New visa policy helping facilitate tourism development: Authority
The new visa policy is presenting an opportunity for Vietnam's tourism industry to enhance its competitiveness, said the Ministry of Public Security’s Vietnam Immigration Department during a press conference in Hanoi on August 30.
Hanoi (VNA)🍌 – The new visa policy is presenting anopportunity for Vietnam's tourism industry to enhance its competitiveness, saidthe Ministry of Public Security’s Vietnam Immigration Department during a pressconference in Hanoi on August 30.
The Law on amendments and supplements toseveral articles of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and theLaw on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam officiallytook effect on August 15. Within the first 15 days of the law being ineffect from August 15-30, and in accordance with the Government’s ResolutionNo. 127, a total of 112,058 applications for electronic visas have beensubmitted, marking an increase of over 70% compared to the time before the law came intoeffect. Citizens of countries newly eligible for electronic visas under the resolution accounted for 50%, or 56,000applications, with Chinese citizens using e-passports making up around 10%(9,130 applications). During this period, a total of 337,669foreigners entered Vietnam under the unilateral visa exemption policy, or 70%of the total, mostly from the Republic of Korea with 155,000people, Japan 30,000 and the UK 8,000. The extension of temporary stay from 15days to 45 days has also made it more convenient for foreign visitors to choosevarious leisure, cross-country, and regional tours.
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)
On August 14, the Government issued a resolutionon granting e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories, allowing them to enter and exit the country using e-visas through 13 air, 16 land, and 13 sea border gates. Accordingto the department, the building of the Law also suits the practicalconditions with an aim to reform administrative procedures in the field ofentry and exit of Vietnamese citizens./.
The new visa policy, which will officially take effect from August 15, is expected to offer a good chance for the tourism sector of the south-central coastal province of Binh Thuan in particular and Vietnam in general, to attract more international tourits.
The new visa policy, taking effect from August 15, is creating a boost to the attraction of international tourists, but it is just the initial step and more long-term measures are required to make a breakthrough in this regard, according to insiders.
The new visa policy, coming into force on August 15, is believed to open up various opportunities for tourism development, and stakeholders in this industry are taking actions to seize those chances.
Effective from August 15, regular passport holders in certain countries will be exempt from visa requirements for stays in Vietnam of 45 days instead of 15 days. Foreign travellers can enter and exit under an e-visa an unlimited number of times within a 90-day period.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.