Open Visa Policy Positions Vietnam as Leading Regional Destination

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Tempo highlights Vietnam’s impressive post-pandemic tourism recovery, leading the Southeast Asian region. In 2024, the country welcomed nearly 17.6 million international visitors, reaching 98% of its record-breaking 2019 levels. This figure surpasses key regional competitors, including Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Vietnam’s tourism recovery rate was the highest in the region, followed by Malaysia (94%), Thailand (88%), Singapore (86%), Indonesia (86%), and the Philippines (72%).

Photo: VNE

Tempo attributes this impressive growth to Vietnam’s visa liberalization measures. The country now offers electronic visas (e-visas) to citizens of all countries and territories, and grants visa exemptions to 13 nationalities. Additionally, the government extended the temporary stay period to 45 days—30 days longer than before—effective August 15, 2023. In 2024, Vietnam also launched an online e-visa portal, streamlining the visa application process for international travelers.

Beyond policy changes, Vietnam’s natural beauty, rich culture, historical significance, and renowned cuisine continue to attract visitors. Tempo highlights Vietnam’s appeal not only as a globally recognized historical destination but also as a country of breathtaking natural wonders, distinctive cultural heritage, and vibrant culinary experiences.

Visitors can step back in time while exploring the ancient streets of Hoi An, the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, or the Imperial Citadel in Hue. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc-Bich Dong, and Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binh, or conquer Fansipan—the “Roof of Indochina.” Meanwhile, spiritual travelers can visit the Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang for a moment of tranquility.

Buoyed by strong growth, Vietnam aims to welcome 22–23 million international visitors in 2025. Beyond economic benefits, the tourism industry is expected to create jobs and improve local livelihoods.

To achieve this goal, Vietnam will target key and emerging markets, including China, South Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, North America, India, and the Middle East. The country’s strategy focuses on attracting travelers from visa-exempt markets and those with strong air connectivity. Additionally, Vietnam plans to enhance its tourism infrastructure and services while participating in major global travel fairs to boost its international profile.

Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, deputy general director of Vietravel, emphasized the need for Vietnam’s tourism industry to embrace sustainable and eco-friendly practices while leveraging digital transformation to maintain growth momentum.

Key initiatives include developing a national tourism database, utilizing AI and Big Data for personalized visitor experiences, and expanding online travel platforms for seamless booking, payment, and guided services. Vietnam also aims to attract high-quality tourism segments, such as luxury travel, wellness tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Other priorities include improving infrastructure, supporting tourism businesses and startups, strengthening international partnerships, and preserving local cultural identities through community-based tourism.

Representative of Vietluxtour also stresses the importance of digital marketing to enhance Vietnam’s global image. Additionally, they advocate for elevating the professionalism of Vietnam’s tourism workforce by improving training, language skills, and customer service to meet international standards.

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