Vietnam Grants Visa-Free Entry to High-Profile Foreigners Under New Visa Waiver Initiative
Vietnam Grants Visa-Free Entry to High-Profile Foreigners Under New Visa Waiver Initiative
Vietnam is rolling out an exciting new initiative that allows certain high-profile foreigners to enter the country without a visa starting from August 15, 2025. This new Visa Waiver Initiative is all about welcoming world-class talent, foreign professionals, investors, and cultural icons who can help boost Vietnam’s social and economic landscape.
Central to this initiative is the Special Visa Exemption Card (SVEC), which streamlines the procedure for qualified individuals to travel to Vietnam repeatedly over multiple years without the need to apply for a visa each time.
What Is the Vietnam New Visa Waiver Initiative?
As per Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP, eligible foreigners can receive a Special Visa Exemption Card in both digital and physical formats, which carry equal legal authority. This card grants the following privileges:
- Multiple entries into Vietnam.
- A maximum validity of five years (but always at least 30 days shorter than the passport’s expiry date).
- Stays of up to 90 days for each entry, with options for extensions.
This policy is tailored for those who need to travel to Vietnam frequently for long-term collaborations, investments, or professional engagements, all without the need to reapply for a visa every time.
Who Can Qualify?
The initiative targets particular demographics whose involvement is considered advantageous for Vietnam’s development. These groups include:
- Guests invited by high-ranking Vietnamese leaders or senior government officials.
- Foreign professionals like scientists, professors, researchers, and experts in key sectors such as digital technology and healthcare.
- Investors and executives from major international companies.
- Cultural, artistic, sports, and tourism figures with notable international recognition or influence.
- Vietnam’s honorary consuls stationed abroad.
- Guests invited by accredited universities, research institutions, or significant enterprises.
- Other special cases that receive approval from the Minister of Public Security for diplomatic or socio-economic reasons.
Special Visa Exemption Cards in Vietnam and How They Work
The Special Visa Exemption Card is your ticket to visa-free entry for eligible foreigners.
The digital version is conveniently stored electronically and linked to immigration systems, making it easy to verify at border checkpoints. This is perfect for frequent travelers who value convenience.
On the other hand, the physical chip-based card holds biometric data, like fingerprints and facial images, along with encrypted personal information. Typically, it’s issued to applicants already in Vietnam who have met the necessary security and identification requirements.
Both card types offer the same benefits, simplifying repeated travel for those involved in long-term cooperation, investment, or cultural exchange.
How to Apply for a Special Visa Exemption Card
Individuals from foreign countries cannot independently apply for the card. They must receive an invitation or nomination from a recognized Vietnamese government entity, ministry, or an authorized organization.
The application process begins with the inviting organization sending the request to the Immigration Department, which is part of the Ministry of Public Security. Officials will then assess eligibility according to the criteria specified in the decree before making a determination.
If approval is granted, the card will be issued within a designated timeframe:
- 3 working days for high-level state guests.
- 5 working days for experts, investors, and cultural figures.
- 7 working days for physical chip-based cards.
Relationship with Existing Visa Waivers
This new initiative is designed to complement existing visa-free policies, not replace them. For instance, Vietnam currently offers 45-day visa-free stays for citizens from 12 European countries and shorter exemptions for nationals from 29 other countries.
While tourist visa waivers are mainly aimed at short-term visits, the Vietnam New Visa Waiver Initiative is tailored for long-term, high-impact contributors who need to stay in the country frequently and for extended periods.
