HANOI, Vietnam – Industry experts are calling on the Vietnamese government to extend visa-free entry to more nationalities, including key tourism markets like Australia and New Zealand. This move, they argue, is crucial for Vietnam to achieve its ambitious target of 23 million international visitors in 2024.
Starting March 1, Vietnam will allow 45-day visa-free travel for citizens of Poland, Czechia, and Switzerland arriving on package tours. While this is seen as a positive step, tourism leaders believe broader changes are needed to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global travel industry.
Expanding Visa Waivers for Key Markets
Martin Koerner, Group Commercial Director at The Anam, a luxury resort chain in Vietnam, welcomed the new visa policies but emphasized the need for further expansions. He proposed visa waivers for all European Union citizens as well as for visitors from Australia and New Zealand, which have been growing in importance as inbound tourism markets for Vietnam.
Additionally, Koerner recommended a seven-day visa exemption for Chinese travelers to encourage more short-term visits. China was Vietnam’s second-largest source of international arrivals in 2023, with 3.73 million visitors, following South Korea. In January 2024, China surpassed South Korea to become Vietnam’s top inbound market.
Can Vietnam Achieve Its 23 Million Target?
Vietnam welcomed 17.6 million foreign tourists in 2023 and has set an ambitious goal of attracting 23 million in 2024. Dr. Justin Matthew Pang, Interim Senior Program Manager for Tourism and Hospitality Management at RMIT Vietnam, believes this goal is achievable given the country’s diverse tourism offerings. However, he stressed that additional policy reforms and marketing efforts are essential to reach this milestone.
Pang suggested considering visa exemptions for wealthier Eastern European nations such as Slovenia. He also proposed granting visa-free entry to senior citizens from the United States and Canada, a demographic that increasingly seeks long-term travel experiences in Southeast Asia.
Current Visa-Free Policies and Potential Changes
At present, Vietnam waives visa requirements for citizens from 25 countries, including major tourism markets like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Russia, Japan, and South Korea. These travelers can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa.
Expanding this list to include Australia, New Zealand, and additional European and North American nations could significantly boost arrivals, according to tourism industry stakeholders. The proposed changes would align Vietnam with neighboring countries like Thailand and Malaysia, which have broader visa-free policies to attract international tourists.
The Economic Impact of Visa Reforms
Tourism is a key contributor to Vietnam’s economy, generating billions of dollars annually. Experts argue that making travel easier for international visitors will not only help meet arrival targets but also stimulate spending in hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
The Vietnamese government has made efforts to streamline entry processes, including the introduction of an e-visa system for citizens of 80 countries. However, industry leaders stress that expanding visa exemptions is a more effective way to attract high-spending tourists.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Vietnam’s Tourism
With a focus on sustainable tourism, Vietnam continues to enhance its infrastructure and diversify its offerings. Popular destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc are already benefiting from improved connectivity and promotional efforts.
Industry experts remain optimistic that with the right policies, including expanded visa waivers, Vietnam can achieve its 23 million visitor target and strengthen its position as a top travel destination in Asia.
For more updates on Vietnam’s tourism policies, visit Coleman News.
