New e-visa policy: new products needed to help tourism take off
To attract more tourists and improve the competitiveness of Vietnamese tourism, in addition to the new e-visa policy, there is still much work to be done, including building products to meet the needs of long-term vacationers and those with high payment capacity, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Foreign tourists visit Hue Imperial Citadel in Thua Thien-Hue province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - To attract more tourists and improve thecompetitiveness of Vietnamese tourism, in addition to the new e-visa policy,there is still much work to be done, including building products to meet theneeds of long-term vacationers and those with high payment capacity, accordingto the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
On August 14, the Government issued a resolution on grantinge-visas to citizens of all 257 countries and territories, allowing them toenter and exit the country using e-visas through 13 air, 16 land, and 13 seaborder gates.
Under the law amending and supplementing some articles ofthe Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Foreigners’Entry into, Exit from, Transit through and Residence in Vietnam, which becameeffective on August 15, the e-visa validity period is extended to 90 days from30 days. Within 90 days after the e-visa is granted, foreigners can enter andexit Vietnam for unlimited times and without having to apply for new visas.
The law also permits citizens of the countries entitled toVietnam’s unilateral visa exemption to be granted a temporary residence periodof 45 days, instead of 15 days like in the past, and have visa granting andtemporary residence extension considered in line with regulations.
Representatives from local travel agencies said that the newe-visa polity will help them deal with numerous problems and obstacles inattracting foreign holidaymakers.
It will be more convenient for visitors in carrying out entry-exitprocedures, and their travel plans can be made flexibly and economically.
Foreign tourists visit and shop at Binh Tay market in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)
Changes in the visa policy will create a boost for theinternational tourism market to recover strongly, at least equal to 70%-80% ofthat before the COVID-19 outbreak.
To that end, the tourism ministry urged enterprises todevelop new tours and products to better serve those with longer stays.
The ministry recently issued a strategic plan for Vietnam'stourism marketing to 2030 and a project to develop several night tourismmodels, which include orientations for localities and businesses to buildtourism products and services to satisfy tourists' needs.
It is also necessary to prepare human resources, providequality services, and improve management in localities, particularly at largetourist centres./.
The entire process for granting e-visas, from applying for, processing requests to issuing visas and paying fees, is now carried out online, said the Vietnam Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security.
More foreign citizens, particularly Chinese, have used e-visa to enter Vietnam via the Huu Nghi International Border Gate, according to authorities at the border gate in the northern province of Lang Son.
The new visa policy is presenting an opportunity for Vietnam's tourism industry to enhance its competitiveness, said the Ministry of Public Security’s Vietnam Immigration Department during a press conference in Hanoi on August 30.
The e-visa policy, which took effect from August 15, is expected to help Vietnam attract a hike in the number of international visitors right in the autumn-winter tourist season of 2023, said Do Van Hao, Deputy Chief of Police at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
Foreign tourists visit Hue Imperial Citadel in Thua Thien-Hue province (Photo: VNA) 
Foreign tourists visit and shop at Binh Tay market in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA) 
