Vietnam's recent overhaul of its visa policies has ignited a surge in international tourism, transforming the country into a must-visit destination.
Travelers like Maria Sanchez, who navigated seamlessly between Vietnam and Cambodia before returning for a seminar, are emblematic of the new ease and flexibility in travel that Vietnam now offers.
Since August 2022, Vietnam has extended visa-free stays to 45 days for citizens from 13 key countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK. In addition, all tourists are now eligible for three-month visas, a significant upgrade from the previous one-month limit. These changes have led to an almost full recovery of international arrivals, nearing pre-pandemic levels with nearly 16 million visitors in just 12 months.
The numbers speak volumes. In the year following the policy shift, Vietnam welcomed nearly 16 million international visitors, a staggering 99% of its 2018-2019 figures. The first seven months of 2024 saw 10 million arrivals, outpacing the same period in 2019 by 2%.
Find out more Vietnam PM Pushes Visa Reform: A High-Stakes Gambit to Boost Tourism
This influx is particularly noticeable among visitors from the 13 visa-exempt nations, who have contributed to a 37% share of total arrivals, with Russia and Italy showing remarkable increases of 75% and 61%, respectively.
Travel companies are riding this wave of growth. Vietravel, one of Vietnam’s leading tour operators, reported a staggering 250% increase in international visitors during the peak season, with a 300% rise in tourists from visa-exempt countries, Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, deputy general director of leading tour operator Vietravel says. Such growth is propelling Vietnam’s tourism industry toward surpassing its 17-18 million visitor target for the year.
These new visa policies not only simplify travel but also encourage longer stays, deeper exploration, and more spending—vital elements for a thriving tourism sector. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining high service standards and promoting sustainable tourism to keep this momentum going.
A testament to this boom is the upcoming visit of an Indian pharmaceutical billionaire, who will bring 4,500 employees to Vietnam for a two-week tour—a golden opportunity for Vietnam's tourism industry to shine on the global stage. As Vietnam continues to evolve as a premier destination, the focus remains on creating unforgettable experiences that inspire visitors to return and share their stories with the world.
Source: Vnexpress
As the Largest Aviation-Tourism Corporation in the country, Vietravel consistently provides high-standard services at the most competitive prices so that you can discover the beauty of not only Vietnam but all of Southeast Asia.
Plan your trip to Vietnam here.
Please contact us for more information
Vietravel – Asia’s Leading Tour Operator
Hotline: (84) 35 235 61 61
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vietravelasia.com
#VietravelAsia #Vietravel #Vietnam
