Vietnam Grants Visa Exemption for Billionaires and Influential Public Figures from August 15, 2025

The Government has issued Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP on visa exemptions for foreign nationals. Accordingly, from August 15, 2025, Vietnam will grant visa exemptions to certain billionaires and internationally recognized public figures.

Visa Exemption Policy under Decree 221/2025/NĐ-CP

Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP introduces time-limited visa exemptions for foreign nationals classified as “special priority groups” whose presence supports Vietnam’s socio-economic development. The regulation takes effect on August 15, 2025.

According to the Appendix of the Decree, the eligibility criteria for special visa-exempt categories serving socio-economic development include the following:

Foreign Investors and Global Corporate Leaders

Foreign investors or executives from major global corporations may qualify if they represent companies listed among the world’s top 100 enterprises by market capitalization, as announced annually by reputable international organizations.

Individuals Active in Culture, Arts, Sports, and Tourism with Positive Public Influence

(1) Cultural and Artistic Professionals

Eligible individuals include artists, film producers, directors, actors, filmmakers, music producers, musicians, composers, singers, program producers, painters, and photographers who:

• Have achieved international awards, professional recognition, or significant public influence in performing arts, cinema, music, fine arts, or photography; and
• Possess an invitation letter or official authorization issued by a competent authority under Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to participate in cultural, artistic, or educational activities in Vietnam.

(2) Sports Professionals

Eligible sports-related individuals include:

• International football players receiving top honors recognized by FIFA or AFC, such as Ballon d’Or, Golden Boot, Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, or Top Scorer awards.
• World-class footballers ranked among the top 100 players globally by reputable international organizations and invited by Vietnamese professional football clubs for competition or exchange activities.
• Athletes who have won gold, silver, or bronze medals at the Olympic Games, Paralympics, Asian Para Games, or Asian Games (ASIAD).
• Experts, coaches, athletes, referees, and foreign sports delegations participating in regional, continental, or global sporting events hosted by Vietnam, holding official event accreditation issued by the organizing committee.

(3) Tourism Sector Representatives

• Vietnam Tourism Ambassadors appointed overseas by decision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
• Content creators specializing in cultural, travel, culinary, or traditional craft promotion who meet the following conditions:
  • At least 1,000,000 followers across social media platforms.
  • Active promotion of Vietnam’s tourism or a confirmed commitment to produce Vietnam-related content during their visit, supported by a detailed content plan approved by Vietnamese authorities.
  • No public actions or statements that negatively affect the national image of Vietnam.

In summary, starting August 15, 2025, Vietnam will implement visa exemptions for selected billionaires and influential public figures whose activities contribute to national economic, cultural, and tourism development.