Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s visa policyshould be more open to lure international tourists, insiders have said.
Although the country has offered unilateral visaexemption and e-visas, the policy is not competitive enough as the 15-day visaexemption has yet to satisfy the need of visitors from such markets asEurope, North America and Australia, who often stay from three to four weeks inVietnam, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST).
Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department ofTourism Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa said the ministry should propose the Governmentinstruct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expand the list of countries andterritories qualified for visa exemption and e-visa, and restore visa grantingat border gates.
She also suggested simplifying visa procedures forvisitors who get infected with COVID-19 during their stay in Vietnam andundergo treatment in the Southeast Asian nation.
The official proposed extending visa-free stay fromthe current 15 to 30 days to attract more tourists.
Nguyen Thien Phuc, Director of Product Research& Development at Vidotour Indochina Travel, said apart from the visapolicy, a national communication strategy and a contingent of trained personnelare needed for the domestic tourism sector.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism hascoordinated with associations, businesses and airlines to outline promotionplans to quickly ramp up international tourism, focusing on Southeast Asian,Northeast Asian and European markets.
Specifically, Vietnam will join JATA Tourism Expo, aleading regional travel fair which will take place in Japan from September22-25, and the World Travel Market in the UK from November 7-9.
There will be also festivals and programmespromoting Vietnamese tourism in major markets like the Republic of Korea,Japan, Taiwan (China), Europe, North America and Australia, along with an arrayof events at home.
The sector served nearly 72 million domestictourists and 733,000 foreign visitors so far this year, according to the MCST.
The Ministry of Public Security said it grantede-visas to citizens from 80 countries and territories and offered visasexemption to travelers from 25 others./.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed resuming pre-pandemic visa policy for foreign arrivals to Vietnam to attract more tourists and recover the tourism sector in the future.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang informed the press on Vietnam’s policy on visa and mutual recognition of vaccine passport during a regular press conference of the ministry held online on March 3.
Vietnam dropped COVID-19 test requirements for visitors entering the country from May 15, a move expected to boost the recovery of the country’s tourism industry.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
