PM Pham Minh Chinh and NVIDIA Chairman Jensen Huang visit Hanoi Old Quarter in 2024.
The government has issued a decree granting time-limited visa exemptions to select foreign nationals considered special cases for socio-economic development.
Under the decree, eligible individuals include:
- Guests of the General Secretary, State President, National Assembly Chair, Prime Minister, Permanent member of the Secretariat, Vice State President, Vice National Assembly Chair, Deputy Prime Minister, Chair of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, State Auditor General, ministers and equivalents, provincial Party secretaries, city Party secretaries, and chairs of provincial and municipal People’s Councils and People’s Committees.
- Academics, experts, scientists, university professors, chief engineers, and high-quality digital industry professionals.
- Global investors, business leaders, and executives of major corporations.
- Figures in culture, arts, sports and tourism with a positive public influence.
- Vietnam’s honorary consuls abroad.
- Guests invited by recognised research institutes, universities or large enterprises, as designated by the government.
- Other cases are eligible for visa exemption for diplomatic or socio-economic purposes, as decided by the Minister of Public Security.
For investors or global executives, their companies must be among the world’s 100 largest by market capitalisation, as ranked annually by reputable international organisations. Scientists must have won prestigious international awards. Top football players must be ranked among the world’s 100 best and be invited by professional Vietnamese clubs.
The visa exemption is valid for up to five years. Recipients will be issued a special visa exemption card, either electronic or a chip-based physical, both carrying equal legal status. Holders can enter Vietnam multiple times during the exemption period, which must be at least 30 days shorter than their passport validity.
Each entry allows a 90-day stay, or a shorter period if the card’s validity is less than 90 days. Extensions, visas or temporary residence cards may be granted upon request.
The government said the policy aims to attract senior leaders, investors, top-tier experts, cultural icons and renowned athletes, helping build a dynamic, globally competitive economy.