November 24, 2023 – In a significant development, Vietnam is reportedly exploring the possibility of granting visa-free entry to Indian tourists as part of its strategy to revive its tourism sector. Nguyen Van Jung, Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, is advocating for short-term visa waivers for key markets, including India. The initiative aims to revitalize the country’s tourism industry, which has faced considerable setbacks due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, several European nations enjoy visa-free travel to Vietnam, and extending this privilege to Indian travelers reflects Vietnam’s acknowledgment of the growing significance of the Indian market in global tourism.
The tourism statistics for Vietnam in the first ten months of 2023 reveal a remarkable surge, with around 10 million international visitors – a substantial 4.6-fold increase compared to the same period in 2022. Despite hosting around 170,000 Indian visitors before the pandemic, Vietnam sees the potential for further growth in this market. Renowned Vietnamese destinations such as Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An remain popular among Indian tourists.
To facilitate entry for travelers, Vietnam had earlier introduced e-visas for individuals from all countries starting August 2023, offering a 90-day validity period and multiple entries. If Vietnam proceeds with the plan for visa-free entry for Indians, it would align with similar measures adopted by Sri Lanka and Thailand. Thailand recently announced a six-month visa-free entry for Indian and Taiwanese tourists, effective from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024. Sri Lanka also approved free visas for travelers from seven countries, including India, until March 31, 2024, aiming to attract five million tourists in the coming years. This move by Vietnam reflects a broader trend among countries looking to stimulate tourism by simplifying entry procedures.