This initiative is poised to act as a catalyst for the recovery of Vietnam’s tourism industry, which has faced substantial challenges due to the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
Close on the heels of visa-free entry offer to Indian tourists in Thailand and Sri Lanka, Vietnam is now considering the prospect of granting visa-free entry to Indian tourists.
The move a strategic effort to revitalize Vietnam’s tourism sector. Nguyn Van Jung, Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, is actively advocating for short-term visa waivers, particularly for key markets such as China and India. This initiative is poised to act as a catalyst for the recovery of Vietnam’s tourism industry, which has faced substantial challenges due to the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Presently, citizens from several European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Denmark, and Finland, already benefit from visa-free travel to Vietnam. The extension of this privilege to Indian travelers underscores Vietnam’s acknowledgment of the increasing significance of the Indian market in the global tourism landscape.
Examining tourism statistics and growth for Vietnam in the first 10 months of 2023 reveals a remarkable surge, with approximately 10 million international visitors – a notable 4.6-fold increase compared to the same period in 2022. Prior to the onset of the pandemic, Vietnam had hosted around 170,000 Indian visitors, indicating the substantial potential for further growth in this market. Popular Vietnamese destinations such as Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An continue to attract Indian tourists.
Vietnam’s contemplation of offering visa-free entry to Indian tourists aligns with a broader trend among countries seeking to stimulate tourism by simplifying entry procedures, reflecting a concerted effort to adapt to changing global travel dynamics.
To facilitate smoother entry for travelers, Vietnam initiated the issuance of e-visas for individuals from all countries starting from August of the current year. These e-visas, offering a 90-day validity period and permitting multiple entries, streamline the visa application process for international visitors.
If Vietnam proceeds with the plan to allow visa-free entry for Indians, it will align itself with Thailand and Sri Lanka, both of which have already implemented similar measures. Thailand recently announced visa-free entry for Indian and Taiwanese tourists for a six-month period, starting from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024. The decision, emphasized by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavision, aims to cater to the preferences of Indian and Taiwanese travelers.
Before Thailand, Sri Lanka approved free visas for travelers from seven countries, including India, China, Japan, Russia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This initiative, effective until March 31, 2024, is designed to boost tourist arrivals, with the Sri Lankan tourism ministry setting a target of attracting five million tourists in the coming years.
Vietnam’s contemplation of offering visa-free entry to Indian tourists aligns with a broader trend among countries seeking to stimulate tourism by simplifying entry procedures, reflecting a concerted effort to adapt to changing global travel dynamics.
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