Foreign VIPs now qualify for visa-free entry into Vietnam
Vietnam has taken a significant step towards boosting its economic and social development by introducing a limited-term visa waiver scheme for high-value foreign nationals. Effective August 15, 2025, the scheme, under Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP, offers eligible individuals a special visa waiver card, allowing multiple entries into the country over a maximum period of five years [1][2][3].
Who is Eligible?
The visa waiver card is open to a diverse range of individuals, including guests invited by top national leaders, diplomats, business leaders, investors, and executives from major global corporations. Additionally, experts, scientists, professors, chief engineers, cultural, artistic, sports, and tourism figures with a positive public influence, Vietnam’s honorary consuls abroad, and guests invited by designated research institutes, universities, and large enterprises are also eligible [1][2][4][5].
Conditions for Eligibility
To be considered for the visa waiver card, applicants must meet two primary conditions. Firstly, they must hold a valid passport and be invited or nominated by relevant authorized agencies or individuals. Secondly, they must demonstrate a meaningful and distinct contribution to Vietnam's socio-economic development and international cooperation [1][3][4].
Details of the Visa Waiver Card
The visa waiver card can be issued in digital or physical (chip-based) formats, with equal legal validity. It permits multiple entries into Vietnam during the card's validity period, which can extend up to five years but must expire at least 30 days before the passport expires [1][2][3][5].
Aim of the Scheme
The primary objective of this scheme is to facilitate long-term collaboration with foreign experts and investors by removing frequent visa requirements and supporting Vietnam’s socio-economic growth [1][2][3].
Thailand's Car Market Recovery and ASEAN Updates
Elsewhere in the region, Thailand's car market is showing signs of recovery amid Japan's exit, with Malaysia overtaking Indonesia as the leading car market in ASEAN. In sports news, Thailand's women's football team secured a decisive 7-0 victory over Cambodia in the ASEAN Women's Championship group stage [6][7].
[1] Vietnam News Agency [2] Vietnam Investment Review [3] Vietnam Insider [4] VietnamPlus [5] Tuoi Tre News [6] AFC [7] FIFA
- This new visa waiver scheme in Vietnam is targeted at high-value foreign nationals, including business leaders, investors, and executives from global corporations, as well as cultural, artistic, sports, and tourism figures with a positive public influence.
- To be eligible for the visa waiver card, applicants must hold a valid passport and be invited or nominated by relevant authorized agencies or individuals, while also demonstrating a meaningful and distinct contribution to Vietnam's socio-economic development and international cooperation.
- The visa waiver card can be issued in digital or physical formats, granting multiple entries into Vietnam for up to five years, as long as it does not extend beyond 30 days of the passport's expiration.
- The primary aim of this scheme is to facilitate long-term collaboration with foreign experts and investors, removing frequent visa requirements and supporting Vietnam’s socio-economic growth.
- In related news, Thailand's car market is showing signs of recovery amid Japan's exit, with Malaysia overtaking Indonesia as the leading car market in ASEAN.
- Meanwhile, in sports news, Thailand's women's football team secured a decisive 7-0 victory over Cambodia in the ASEAN Women's Championship group stage.
