Vietnam, a country known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, has solidified its position as a major hub for international tourism. From the lush mountains in the north to the serene beaches in the south, Vietnam offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. To further enhance its tourism sector, Vietnam has expanded its visa-free access to 80 new countries, making travel easier for global visitors eager to explore this Southeast Asian gem.
Anup Kumar Keshan, Editor in Chief of TTW, expressed his views on this initiative. He stated, “This thoughtful initiative not only simplifies travel logistics for business and event participants but also enhances leisure travelers’ experiences. It strengthens Vietnam’s allure as a premier destination for global conferences, professional engagements, and vacationers alike. By promoting seamless and sustainable travel, this policy strengthens economic connections and encourages meaningful cultural exchanges throughout Europe.”
Vietnam’s expanded visa-free entry policy allows citizens from 80 countries to visit without a visa, aiming to increase tourism inflows and support local economies. Here’s a detailed look at the eligible countries and their maximum stay durations:
* Citizens from Chile and Panama can enjoy up to 90 days in Vietnam without needing a visa, making it convenient for extended stays and in-depth explorations.
* Travelers from various European and Asian nations, including the UK, can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa, ideal for leisurely exploration of Vietnam’s diverse culture and landscapes.
* Nationals from several other countries can visit Vietnam for up to 30 days visa-free, catering particularly well to regional neighbors and promoting frequent short-term visits.
* Philippine citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 21 days without a visa, perfect for short vacations or business trips.
* Residents of Brunei and Myanmar can enter Vietnam for up to 14 days without a visa, facilitating quick getaways or brief visits.
In 2024, Vietnam experienced a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals, welcoming over 15 million international visitors. This represents a staggering 120% increase from the previous year, bringing Vietnam close to its pre-pandemic tourism levels. Among these visitors, China, South Korea, and the United States were the top three contributing countries, with nearly 2 million, 1.5 million, and 1 million tourists, respectively. The expansion of visa-free access is a pivotal factor in this tourism boom. As of 2024, citizens from 80 countries can visit Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. This policy aims to attract tourists from diverse regions, enhancing Vietnam’s appeal as a hassle-free travel destination.
The surge in tourism has also spurred significant economic growth. In 2023, Vietnam’s tourism sector contributed approximately US$32 billion to the national economy, marking a substantial recovery from the pandemic-induced downturn. This growth has attracted over US$4 billion in tourism-related investments, predominantly in the development of luxury hotels, resorts, and cultural heritage sites. With a tourism competitiveness score of 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 7, Vietnam ranks third in Southeast Asia, trailing only behind Thailand and Singapore. This rating underscores Vietnam’s growing prominence in the region’s tourism landscape.
The outlook for Vietnam’s tourism sector remains optimistic. According to the 2023-24 Tourism and Economic Outlook report, 78% of industry experts believe that Vietnam will continue to experience robust growth. Key factors driving this positive sentiment include the development of high-quality tourist destinations and the adoption of digital technologies to enhance the visitor experience.
Vietnam’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a variety of experiences.
Here are some of the top destinations in Vietnam:
1. Hanoi
2. Halong Bay
3. Hoi An
4. Hue
5. Sapa
6. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
7. Nha Trang
8. Da Nang
9. Mekong Delta
10. Phu Quoc Island
11. Dalat
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals that Vietnam’s Travel & Tourism sector is on track to contribute a record đ770.8 trillion to the national economy this year. This represents a significant 13% increase from 2019 levels, accounting for over 7% of the country’s overall economy. The sector’s growth is also expected to boost employment by 6%, reaching 5.96 million jobs, or one in nine jobs nationwide. Domestic travel spending is projected to hit a record đ434.7 trillion this year, 20% above 2019 levels. However, international visitor spending is expected to remain 4.2% below 2019, totaling đ264.8 trillion.
Despite this, the WTTC reports that Vietnam’s tourism sector contributed đ682.7 trillion to GDP last year, marking nearly a 30% year-on-year growth. Employment in the sector increased by almost 11%, supporting 5.62 million jobs, or more than one in ten jobs nationwide. Domestic visitor spending rose over 7% year-on-year to đ420.8 trillion, surpassing 2019 levels by over 15%. International visitor spending, although up 97.5% year-on-year to đ203.7 trillion, remained over 26% below 2019 figures.
Explore Vietnam’s Diverse Culture and Stunning Landscapes
Vietnam offers a captivating mix of ancient traditions and contemporary allure, now more accessible with enhanced visa policies. With ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure and cultural conservation, Vietnam promises an exciting future on the global travel map.
