Việt Nam’s strategic new visa exemption policy is significantly transforming its tourism sector, attracting an unprecedented surge of visitors from major European markets and firmly establishing the nation as a premier global destination.
By eliminating previous entry barriers for travelers from countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic, this progressive policy not only streamlines the travel experience but also vastly enhances Việt Nam’s appeal and accessibility on the international stage.
The positive impact is clearly visible, with recent data from the online travel platform Agoda highlighting dramatic increases in accommodation searches. Following the March implementation of a 45-day visa exemption, searches from Poland soared by 306%, the Czech Republic by 155%, and Switzerland saw a notable 68% boost compared to the same period in 2024.
These enthusiastic European travelers are flocking to Việt Nam’s renowned tourist hotspots. Popular destinations include the vibrant coastal city of Đà Nẵng, the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, the historic capital Hà Nội, and the idyllic island of Phú Quốc, alongside the scenic Nha Trang, all celebrated for their diverse offerings and rich cultural experiences.
The visa exemption has proven a considerable advantage, facilitating smoother access for European tourists and fostering a optimistic outlook for Việt Nam’s travel industry, particularly within the highly competitive Southeast Asian market. In response, many travel companies are strategically enhancing their product portfolios, targeting high-spending segments with specialized tours like golf tourism, luxurious cruise packages, wellness retreats, and adventurous expeditions tailored to evolving European preferences.
European clientele now constitutes approximately 30% of Vietluxtour’s international visitors, frequently opting for comprehensive cross-country tours and serene beach resorts in iconic locations such as Hạ Long Bay. Similarly, tourists booking with Vietravel from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland consistently demonstrate a strong preference for premium services and authentic local cultural immersions, underscoring the escalating demand for bespoke travel experiences.
Recognizing this robust growth, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has initiated several extensive international promotional campaigns aimed at key European nations. These proactive measures include prominent participation in major travel fairs like ITB Berlin and Travex, alongside innovative film tourism promotion events at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and comprehensive digital media outreach.
Further bolstering the sector, Việt Nam’s tourism industry launched a significant domestic and international stimulus campaign, ‘Việt Nam – Travel to Love!’, at the start of 2025. This coordinated effort unites travel agencies, accommodation providers, transport services, and airlines, while also fostering closer collaborations with airlines to establish more direct flights, charter services, and increased flight frequencies connecting Việt Nam with European countries.
The positive momentum continues, with data from the past six months revealing a 44% increase in Polish visitors and a 10% rise from Switzerland compared to early 2024. With Việt Nam aiming to attract 22 to 23 million international visitors this year, experts are increasingly optimistic that this ambitious target is within reach, solidifying Việt Nam’s standing as a leading destination for European tourism in the years ahead.
