Open visa policy – key to winning global tourism race
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Phu Quoc island is a favourite destination of both domestic and international visitors. (Photo: baodautu.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) -🦩 With an open visa policy, Vietnam will be able to enhance its appeal to international visitors, helping boost competitive edge and driving economic growth, according to insiders.
Cornerstone of tourism recovery
Vietnam's visa policy has made remarkable strides in recent years, with one of the most significant milestones being the approval of the law on amending and supplementing several articles to the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam that took effect on August 15, 2023. Under this legislation, electronic visas (e-visas) now allow stays of up to 90 days, available for single or multiple entries, and apply to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide. This represents an unprecedented development in Vietnam's visa policy history.
Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Pham Van Thuy affirmed that the visa policy is one of the most critical tools in destination competitiveness, especially as countries are intensifying efforts to attract international tourists in the post-COVID era.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Tourism visas serve not merely as administrative tools, but as a key that opens pathways for cultural exchange, investment growth, economic connectivity, and sustainable foreign currency revenue generation.
Additionally, bilateral visa exemptions are being put in place for 15 countries with stay periods ranging from 14 to 90 days, and unilateral visa exemptions for 12 developed nations including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Nordic countries, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Russia until March 14, 2028, with stays of up to 45 days.
Earlier this year, the Government issued a resolution on piloting conditional short-term visa exemptions for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland from March 1 to December 31, 2025. This forward-thinking move not only opens potential European markets but also directly links with tourism stimulus programmes, enabling Vietnamese travel firms to be more proactive in organising high-quality inbound tours. This model is expected to expand to other markets soon.
An open visa policy will boost Vietnam's tourism industry. (Photo: VNA)
Closing gaps with regional competitors
Despite significant progress, Vietnam still lags behind regional countries. Currently, Malaysia offers visa-free access to citizens of 166 countries, Indonesia to 169, Singapore to 158, the Philippines to 157, and Thailand to 93.
Some countries also offer group visas at entry points, visas on arrival, or special exemptions for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travellers and air or sea transit passengers. Against the backdrop, Vietnam must accelerate reforms or risk losing ground in the global tourism race.
Visa policy only proves effective when it is integrated with well-organised promotion and marketing ecosystems. Recognising this, Vietnam's tourism industry is advancing a national brand positioning strategy called "Vietnam - Timeless Charm" and new initiatives like green experiences, profound culture, unique cuisine, and friendly people.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism proposed establishing Vietnam tourism promotion offices in strategic markets. Simultaneously, it is developing a national digital tourism promotion ecosystem incorporating AI and big data while boosting tourism images through such digital platforms as Google, Facebook, and TikTok.
Additionally, the 2025 tourism stimulus programme will include a harmonious communications campaign at home and abroad under the message of “Vietnam – Travel to Love” message”, said Thuy.
Along with traditional markets like Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China, Vietnam is targeting emerging destinations like India, the Middle East, and South America, which boast a fast-growing middle class, rising demand for overseas travel, and higher average spending.
According to insiders, simplifying entry procedures, expanding visa exemptions, and diversifying visa types are seen as “institutional vaccines” that will create a more attractive environment, creating a domino effect on related industries such as aviation, hospitality, retail, gastronomy, and culture.
While Vietnam has made promising steps, it should increase the number of visa-exempt countries, reduce visa fees, expand group visas, and link visa policy more closely with trade, investment, and education promotion.
In the long run, it is essential to create a coordination mechanism among the State, businesses, and diplomatic agencies to establish an innovative visa policy, insiders said./.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
A the 31st-generation descendant of King Ly Thai To, Ly Xuong Can was first appointed as Vietnam’s Tourism Ambassador to the RoK in 2017 and reappointed in 2021. In his role, he has spearheaded numerous cultural exchange and tourism promotion initiatives, including the establishment of the Vietnam tourism promotion office in the RoK and the development of a cashless payment project for Korean tourists visiting Vietnam.
The Quang Ninh Tourism Association underscored its commitment to delivering a complete and safe experience for visitors, affirming that Ha Long Bay and Quang Ninh as a whole remain safe destinations.
The "Plastic-Reducing Tourism" push, launched in Thuy Bieu ward and now expanded to iconic sites like Thanh Toan tile bridge, Ngu My Thạnh - Con Toc, and Chuon lagoon, is gaining traction. They are becoming go-to zones for community-based tourism, drawing visitors eager to immerse themselves in local traditions.
The Russian market’s strong rebound has not only revived tourism in Khanh Hoa but also contributed significantly to Vietnam’s overall tourism recovery. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), Russia was the only international market to post a record growth rate of over 139% in the first half of 2025.
