Vietnam’s Open Visa Policy: A Gateway to Economic Growth and Global Tourism
Vietnam is taking significant steps to enhance its appeal as a global tourist destination by implementing an open visa policy. This strategic move is expected to boost the country’s competitiveness, drive economic growth, and strengthen its position in the international tourism market.
One of the most notable developments in this regard is the recent amendment to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which came into effect on August 15, 2023. This legislation has introduced several key changes that make it easier for international visitors to enter and stay in Vietnam. Among these changes is the introduction of electronic visas (e-visas), which allow foreign nationals to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days—either for a single visit or multiple entries. These e-visas are available to citizens from all countries and territories around the world, marking a major milestone in Vietnam’s visa policy history.
Pham Van Thuy, deputy director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, emphasizes that the visa policy plays a crucial role in determining a destination’s competitiveness, especially in the post-pandemic era where many countries are vying for international tourists. He highlights that Vietnam’s e-visa system is now considered one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. The fully online process eliminates the need for paperwork or interviews, offering fast and flexible processing times that significantly improve the entry experience for foreigners.
Beyond being an administrative tool, tourism visas serve as a bridge for cultural exchange, investment growth, and economic connectivity. They also contribute to sustainable foreign currency revenue generation. In addition to e-visas, Vietnam has implemented bilateral visa exemptions for 15 countries, with stay periods ranging from 14 to 90 days. Unilateral visa exemptions are also in place for 12 developed nations, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Nordic countries, Japan, South Korea, and Russia, allowing stays of up to 45 days until March 14, 2028.
Earlier this year, the government piloted conditional short-term visa exemptions for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland from March 1 to December 31, 2025. This initiative aims to tap into European markets and align with tourism stimulus programs, enabling Vietnamese travel agencies to offer high-quality inbound tours. Experts believe this model could soon be expanded to other regions.
Despite these advancements, Vietnam still faces competition from regional counterparts. For instance, Malaysia offers visa-free access to citizens of 166 countries, Indonesia to 169, Singapore to 158, the Philippines to 157, and Thailand to 93. Some countries also provide group visas, visas on arrival, or special exemptions for MICE travelers and transit passengers. In this context, Vietnam must accelerate its reforms to remain competitive in the global tourism race.
For the visa policy to be truly effective, it must be integrated with well-organized promotion and marketing strategies. To this end, Vietnam is advancing a national brand positioning strategy called “Vietnam – Timeless Charm.” Initiatives such as green experiences, profound culture, unique cuisine, and friendly people are being promoted to attract international visitors.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed establishing tourism promotion offices in strategic markets. It is also developing a national digital tourism ecosystem that leverages AI and big data. Social media platforms like Google, Facebook, and TikTok are being used to enhance Vietnam’s image as a top tourist destination.
In 2025, the tourism stimulus program will feature a harmonious communications campaign under the theme “Vietnam – Travel to Love.” Alongside traditional markets like Japan, South Korea, and China, Vietnam is targeting emerging destinations such as India, the Middle East, and South America, which have growing middle classes and rising demand for overseas travel.
Experts suggest that simplifying entry procedures, expanding visa exemptions, and diversifying visa types can act as “institutional vaccines” that create a more attractive environment for tourists. These measures are expected to have a positive domino effect on related industries such as aviation, hospitality, retail, gastronomy, and culture.
While Vietnam has made promising progress, there is still room for improvement. Increasing the number of visa-exempt countries, reducing visa fees, expanding group visas, and linking visa policy more closely with trade, investment, and education promotion are key areas for future development.
In the long term, creating a coordination mechanism among the state, businesses, and diplomatic agencies will be essential to establish an innovative and forward-thinking visa policy that supports Vietnam’s continued growth in the global tourism landscape.