Experts warn that Vietnam could fall behind in the regional tourism competition if it doesn't implement visa waivers

Experts argue that Vietnam must promptly eliminate visa requirements for citizens of key tourism source markets to avoid falling behind its Southeast Asian counterparts.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's directive on Feb. 23 urged immigration agencies to explore visa waivers for stays ranging from six to 12 months for visitors from affluent nations and to broaden the roster of countries whose citizens are visa-exempt.

Martin Koerner, chairman of EuroCham Vietnam's Tourism and Hospitality Sector Committee, emphasized that Vietnam should expedite its visa policy overhaul, citing Thailand's proactive stance in this regard.

Foreign tourists visit Mua Cave in Ninh Binh Province in northern Vietnam, February 2024. Photo by Nguyen Anh Tuan

"If Vietnam lags in expanding visa exemptions, it risks losing market share and competitiveness to neighboring countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia."

Furthermore, such delays could diminish Vietnam's allure as a tourist-friendly destination, prompting travelers to favor nations offering visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival facilities, Koerner warned.

Dr. Nuno F. Ribeiro, senior lecturer in tourism and hospitality management at The Business School of RMIT Vietnam, emphasized the urgency of Vietnam's visa expansion, highlighting the potential loss of visitors from major tourism markets.

"In my opinion, Vietnam should waive visas for countries with higher development levels, substantial tourism spending, and potential for extended stays, including Australia, Canada, the U.S., and the remaining EU nations."

Currently, only citizens of seven EU countries can enter Vietnam without a visa, a restriction that Koerner believes should be revisited. He also advocated for visa waivers for Chinese tourists, considering China's status as a significant source market and its swift post-pandemic recovery.

European nations like the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, and Poland should also be on Vietnam's radar for visa exemption, Koerner added.

Vietnam currently grants tourist visas of up to three months to citizens of all countries and territories. However, compared to its regional peers, Vietnam's visa policy remains relatively restrictive, with waivers extended to only 25 nations.