for the 2025 tourism stimulus program, with the inspirational theme: "Vietnam - go 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 historical and cultural 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 Resolution No. 11 of the Government and the tourism stimulus program in 2025.
One of the key highlights of the plan is the visa exemption for citizens of three countries: Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland. This policy will be applied from March 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, creating favorable conditions for tourists from these countries to travel and explore Vietnam. The temporary residence period is stipulated to be 45 days from the date of entry, allowing tourists enough time to enjoy the diverse and rich travel experiences in Vietnam.
To make the most of Vietnam's visa-free entry policy, visitors from Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland need to understand the important conditions and procedures.
First of all, visitors need to fully meet the conditions for entry under the unilateral visa exemption, strictly complying with the provisions of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam. This includes providing complete and accurate personal information, clearly proving the purpose of entry and complying with national security regulations.
Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland when entering Vietnam must meet the entry conditions under unilateral visa exemption according to the provisions of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.
The visitor's passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure the validity of the identification documents and avoid unnecessary troubles during the entry procedure.
In addition, to enjoy the visa exemption policy, tourists must participate in tourism programs organized by international travel service businesses in Vietnam. This means that tourists need to contact and register for package tours or tourism service packages designed specifically for citizens of these three countries. When participating in the tourism program, tourists will be issued a certificate of participation in the tourism program, an important document required for entry procedures.
In the near future, Vietnam will organize many activities such as programs to introduce Vietnamese tourist destinations in Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland.
For travel agencies, to be allowed to organize tourism programs for citizens of Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland, the business needs to have a valid international travel service business license. At the same time, the business needs to submit a registration to participate in organizing tourism programs for citizens of these three countries to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. This is a mandatory procedure to ensure transparency and strict management of tourism activities, while ensuring the rights of tourists.
The visa exemption policy for citizens of Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland is not merely an administrative measure, but also a comprehensive strategy to attract a large number of international tourists from these potential markets to Vietnam. The main goal is to create a new wind for the Vietnamese tourism industry, while improving its competitive position on the international tourism map.
According to data from the General Statistics Office, in 2024, the number of international visitors to Vietnam will be 17.6 million, equal to 98% compared to 2019 - the peak year of tourism.
The application of preferential visa policies, convenient entry procedures and unique tourism experience values will create a strong attraction for international tourists. Vietnam is not only a safe and friendly destination, but also a rich and diverse cultural and natural treasure, ready to meet all the needs and interests of tourists.
To stimulate tourism in these markets, Vietnam has planned to organize a series of diverse and attractive tourism promotion activities. Programs to introduce Vietnamese tourism destinations in Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland will be organized to provide tourists with detailed and vivid information about famous destinations in Vietnam.
By 2025, Vietnam's tourism industry aims to welcome 22 - 23 million international tourists and 120 - 130 million domestic tourists.
The Vietnam Culture - Tourism Week in Poland and the Czech Republic, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, will be a special event, contributing to enhancing understanding and cultural exchange between Vietnam and these countries. Communication activities for the tourism stimulus program in 2025 will also be promoted, aiming to spread the message "Vietnam - go to love" to a large number of international tourists.
With relentless efforts, Vietnam's tourism industry aims to welcome 22-23 million international tourists and 120-130 million domestic tourists in 2025. These are ambitious numbers, demonstrating Vietnam's determination to affirm its position as a leading tourist destination in the region and the world.
