Vietnam is setting its sights on attracting between 22 to 23 million international visitors this year, thanks to an expansion of its visa exemption program that now includes citizens from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. The initiative reflects a strategic push by the Vietnamese government to enhance its tourism sector.
During the recent Lunar New Year celebrations, Ho Chi Minh City experienced a notable surge in foreign visitor arrivals, according to the city’s Municipal Department of Tourism. Le Truong Hien Hoa, the department’s director, remarked, “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. More open visa policies are needed to remain competitive with other countries.”
Growth in Visitor Arrivals
In 2024, Vietnam welcomed over 17.5 million foreign tourists, marking a significant increase fueled by relaxed visa regulations and expanded air travel routes. The country’s accessibility improved notably, particularly for travelers from major Asian markets like South Korea and China, as well as from Europe, including India. These developments underscore a robust recovery in tourism following the challenges posed by the pandemic.
New Visa Policies
As part of Vietnam’s 2025 Tourism Stimulus Programme, the newly introduced visa exemptions allow citizens from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland to stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa. This policy will be in effect from March 1 through December 31, 2025.
In addition to these three countries, Vietnam has extended its visa-free stay options to include citizens from several other nations: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus. This move aims to further boost tourist numbers and enhance Vietnam’s appeal as a travel destination.
With these strategic initiatives, Vietnam is poised to strengthen its position in the global tourism industry.
