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On August 8, 2025, the Government promulgated Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP, stipulating temporary visa exemptions for foreign nationals belonging to special categories eligible for preferential treatment in the service of socio-economic development.

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Accordingly, there are six special categories eligible for visa exemption.

The first group consists of guests invited by the General Secretary, the President, the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Standing Committee of the Party Secretariat, the Vice President, the Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Chairperson of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, the Procurator General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the State Auditor General, ministers and equivalent positions, provincial/municipal Party secretaries, chairpersons of the People’s Councils, and chairpersons of the People’s Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities.

Scholars, experts, scientists, professors from universities and research institutes, chief engineers, and high-quality human resources in the digital technology industry are also eligible for visa exemption, provided that scientists and technical experts have either received prestigious international awards or have been recognized for their achievements. Investors and executives of major global corporations and enterprises will be granted visa exemptions if they belong to the list of the world’s 100 largest companies by market capitalization, as published annually by reputable international organizations.

Individuals active in the fields of culture, arts, sports, and tourism who have a positive public influence are also eligible for visa exemption. In particular, football players must be included in the list of the world’s 100 best players, as published annually by reputable international organizations, and must be invited by domestic professional football clubs to compete or participate in exchange activities.

Another group eligible for visa exemption includes honorary consuls of Vietnam abroad and guests invited by research institutes, universities, or major enterprises, with the specific list of institutions to be decided by the Government.

Other cases requiring a visa exemption for diplomatic purposes or in the service of socio-economic development will be decided by the Minister of Public Security.

The special visa exemption card comes in two forms: an electronic card and a physical chip-embedded card, both having equal legal validity. Competent authorities may choose to issue either type to foreign nationals. The visa exemption period shall not exceed five years and must be at least 30 days shorter than the passport’s remaining validity.

Earlier, in early April 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed ministries and sectors to study visa exemption policies for groups of international visitors with significant influence.

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