The Wonders of Visa-Free Travel: Discover Our Unique Tourism Offerings

Understanding Visa-Exempt Market Preferences in Vietnam

Vietnam has taken a significant step towards boosting its tourism sector by granting visa exemptions to citizens from 12 countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. This visa-free stay, valid for 45 days from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2028, opens up exciting opportunities for the industry. Additionally, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland are also exempt from visas for a 45-day stay under the 2025 Tourism Stimulus Program.

Industry experts and businesses applaud this move, believing it will invigorate Vietnam’s tourism and its related industries, including aviation, hospitality, and local services. This initiative also enhances Vietnam’s competitiveness in the region. Travel companies, particularly those offering extended holidays, now have more flexibility in creating itineraries that cater to the needs and preferences of these high-potential and high-spending markets.

International tourists soaking in the beauty of Lan Ha Bay on a cruise – Photo: LuxGroup

The previous 15-day visa exemption posed challenges, especially for tourists from Germany and France, who often seek longer vacations. Pham Van Le, International Market Manager at Trang An Travel, highlights that the extended 45-day stay now allows travel businesses to design more comprehensive journeys, including popular beach destinations such as Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, and Phu Quoc.

To make the most of this relaxed visa policy, understanding the preferences and needs of target markets is crucial. European and other newly visa-exempt international travelers to Vietnam are often drawn to nature-based destinations, mountainous regions, and cultural experiences. These travelers seek pristine landscapes and immersive cultural interactions, coupled with high expectations for service quality. Accommodations, transportation, and dining must all meet exacting standards to ensure a memorable experience.

Additionally, it’s important to recognize the seasonal trends and high spending power of European and long-haul travelers. Proper preparation is essential to avoid service shortages, which could negatively impact visitor experiences. Within the visa-free segment, businesses must also tailor their offerings to the diverse preferences of travelers from different countries. For instance, Nordic tourists often prefer beachfront resorts, while German travelers lean towards nature exploration and cultural immersion.

Crafting Unforgettable Experiences

Vietnamese travel companies have been quick to respond to the government’s policy change, developing and refining high-quality products and services that cater to the unique characteristics and preferences of visa-exempt markets.

Pham Van Bay, Deputy Director of Vietravel’s Hanoi branch, outlines their three-pronged strategy: expanding new tourism products with seasonal and cultural experiences, creating combined tours that blend exploration, relaxation, and gastronomy, and collaborating closely with industry partners to ensure cost-effective, high-quality travel experiences.

Trang An Travel intends to further develop agricultural tourism, a favorite among European and international travelers who relish hands-on cultural experiences and traditional farming activities. Ninh Binh, a UNESCO-listed heritage site, will be a key location for these authentic rural and cultural offerings.

LuxGroup, a luxury travel specialist, is eager to welcome high-spending visa-free tourists. According to CEO Pham Ha, Vietnam must develop an exclusive premium ecosystem with unique products and services. This includes luxury cruises infused with Vietnamese heritage. “LuxGroup has been dedicated to crafting precisely these types of experiences, and we will continue to expand our high-end cruise offerings in Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay for international visitors,” Pham Ha added.