Vietnam Expands Visa Exemption Policy: A Strategic Move to Boost Tourism

How the new 2025 policy opens the door to greater connectivity and partnership opportunities

Vietnam’s tourism industry is taking a major leap forward in 2025 with its newly expanded visa exemption policy, a reform that aims to make travel to the country more accessible, competitive, and traveler-friendly.
Effective August 15, 2025, this new regulation not only simplifies entry procedures but also strengthens Vietnam’s positioning as one of Asia’s most open and welcoming destinations — especially for partners in the B2B travel sector.

1. A Game-Changing Policy for Global Travelers

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the updated visa policy extends the visa exemption period from 15 to 45 days for citizens of several key markets, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and select ASEAN countries.

In addition, five new countries — India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States — are now part of the e-visa expansion list, allowing travelers from these markets to apply online for single or multiple-entry visas valid for up to 90 days.

This marks a milestone moment in Vietnam’s post-pandemic tourism recovery, signaling the government’s commitment to long-term, high-value travel growth and stronger regional connectivity.

“Visa policy is one of the most powerful tools in destination competitiveness,” said a representative from VNAT. “The new regulation is designed not only to attract more visitors but to encourage them to stay longer and explore more.”

2. Why This Matters for Tour Operators and DMCs

For the B2B travel ecosystem, the expanded visa exemption and e-visa program have several strategic implications that go beyond convenience:

1️⃣ Reduced Friction = Higher Conversion

Simplifying the visa process directly increases travelers’ likelihood to book. With longer exemption periods and faster digital applications, conversion rates from inquiry to booking are expected to rise significantly — especially in markets like India and Australia, where visa complexity was previously a barrier.

2️⃣ Longer Stays, Broader Itineraries

The extended validity allows DMCs to design more immersive and multi-destination itineraries, combining Vietnam with Laos and Cambodia — a core advantage for regional operators like AnVui Travel specializing in Indochina tours.

A 45-day stay opens new opportunities for slow travel, cultural immersionet premium leisure packages tailored to long-haul travelers.

3️⃣ Easier Coordination for MICE and Group Travel

Simplified entry also boosts the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) segment, reducing administrative work for organizers and enabling more spontaneous corporate trips and incentive programs.

3. Vietnam’s Bigger Picture: Competing in the Global Tourism Arena

The 2025 visa policy is part of a broader strategy to position Vietnam as a year-round, multi-market destination.
The government is pairing this reform with major infrastructure upgrades, including:

• New international flight routes connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang with secondary Asian cities such as Mumbai, Manila, and Doha.

• Smart visa systems integrated with biometric technology to streamline arrivals.

• Enhanced airport services and digital customs for faster clearance.

Vietnam is now competing directly with other Southeast Asian destinations like Thailand and Indonesia — not only on price but also on ease of access and travel confidence.

“Accessibility is the foundation of growth. Once travelers can come easily, everything else — from marketing to experience — becomes more effective.”
— AnVui Travel CEO, Malaysia Roadshow 2025

4. Market Spotlight: Why India and Australia Are Key Beneficiaries

Among the newly targeted markets, India and Australia stand out as strategic priorities for 2025–2026.

🇮🇳 India: The Rising Power of Outbound Tourism

India’s outbound travel market is booming, with an estimated 50 million international travelers annually. Vietnam’s combination of visa ease, affordabilityet cultural resonance makes it a top new contender in the region.

Segments showing the fastest growth include:

• MICE groups and corporate travel

• Honeymoon packages to Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and Hoi An

• Spiritual and cultural tours with links to Buddhist heritage

🇦🇺 Australia: A Market Seeking Fresh Experiences

Australian travelers are shifting toward authentic, experiential destinations. With direct flights resuming and extended visa stays, Vietnam has the potential to become the new Bali for discerning travelers.

Operators can now promote longer itineraries (10–15 days) combining urban exploration with relaxation — for example, “Vietnam Classic with Phu Quoc Island” or “Northern Heritage Journey”.

5. How DMCs Can Capitalize on the Visa Advantage

For B2B partners, the policy update is not just a government initiative — it’s a marketing opportunity.
Here are three ways to make the most of it:

✅ 1. Promote “Visa-Free” Packages

Create and highlight ready-to-sell programs for visa-exempt countries — short, accessible itineraries such as “Vietnam 7 Days: From Hanoi to Hoi An”.
The message “No Visa Needed” can become a powerful hook in digital campaigns.

✅ 2. Educate Clients

Many travel agents and consumers are still unaware of the new rules. Proactively share updates, infographics, and travel advisories with your distribution network. Knowledge builds trust — and trust drives conversion.

✅ 3. Leverage Cross-Market Collaboration

Coordinate with regional DMCs to design Indochina circuits optimized for 45-day visas — allowing travelers to cross borders seamlessly between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

6. AnVui Travel’s Commitment: Making Travel Easier for Partners

At AnVui Travel, we welcome the new policy as an essential step toward reconnecting the world with Indochina.

Our sales and operations teams have updated all partner materials, including:

• Visa guideline PDFs (for each market)

• Updated itineraries highlighting visa-free destinations

• Advisory updates for agents and operators

We believe this change will not only increase visitor numbers but also enhance the overall quality of collaboration between Vietnam and its international travel partners.

🌿 Conclusion: A Policy That Welcomes the World

Vietnam’s expanded visa exemption is more than a travel convenience — it’s a strategic signal that the country is ready for a new chapter of global tourism leadership.

For partners and travel professionals, now is the time to:

• Refresh your Vietnam product portfolio

• Update your marketing content to emphasize visa ease

• Build stronger cooperation with local DMCs like AnVui Travel, who can provide on-the-ground insight, operational support, and up-to-date destination intelligence

Together, we can make Vietnam not only an easy place to visit — but a destination travelers can’t wait to return to.

📩 Stay Updated

For full visa guidelines and partner materials, contact us at
👉 info@anvuitravel.com or visit www.anvuitravel.com