Vietnam Sees Record International Visitors, Surpassing Pre-Covid Numbers

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Record Number of International Visitors in Vietnam

Vietnam has recorded a historic number of international visitors in the first 11 months of this year, with nearly 19.2 million tourists arriving, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure represents the highest number ever recorded for Vietnam, showcasing the country's growing appeal as a global tourist destination.

In 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam welcomed 18 million foreign visitors, which was the highest number at that time. The following year, 2020, saw a decline due to the pandemic, with approximately 17.6 million visitors. However, the recovery has been swift and robust, with the current numbers indicating a strong rebound in the tourism sector.

Key Markets Driving Growth

Mainland China continues to be the largest source of international tourists to Vietnam, with 4.8 million arrivals between January and November. South Korea follows closely behind with 3.9 million visitors during the same period. These figures highlight the importance of these markets in driving Vietnam’s tourism growth.

Tourism experts attribute the impressive performance to several factors, including favorable visa policies, expanded promotional campaigns, and the organization of large-scale events to celebrate major national holidays. These efforts have helped position Vietnam as an attractive destination for travelers from around the world.

Visa Policy Reforms

One of the key drivers of this growth has been the Vietnamese government’s recent reforms in visa regulations. In early August, the government waived visa requirements for citizens of 12 additional countries, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. This allows visitors from these nations to stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa.

This move has expanded the list of countries benefiting from unilateral visa waivers to 24, while the total number of countries with either unilateral or bilateral visa exemptions now stands at 39. These changes have significantly lowered the barriers for international travelers, making it easier for them to visit Vietnam.

Expansion of E-Visa Access

In addition to visa policy reforms, the Vietnamese government has also taken steps to improve the ease of entry for foreign tourists. Recently, 41 more international border gates were added to the list of e-visa-eligible points of entry and exit. This brings the total number of such gates to 83, allowing more travelers to benefit from the convenience of e-visas.

The expansion of e-visa access is expected to further streamline the travel process, reducing waiting times and improving the overall visitor experience.

Peak Travel Season and Future Goals

Between October and April, Vietnam experiences its peak travel season, as Western tourists seek a warm winter escape. This period typically sees a surge in international visitors, particularly from Europe and North America.

Looking ahead, the Vietnamese government has set ambitious targets for the year. It aims to welcome between 23 and 25 million foreign tourists by the end of 2023. Achieving this goal would mark another milestone in the country’s tourism recovery and solidify its position as a top global destination.

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