Vietnam is gearing up to provide visa-free entry for Indian tourists in a significant move aimed at stimulating tourism and bolstering its economy. This proactive step follows Vietnam’s recent extension of visa exemption durations from 15 to 45 days for several countries, indicating the nation’s commitment to revitalizing its tourism sector.

Background

• In bid to boost tourism, Vietnam considering allowing visa-free entry for Indian tourists
• 8.9 million international visitors visited Vietnam in 2023 so far
• Vietnam recently extended visa exemption from 15 to 45 days for some countries

Minister’s Push for Tourism Boost

Nguyen Van Jung, Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, has actively championed short-term visa exemptions for countries like China and India. This initiative aligns with Vietnam’s strategy to expedite the recovery of its tourism industry, as reported by VnExpress.

Regional Momentum: Sri Lanka and Thailand

Vietnam isn’t operating in isolation; it joins Sri Lanka and Thailand in implementing similar measures. 

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated, “We will provide visa-free entry to India and Taiwan because a lot of their people like to travel to Thailand.” This synchronization in visa policies aims to foster regional tourism.

Expanded Measures and Prime Minister’s Proposal

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed visa waivers for visitors from affluent countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, and the remaining 20 EU member states. Concurrently, Vietnam has introduced initiatives like granting e-visas for up to 90 days for all countries, amplifying efforts to attract global tourists.

Extended Visa Exemption and Current Policies

Vietnam has extended the visa exemption duration from 15 to 45 days for tourists from unilaterally exempted countries, including 

• South Korea
• Japan
• Russia
• Denmark
• Norway
• Sweden
• Finland
• France
• Belarus
• Germany
• UK
• Spain
• Italy

Notably, Vietnam already offers visa-free stays for varying durations to citizens of countries such as 

• Belarus
• Brunei
• Cambodia
• Chile
• Denmark,
• France
• Germany
• Indonesia
• Italy
• Japan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Norway
• Philippines
• Russia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Spain, Sweden
• Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

Tourism Trends and Targets

While Vietnam witnessed about 8.9 million international visitors in 2023, contributing nations like South Korea, Taiwan, America, and Japan played pivotal roles. 

However, 2022 experienced a decline, hosting only about 3.7 million foreign visitors, primarily from South Korea, America, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia. In 2019, pre-pandemic, Vietnam welcomed approximately 18 million international travelers who spent around $30 billion, underscoring the need to restore pre-pandemic tourism levels.

Vietnam’s proactive measures not only aim to attract more tourists but also signify its role in contributing to the global recovery of the tourism industry post-pandemic