Liberalized visa policies are unlocking new opportunities for Vietnam’s tourism sector, particularly in extending visitor stays, boosting spending, and fostering sustainable growth.
Streamlined Visa Processes Attract More Tourists
According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Trends Report, simplifying visa procedures is a key factor in attracting Vietnamese travelers to various destinations.
Mr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Agoda’s Country Director in Vietnam, emphasized that visa policies directly influence travel plans. When barriers are removed, travelers are more inclined to explore extensively.
Not only government agencies but also travel companies and hotels appreciate the flexibility in visa policies. A representative from AZA Travel noted that hassle-free visa processes enable tourists to plan effectively for peak seasons. Typically, Vietnam welcomes the largest number of international visitors from October to March.
The company has developed specialized tours for visa-exempt markets, tailoring itineraries to cater to diverse interests such as beach lovers, mountain explorers, cultural enthusiasts, and entertainment seekers.
Mr. Tu Quy Thanh, Director of Lien Bang Travel Company, believes that expanding e-visa and visa-free options makes it easier for international and Vietnamese tourists to book tours. Travelers increasingly combine multiple destinations in a single trip, enhancing revenue and overall experiences.
Many Vietnamese tourists opt for cherry blossom tours in Japan and South Korea to enjoy the vibrant spring scenery and unique cultural experiences. Photo: TT. |
In the golf tourism segment, Ms. Doan Ngoc Thao, Deputy General Director of The Swing Sports and Tourism Company, reported a 10-15% annual increase in golfers from South Korea and Taiwan (China) visiting Vietnam. Visa policies play a pivotal role in this growth.
“Golf tourism not only promotes sports but also elevates the destination’s image, driving growth in accommodation, cuisine, and transportation. With further visa policy expansions, Vietnam could become Asia’s top golf destination,” Ms. Thao stated.
From a broader perspective, Mr. Nguyen Viet Anh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, noted that in an increasingly competitive global landscape, updating visa policies and strengthening international cooperation will enhance Vietnamese businesses’ competitiveness. This foundation supports the development of niche products like golf tourism to attract high-quality visitors.
Open Visa Policies Welcome International Visitors
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism reports that Vietnam currently offers bilateral visa exemptions to 15 countries and unilateral exemptions to 12 countries. In 2025, conditional visa waivers were introduced for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
Notably, the e-visa policy has been extended to all countries and territories, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days with single or multiple entries. This facilitates convenient online registration for visitors.
Tourism experts highlight that alongside product innovation, services, and promotional activities, liberalized visa and entry policies are crucial in attracting a significant number of international tourists to Vietnam.
Extending the stay period for unilaterally visa-exempt countries from 15 to 45 days and for e-visa holders to 90 days increases visitor spending and duration. This policy is particularly beneficial for long-haul markets like Europe, Australia, and North America, whose travelers often prefer multi-destination, extended trips.
International tourists visit the 1927 Tea Factory in B’lao, Lam Dong Province. Photo: TT. |
Liberal visa policies not only enhance Vietnam’s international image and status but also lay the groundwork for investment attraction and economic, cultural cooperation. Coupled with peak tourism seasons, promotional campaigns by the National Tourism Administration are expected to help Vietnam achieve 25 million international visitors, contributing to the 2025 growth target.
Mr. Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director of the National Tourism Administration, stressed, “Relaxing and diversifying visa policies are vital steps to enhance Vietnam’s appeal to international tourists. Combined with professional marketing strategies, Vietnam can anticipate a significant rise in international visitors, thereby boosting tourism and positively impacting the economy and society.”
Additionally, Vietnam has launched the 2025 Tourism Stimulus Program to extend stays and increase spending for both international and domestic tourists. Promotional efforts will focus on markets with favorable visa policies, such as Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia, the US, and India. The tourism sector is also targeting high-end, long-stay segments, including MICE, golf tourism, and wellness travel.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is proposing pilot Tourism Promotion Offices in key strategic markets to reposition Vietnam as a “safe, friendly, attractive, humane, hospitable, and convenient destination.”
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According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, which ranks visa-free travel access across 199 countries, the Vietnamese passport ranks 89th. With 50 countries offering visa-free entry, there is significant potential to attract more Vietnamese travelers to these markets. Vietnamese tourists are increasingly favoring domestic travel, with 50% planning local trips instead of international ones, up from 26% the previous year. |
THU TRINH
– 15:12 12/12/2025
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