Vietnam to offer preferential visas to foreign visitors who spend more, stay longer
Vietnam will introduce preferential visas for foreign visitors who contribute most to its tourism industry, under a Politburo resolution that also widens visa waivers and requires international travelers to carry insurance.
Vietnam has announced plans to offer preferential visas to foreign visitors who spend more money and stay longer in the country. The decision, signed by the Party General Secretary and President To Lam, does not yet specify a qualifying threshold or timeline for implementation. The preferred group includes visitors who can significantly contribute to tourism development, while a broader focus is placed on visitors who spend more and stay longer.
The government intends to ease entry and exit policies for key markets, with flexible visa arrangements applied on a case-by-case basis, subject to defense and national security concerns. Compulsory insurance for international visitors and simpler procedures for border and island area visits are also part of the plan. Vietnam aims to boost tourism's contribution to GDP to 10-12% by 2030, with the sector hosting 45-50 million foreign visitors and achieving a leading position in Southeast Asia.
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are identified as key growth areas, with Phu Quoc set to become a high-end beach resort hub. The country plans to develop 10 key tourism hubs, 20 national tourism areas, 15 tourism groups with strong brands, and around 1.5 million tourist accommodation rooms. By 2045, Vietnam seeks 70 million international arrivals and a direct contribution of 14-15% to GDP, aiming to rank within the top 30 globally for tourism competitiveness.
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