Vietnam is considering a new visa policy to boost tourism from India and other key markets, recognising the growing appeal of its cultural and coastal attractions. Le Quang Bien, Vietnam’s Consul General in Mumbai, highlighted India’s importance as a major source market, given the increasing number of Indian travellers visiting the country. While Vietnam currently offers e-visas, it does not have a visa-on-arrival system for Indian tourists. The government is now evaluating policy changes to make travel more accessible.
The focus on India aligns with Vietnam’s strategic efforts to promote Da Nang, a popular coastal city known for its beaches, museums, and rich cultural heritage. Huynh Thi Huong Lan, Deputy Director of Da Nang’s Tourism Promotion Center, stated that India is among the top five source markets for Da Nang, with particular interest in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding tourism.
In 2024, over 222,000 Indian visitors traveled to Da Nang, accounting for 5.3% of the city’s total international arrivals. The number of Indian tourists has surged 13.5 times since 2019, reflecting a growing preference for Vietnam as a travel destination. As a key economic hub of Central Vietnam, Da Nang is positioning itself as a leading destination for both leisure and business travellers.
With strong bilateral ties between India and Vietnam, the revised visa policy aims to further increase tourist footfall, making travel more seamless. The shift comes at a time when Vietnam is enhancing its global tourism appeal, and India is emerging as a priority market. If implemented, this policy could significantly boost travel demand and strengthen ties between the two nations.