Vietnam proposes new long‑stay visas for digital nomads, remote workers and medical tourists
Vietnam has announced a proposal to introduce special long‑stay visas for digital nomads, remote workers and medical tourists. The plan could take effect in January 2027 if approved by the National Assembly and targets visitors who stay longer and spend more.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Proposed special visas for digital nomads, remote workers and medical tourists
- Timing
- Potential start in January 2027, pending legislative approval
- Who is affected
- Foreign remote workers, medical patients and their families, high‑spending long‑stay tourists
The details
- Announced by
- Vietnamese government
- Takes effect
- January 2027
- Previous rule
- Vietnam currently offers electronic visas valid for up to 90 days, with single‑entry and multiple‑entry options.
- New rule
- The proposal would create dedicated visa categories for digital nomads, remote workers and medical tourists, allowing longer stays and more flexible entry conditions, though exact durations and fees are not yet defined.
Proposal Overview
On 7 November 2026 the Vietnamese government presented a tourism reform package to the National Assembly in Hanoi. The draft covers seven policy groups and 14 articles, aiming to make travel easier, encourage higher spending and support new tourism‑related investments.
- Targeted at visitors who stay longer and spend more
- Includes incentives for hotels, airlines and local businesses
- Requires legislative approval before becoming law
Targeted Visa Categories
Two of the proposed visa streams focus on digital nomads and remote workers, and on medical tourists and their accompanying relatives. The digital‑nomad pilot would allow eligible foreign remote workers to remain in Vietnam under a tailored immigration arrangement. The medical‑tourism scheme would provide visas suited to patients needing weeks of treatment or rehabilitation and to family members supporting them.
- No specific visa duration, fees or income thresholds have been announced
- Eligibility criteria and application procedures are still under discussion
- Both schemes are intended as controlled pilots pending further detail
Implementation Timeline and Conditions
If the National Assembly approves the draft, the broader tourism framework could be launched on 1 January 2027 and remain in force until 31 December 2036. The special visa arrangements themselves have no confirmed launch date and will be defined in subsequent regulations. Lawmakers have requested clearer details on immigration rules, national security and public safety before finalising the measures.
- Approval by the National Assembly is required
- A parliamentary committee will refine visa conditions
- Travelers should await official regulations before planning based on the proposals
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing bookings remain valid under current visa rules until new regulations are issued
- Travelers considering long‑stay trips should monitor official announcements for any changes to entry windows
- Potential visitors may benefit from future longer‑stay options once the visas are enacted
Cost and documents
- No new fees or document requirements have been published for the proposed visas
- Current e‑visa applications and supporting documents continue to apply
- Any future cost or paperwork changes will be detailed in the final regulations
What you need to do
- Watch for the National Assembly’s decision on the tourism reform package
- Check the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism website for updated visa guidelines
- Maintain existing travel plans under the current e‑visa system until official changes are released
Who this affects
-
Digital nomads and remote workers
The proposal introduces a dedicated visa stream to allow longer stays for eligible foreign remote workers
What to do Await final visa specifications before applying
-
Medical tourists and accompanying relatives
A new medical‑tourism visa would accommodate patients needing extended treatment and their families
What to do Monitor official announcements for eligibility criteria and application process
-
High‑spending long‑stay tourists
The reforms aim to attract visitors who stay longer and spend more, potentially through extended visa options
What to do Continue using existing visa categories until new rules are confirmed
Frequently asked questions
When will Vietnam's new digital nomad visa become available?
The visa is part of a proposal that could start in January 2027, but it only takes effect after the National Assembly approves the draft and detailed regulations are issued.
What are the requirements for the proposed medical tourism visa?
The proposal mentions a visa tailored for patients and their relatives needing weeks of treatment, but exact eligibility, duration and documentation requirements have not yet been disclosed.
Do I need to change my current e‑visa if I plan a long stay now?
No. Until the new visa categories are officially adopted, travelers must continue to use the existing electronic visa system, which allows stays of up to 90 days.
Will the new visa schemes affect visa‑free entry for certain nationalities?
The draft suggests expanding bilateral visa exemptions, but it does not specify which additional nationalities may qualify, and no changes are in force yet.
How can I stay updated on Vietnam's visa reforms?
Follow announcements from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and watch for the National Assembly’s final decision on the tourism reform package.
