Hotels (Commonwealth Union) _ Vietnam is reportedly considering the introduction of visa-free entry for Indian tourists as part of its efforts to revitalize the tourism sector. The Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Nguyn Van Jung, is advocating for short-term visa waivers for key markets, including China and India, to boost tourism, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, several European countries enjoy visa-free travel to Vietnam, and the proposal to extend this privilege to Indian travellers reflects the country’s recognition of the growing importance of the Indian market in global tourism. The tourism statistics for Vietnam in the first 10 months of 2023 show a significant surge, with around 10 million international visitors, a 4.6-fold increase compared to the same period in 2022. Vietnam hosted approximately 170,000 Indian visitors before the pandemic, indicating potential for further growth in this market.
Popular Vietnamese destinations like Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An are favourites among Indian tourists. Vietnam has also streamlined the visa application process by initiating the issuance of e-visas for individuals from all countries, offering a 90-day validity period and allowing multiple entries.
If Vietnam proceeds with the plan to allow visa-free entry for Indians, it would join countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand, which have already implemented similar measures. Thailand recently announced visa-free entry for tourists from India and Taiwan for six months, starting from November 10, 2023. Sri Lanka also approved free visas for travellers from several countries, including India, as part of an initiative effective until March 31, 2024, aiming to boost tourist arrivals.
This move by Vietnam aligns with a broader trend among countries seeking to stimulate tourism by simplifying entry procedures and acknowledging the significance of key markets like India.
