Vietnam: 2025 passports offer more travel options.

For those who love the feeling of packing their bags and traveling, the updated Henley Passport Index 2025 offers a little more room for travel plans: the Vietnamese passport is now ranked 90th, up two places from the October ranking. While still lower than the 87th position in 2024, this change shows that the international travel landscape of Vietnamese citizens continues to be closely monitored with each update.

According to the Henley Passport Index 2025 ranking, updated in December, Vietnamese citizens can now enter 50 destinations without a visa or with only a visa on arrival (ETA) in a total of 199 countries and territories.

New Vietnamese passport design. Photo: Ngoc Nick M

One passport, many types of travel.

In travel terminology, the "power of a passport" is often perceived in a very practical way: one less paperwork step, more itinerary options, and sometimes the ability to book a trip faster when unexpected work schedules open up.

The Henley Passport Index assesses passport strength based on the number of destinations a holder can enter without a visa. This system is built from proprietary data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), combined with analysis from the Henley & Partners research team, and is updated monthly.

The "easy-to-reach" destinations mentioned

In the group of destinations that Vietnamese citizens can enter without a visa or with only a visa on arrival, the data indicates that the majority are ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, and Malaysia. In addition, there are island nations such as Cape Verde, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, and Maldives.

The common feature of these options is that they streamline the process: instead of starting with a thick stack of documents, you can begin by checking the entry requirements based on visa-free status, visa on arrival, or ETA applicable to each destination.

ETA, visa on arrival, and visa-free: understanding them correctly to avoid missing your flight.

The source indicates 50 destinations that include visa-free or visa-on-arrival (ETA) cases. In practical planning, these are three different "lanes" in terms of preparation:

Visa-free entry : This is usually the simplest option in terms of pre-trip paperwork.
Visa on arrival : you need to prepare for the procedures upon arrival (usually includes waiting times and accompanying requirements).
ETA : Electronic Travel Authorization, meaning there are still steps to complete before departure, but the process may differ from applying for a traditional visa.

For last-minute trips, knowing the difference between these three methods will help you avoid the situation where you only discover you're missing a crucial step at the airport.

What do rankings say about openness and integration?

The data source states that passport rankings reflect a country's level of integration and openness. In terms of national openness, Vietnam ranks 80th, offering visa-free access to nearly 40 destinations. In the third quarter's ranking, Vietnamese passports were granted visa-free access to 51 destinations worldwide.

In a longer-term context, the highest ranking Vietnam has ever held in the HPI's 20-year history is 78 (2006, 2007). Vietnam has also ranked 79 (2008, 2009), 81 (2013, 2014) and 84 (2010).

Looking at the world : Top 10 most powerful passports in 2025

In the top group, sources indicate that Singapore remains the country with the most powerful passport in the world, allowing its citizens visa-free entry to 193 countries and territories. The newest addition to the top 10 is Malaysia, climbing two places like Vietnam, with visa-free access to 181 destinations. The United States remains in the top 11, unchanged from the last ranking.

Illustration showing Vietnamese passport information upgraded by two ranks. — Vietnamese passport ranks up two places - 2

Tips for planning a trip based on passport "openness".

Start by listing destinations that fit the visa application process : if you prioritize minimal preparation, focus on visa-free destinations; if you prefer more flexibility, consider visa on arrival or ETA as required.
Carefully read the entry requirements before your flight : because the Henley Passport Index is updated monthly, the information may change from time to time.
Allow time for procedures at your destination : with a visa on arrival, the itinerary should be more relaxed to avoid time pressure.

With a passport, the feeling of freedom sometimes comes from small things: fewer steps at the check-in counter, more options for a short vacation. And in the December update of the Henley Passport Index 2025, the Vietnamese passport has just taken another step forward in ranking, giving travel enthusiasts more options to track and plan their trips.