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Vietnam considers waiving visas for visitors from high-end market in an attempt to facilitate tourism development, increase the competitiveness and attract more foreign tourists to Vietnam.

Vietnam considers easing visa policy for high-end travelers

The Prime Minister, in a recent telegram, requested relevant ministries to consider easing visas for high-end travelers to facilitate tourism development, increase the competitiveness and attract more foreign tourists to Vietnam.

Telegram No.22/CĐ-TTg dated March 9 focuses on key tasks and solutions aimed at reducing administrative procedures, improving the business environment, and promoting socio-economic development.

Accordingly, the PM assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security to effectively implement Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP dated March 7 on visa exemption for citizens of 12 countries.

The two ministries were required to study and propose to the Government a plan to unilaterally exempt entry visas for a period of time for citizens of some countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.

It’s important to prioritize visa exemption for scientists, successful businessmen, wealthy people, leading experts in fields that Vietnam has demand for, the PM says in the telegram.

The two ministries were also assigned to propose solutions to perfect visa policies, expand the issuance of electronic visas, especially for investors and experts, and policies on granting work permits to foreign workers in a more open, friendly, and transparent manner, in an attempt to minimize procedures and attract financially capable investors, experts, and highly skilled and professional workers.

The Prime Minister’s goal is to reduce at least 30% of administrative procedure processing time and at least 30% of compliance costs, eliminate 30% of unnecessary business conditions, and carry out business-related procedures in an electronic environment, ensuring smoothness, continuity, and efficiency, cited VOV.

The proposal must be submitted to the Government in March.

Earlier this year, Vietnam decided to waive entry visas for visitors from Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland, starting from March 1 to December 31, 2025. It also offered visa exemptions for visitors from 12 countries for another three years, from March 15 2025 to March 14, 2028.

The countries are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Vietnam is emerging as an attractive destination for high-end travelers thanks to its unique natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and luxury services.

The country is home to a number of world-famous natural wonders, such as Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Archipelago, Phu Quoc Island, and Son Doong Cave, alongside UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An Ancient Town, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, and the Hue Monuments Complex. These destinations offer luxury travel experiences, including exclusive resorts and high-end cruises.

The country boasts a long coastline with pristine beaches in Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc, making it an ideal getaway for affluent travelers.

Leading global hotel brands such as Aman, Four Seasons, Six Senses, and InterContinental have invested in Vietnam, providing world-class accommodations. Many resorts focus on wellness retreats and private luxury stays, catering to high-end guests seeking exclusivity and relaxation.

Local cuisine is gaining international recognition, with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and premium dining experiences such as fine dining and private chef services.

Vietnam - "top searched" tourism site thanks to attractive destinations

Vietnam’s tourism brand is gaining increasing recognition and competitiveness in the international market, particularly in Asia.

Recent reports from both domestic and international tourism research firms highlighted Vietnam as a top searched destination with numerous attractive locations for international travellers.

According to digital travel platform Agoda, Da Nang emerged as the most searched destination by US tourists in January 2025, surpassing Tokyo and Bangkok with remarkable 1,538% year-over-year growth from January 2024.

Notably, the central city entered the top five most searched cities by North American travellers in July 2024 and has maintained its position consistently each month since then.

Ha Giang is rapidly becoming a must-visit destination for international tourists, renowned for its breathtaking mountain passes and majestic natural landscapes. The northern mountainous province is especially popular for motorbike adventure tours lasting five to six days, offering visitors an authentic experience by stopping at local towns and ethnic minority villages.

In 2025, Ha Giang has seen a surge in interest from tourists from the US, the Republic of Korea (RoK), and Taiwan (China), with Korean visitors showing the strongest growth in search volume. According to Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam, this trend reflects a growing global preference for immersive and adventure travel experiences.

Vietnam welcomed 711,464 Japanese tourists in 2024, with Ho Chi Minh City alone receiving 348,239 visitors, making Japan one of the city’s top six international tourist source markets.

Phan Phuong Hoang, Deputy General Director of Vietravel, noted that the number of Japanese visitors to Vietnam have been steadily increasing each year. Marketing efforts in the East Asia nation are focused between October and March, the country’s peak travel season, according to VNA.

Tourists visit Ho Chi Minh City downtown. (Photo: VNA)

Meanwhile, Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of HCM City’s Department of Tourism, highlighted the high frequency of direct flights between Vietnam a