(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam aims to welcome 22–23 million foreign visitors this year. To this end, it is improving its tourism products and expanding its visa exemption policy.
 Vietnam expands visa-free entry to boost tourism |
Foreign arrivals in HCM city surged during the Lunar New Year. The municipal Department of Tourism attributed the surge to competitive new tourism products, multiple attractive promotions, and recent visa policy changes.
Director Le Truong Hien Hoa said: "We are investing in high-value tourism products to attract more visitors, encourage longer stays, and provide a richer experience. We are maintaining traditional markets while targeting new ones. To remain competitive with other countries, more open visa policies are needed."
As part of the 2025 Tourism Stimulus Program, Vietnam has announced visa exemptions for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
Chung Thuy Chau, Sales Director at Viet Tourism Media Company, said: "Visa exemptions greatly benefit travel companies, as many customers plan trips on short notice. The visa process can be a major obstacle for last-minute travelers."
Vietnam currently grants visa exemptions to citizens of 25 countries, including unilateral exemptions for 13 countries. In August last year, Vietnam started allowing citizens of all countries to apply for an e-visa and raised the maximum stay for e-visa holders from 30 to 90 days, with multiple entries permitted. Citizens from 13 countries can now stay for up to 45 days without a visa.
The streamlined visa process has made Vietnam a more attractive destination for international travelers and boosted its reputation as a tourist-friendly country.