Vietnam Plans New Visa Policy to Attract Indian Tourists

Vietnam is taking significant strides to strengthen its tourism industry by considering a new visa policy for travelers from India and other countries, according to a senior diplomat. This move is expected to make Vietnam an even more attractive destination for Indian tourists, who have shown a growing interest in the Southeast Asian nation’s rich cultural and natural beauty.

Vietnam’s Tourism Boom and India’s Growing Role

Vietnam, known for its stunning beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, and vibrant history, has emerged as a top travel destination. Speaking to reporters in Ahmedabad, Le Quang Bien, Consul General of Vietnam in Mumbai, emphasized the growing potential of tourism from India. He highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations and the increasing number of Indian tourists exploring Vietnam.

“At present, we have e-visa, but we do not have visa on arrival for tourists from India and other countries. However, we are actively considering a new visa policy to facilitate travel from India and beyond,” Bien stated at the Da Nang Tourism Roadshow.

This announcement has sparked interest among Indian travelers, as many South Asian nations already offer visa on arrival for Indian tourists. A more relaxed visa policy could further boost Vietnam-India tourism ties.

Da Nang – A Rising Star for Indian Travelers

As part of Vietnam’s efforts to enhance its tourism sector, Da Nang, a picturesque coastal city, is being positioned as a preferred destination for Indian travelers. With its white sandy beaches, museums, and cultural heritage, Da Nang is a key tourism hub that has been gaining traction among international visitors.

“India plays a key role in our tourism growth strategy. We are continuously adapting our services to meet the tastes and expectations of Indian travelers, making Da Nang a more accessible and desirable destination,” said Huynh Thi Huong Lan, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center.

Lan also highlighted the city’s emphasis on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding tourism, recognizing India’s growing demand for international event destinations.

The Rise of Indian Tourism in Vietnam

Since 2022, India has ranked among the top five international source markets for Da Nang. The statistics speak for themselves:

• In 2024, Da Nang welcomed over 222,000 Indian tourists, accounting for 5.3% of all international visitors to the city.
• Nearly 50% of Indian visitors to Vietnam choose Da Nang as their preferred destination.
• Compared to 2019, the number of Indian tourists to Da Nang has surged 13.5 times, indicating a dramatic increase in interest.

As the third-largest city in Vietnam, Da Nang has earned global recognition, even being awarded “Asia’s Leading Event and Festival Destination” by the World Travel Awards. The city’s diverse offerings—from luxury resorts to historical landmarks—make it an ideal vacation spot for Indian travelers.

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