Here is How Vietnam Targets to Welcome More than Twenty Three Million International Tourists from Brunei, Myanmar, Belarus, Finland, Germany, France, South Korea, Russia, Spain, Sweden UK, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Czechia, and Switzerland with Visa Free Travel, New Airline Connections and Easy Trip Bookings?

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Vietnam is strategically positioning itself to welcome more than 23 million international tourists by 2025, leveraging a range of initiatives aimed at simplifying travel and enhancing the visitor experience. The country is focusing on expanding visa-free travel for citizens from key markets, including Brunei, Myanmar, Belarus, Finland, Germany, France, South Korea, Russia, Spain, Sweden, the UK, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Czechia, and Switzerland. As of March 1, 2025, Vietnam granted 45-day visa-free access for citizens of Poland, Czechia, and Switzerland on package tours, with additional visa exemptions for 25 other countries, streamlining entry for tourists from diverse regions.

In tandem with this, Vietnam is enhancing its connectivity with the launch of new airline routes and partnerships. These new air links make it easier for tourists from Europe, Asia, and beyond to reach Vietnam’s major tourist hubs such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. These efforts are aimed at encouraging more international travelers to explore Vietnam’s rich culture, landscapes, and booming tourism sector.

To further simplify the travel process, Vietnam is focusing on easy trip bookings and the expansion of e-visas, offering faster and more efficient processing for those not covered by visa exemptions. This combination of streamlined immigration policies, improved connectivity, and accessible travel booking platforms aims to make Vietnam a top travel destination for millions of international tourists, boosting the country’s tourism economy and global reputation.

In a bid to simplify immigration procedures and further boost its tourism sector, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for ministries to explore the implementation of unilateral visa exemptions for travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. The move is part of an ongoing effort to make Vietnam more accessible to foreign visitors, and it signals a significant shift toward more relaxed visa policies as the country strives to meet its ambitious tourism goals.

In a directive issued on March 9, 2025, the Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security with developing policies that would enhance the country’s visa offerings, focusing on both ease of access and increased convenience for travelers. One of the key components of the directive is the push to improve the issuance of electronic visas (e-visas), which have become an increasingly popular and efficient way for travelers to enter the country.

The directive also stresses the need to prioritize visa exemptions for affluent travelers and successful entrepreneurs, targeting high-value tourists who are more likely to contribute significantly to Vietnam’s economy. By facilitating smoother entry for these visitors, Vietnam aims to attract a wealthier demographic, boosting not just tourism but also business and investment opportunities.

Recent Visa Policy Changes and Expansions

Vietnam’s recent moves to liberalize its visa policies are not isolated incidents. On March 1, 2025, the country implemented a new visa-free entry policy for citizens of Poland, Czechia, and Switzerland traveling on package tours. These travelers are now able to stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without the need for a visa, adding to the existing list of 25 countries whose citizens enjoy similar visa exemptions. This expansion of the visa-free entry list is seen as a significant step toward making Vietnam more accessible to foreign tourists, and it reflects the country’s broader efforts to streamline its immigration processes.

In addition to these recent changes, Vietnam has also decided to extend visa exemptions for citizens of 12 countries, including major tourism markets such as South Korea and Japan. These extended exemptions will remain in effect until 2028, further solidifying Vietnam’s commitment to improving its tourist visa policies and attracting a steady stream of visitors from key regions.

In line with these efforts, Vietnam also continues to grant three-month tourist visas to citizens of other countries and territories, ensuring that those who do not qualify for visa-free travel still have access to the country for extended stays. These measures are part of the government’s larger strategy to target 22 to 23 million foreign tourists by 2025, up from the 17.6 million visitors the country received in 2024.

Vietnam’s Strategic Push to Revitalize the Tourism Sector

With the global tourism landscape evolving and competition between destinations intensifying, Vietnam is keen to position itself as a top travel destination in Asia. The country is focusing on creating an environment that is not only more welcoming but also more accessible to international travelers, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to widespread disruptions in global tourism.

One of the most significant steps in this direction is the country’s decision to embrace technology and digital solutions in the tourism and immigration sectors. E-visas, for example, offer a faster and more convenient way for travelers to enter the country, bypassing traditional visa processing times. The ease of obtaining an e-visa could potentially attract more travelers, particularly those from countries where obtaining a traditional visa might be cumbersome or time-consuming.

By targeting European, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries, Vietnam is diversifying its tourism strategy and looking to new regions for growth. These areas are seen as having high untapped potential for tourism, with many countries in these regions experiencing growing middle classes and increasing levels of disposable income. As international travel picks up post-pandemic, these regions are expected to send more tourists abroad, and Vietnam hopes to capture a significant share of that market.

The Economic and Cultural Impact of Expanded Visa Exemptions

The introduction of unilateral visa exemptions and the expansion of the e-visa program are expected to have a significant positive impact on Vietnam’s tourism industry. Tourism is a critical part of the country’s economy, and by reducing barriers to entry, the government hopes to increase the number of international visitors. This, in turn, will boost the hospitality, retail, and service sectors, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

High-value tourists, including entrepreneurs and business investors, will likely contribute not only to the tourism industry but also to broader economic development. The move could make Vietnam a more attractive destination for business travel, investment, and international conferences, further enhancing its status as a global hub for tourism and commerce.

Moreover, the increased inflow of tourists is expected to have cultural benefits as well. Vietnam, with its rich history, unique cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes, is a prime destination for cultural tourism. The more accessible the country becomes, the greater the opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to experience its heritage, fostering international understanding and exchange.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Vietnam’s Tourism Policy

Vietnam’s efforts to simplify immigration and enhance its visa policies are just the beginning. With the goal of attracting up to 23 million foreign tourists by 2025, the government is likely to continue refining and expanding its visa strategies, adapting to the evolving needs of international travelers. These efforts include not only relaxing visa restrictions but also improving infrastructure, services, and overall visitor experiences.

As Vietnam’s tourism sector recovers and grows, the country is positioning itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia. By continuing to innovate and simplify the process of entering the country, Vietnam hopes to remain competitive in the global tourism market, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality.

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