Vietnam Enhances Visa Policies to Boost Tourism Growth

Vietnam has rolled out a series of favourable visa policies to attract international tourists, with a goal of driving the tourism sector's breakthrough growth in the next few years. Industry leaders and experts, however, believe that more open and convenient visa reforms are needed to enhance the country's competitiveness and meet its economic growth target of over 8 percent. Vietnam's current electronic visa (e-visa) policy has been positively received, extending the length of stay to up to 90 days and featuring a fully online, streamlined application process. The introduction of unilateral visa exemptions and new policies represents a breakthrough, but experts stress that further research and policy proposals are urgently needed to develop more liberal and accessible visa rules for foreign visitors.

Key Takeaways:

• Vietnam has rolled out a series of favourable visa policies to attract international tourists, including an electronic visa (e-visa) policy that extends the length of stay to up to 90 days and features a fully online, streamlined application process.
• The current e-visa policy has been positively received, boosting Vietnam's competitiveness and improving the entry experience for foreign visitors.
• Vietnam has introduced unilateral visa exemptions for citizens of 12 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and South Korea, allowing stays of up to 45 days regardless of passport type or travel purpose.
• The country has also granted unilateral visa exemptions to citizens of 12 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and South Korea, allowing stays of up to 45 days regardless of passport type or travel purpose.
• Phu Qua 'c Island is a notable exception, where foreign passport holders can stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
• Vietnam's visa policies are gradually becoming more open, but industry leaders say its competitiveness still lags behind other countries in the region.
• Countries in the region, such as Malaysia and Thailand, grant visa-free entry to more countries than Vietnam.

Statistics:

• In the first five months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed 9.2 million international visitors, up 21.3 percent from the same period in 2024.
• Revenue from accommodation and food services during this time was estimated at VND 340.3 trillion (US$13.4 billion).
• Vietnam's current e-visa policy extends the length of stay to up to 90 days and features a fully online, streamlined application process.
• Vietnam has bilateral visa exemption agreements with 15 countries, with varying permitted stays.
• Vietnam has unilateral visa exemptions for citizens of 12 countries.

Sources:

• "Vietnam Society of Travel Agents Phung Quang Thao-ng"
• "Phao!m VAfn Tha SSy, deputy head of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism"
• "Resolution 44/NQ-CP issued on March 7"
• "Vietnam National Authority of Tourism"