Relaxed visa policies likely to boost travel industry
In an effort to increase international tourism, Vietnam has implemented a series of visa policy changes that have proven to be successful. According to a report by the World Tourism Organization, visa exemption or simplification could help increase the number of international visitors by up to 25 per cent each year.
One of the most significant changes was made in mid-2023, when Vietnam expanded the issuance of e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories, increasing the duration of stay from 30 days to 90 days, valid for single or multiple entries. This move was followed by the government's decision to exempt citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland from visa requirements, allowing them to stay for up to 45 days.
These changes have removed important barriers, creating momentum for businesses to expand their markets and significantly increasing Vietnam's attractiveness to high-quality international visitors. European tourists, who are interested in sustainability, service quality, and heritage conservation activities, have shown a growing interest in Vietnam.
Over the past two years, Vietnam's tourism recovery and development have been associated with a well-established visa policy, including e-visas and unilateral visa exemption. This has put Vietnam in a competitive position, especially in the context of increasing competition for destinations in Southeast Asia, where countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia have taken the lead in visa policies.
The flexible visa policy has been well-received by the tourism industry. Vu Van Tuyen, director of Travelogy Vietnam, stated that Vietnam's relaxation of entry procedures is a positive signal to enhance the competitive advantage of the tourism industry. Nguyen Tuan Linh, director of Mr. Linh's Adventures, also emphasised the importance of the policy in attracting tourists and enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese tourism.
European tourists tend to prefer long-term tours that combine relaxation and exploration. Popular long-term experience tours for international visitors include exploring the nature of the northeast and northwest, learning about UNESCO heritage sites, and high-end tours with private yachts on Halong Bay, luxury villas in Phu Quoc, and golf courses. Wealthy and celebrity European tourists require exclusive and private travel products, which Vietnam is well-equipped to provide.
In the first seven months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed more than 12.2 million international visitors, with the number of visitors from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland consistently ranking first among key tourism markets. With the average European tourist staying for 1-3 weeks and having high spending levels of $1,500-2,500 per trip, this market is a significant contributor to Vietnam's tourism revenue.
The visa exemption is part of the tourism development stimulus programme and is effective from August 15 for the next three years. This policy, along with Vietnam's commitment to sustainable tourism, positions the country well to attract more European tourists in the future. By developing tours that combine nature protection, support for local communities, and ecotourism products, Vietnam can take advantage of the sustainable tourism trend to attract tourists from Europe.
In conclusion, Vietnam's flexible visa policy has been instrumental in boosting tourism and attracting high-quality international visitors, particularly from Europe. The policy, along with Vietnam's commitment to sustainable tourism, positions the country well to continue attracting tourists in the future.
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