Vietnam Considers 10 Year Golden Visa-Boosting Tourism

Vietnam's Tourism Advisory Board proposed a long-term visa program to maintain its land in Southeast Asia's travel market. The proposal includes a golden visa and investment and talent visas. Vietnam invited 17.5 million international visitors in 2024, with prominent growth from Indian and Chinese tourists. The country aims for 23 million international arrivals by 2025.

Vietnam's Tourism Advisory Board has proposed a long-term visa program to the government to maintain its lead in Southeast Asia's fast-evolving travel market. Bao Van Hoa reported that the recommendations submitted to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh include a golden visa valid for five to ten years to compete with Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, countries that already offer such schemes to long-term travellers.

The proposal comes as Vietnam has regained 98 per cent of its pre-pandemic tourism levels, making it the fastest-recovering destination in this region. In 2024, the country will welcome 17.5 million international visitors, overtaking Singapore and trailing only Malaysia and Thailand.

As reported by Thanh Nien newspaper, the advisory board also suggested introducing a 10-year investor visa with the possibility of permanent residency after five years and a five-year talent visa with a simplified renewal process. These programs could be piloted in key tourism hubs like Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang.

During Monday's government meetings, Prime Minister Chinha asked ministries to explore ways to improve visa policies to support tourism growth. "Vietnam must remain an open and safe destination," he said.

Many factors have driven Vietnam's tourism momentum. New visa reforms 2023 extended the e-visa duration to 90 days and expanded the list of visa-exempt countries. The first direct US Vietnam flight and investments in high-end hospitality from Capella Hanoi to upcoming Ritz Carlton properties have included its global appeal.

Indian tourism is a significant growth segment for Vietnam. Over 500,000 Indian visitors arrived in 2024, a 297 per cent increase from pre-pandemic levels. Da Nang welcomed 222,0000 Indian travellers this year, more than 5% of international arrivals. Phu Quoc and Ha Long are becoming famous wedding destinations for Indian families.

"There is a lot of potential for tourists from India to Vietnam due to India's very high population. The two countries have a firm bilateral relationship. We value tourists from India, which is increasing," said Vietnamese Consul General Le Quang Bien during his visit to India.

Vietnam's low-cost airline, Vietjet, also promotes this momentum by offering fares starting from Rs 11 on multiple India-Vietnam routes. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists are also shifting attention to Vietnam amid rising safety concerns in other countries in the region. The kidnapping of a Chinese actor in Thailand has influenced Chinese travel preferences, leading more high-spending visitors to explore Vietnam instead.

With its tourism infrastructure expanding, including the upcoming Long Tanh International Airport by March 2026, Vietnam is targeting 23 million international arrivals in 2025. If current growth continues, it aims to surpass Malaysia and become Southeast Asia's second-most visited country after Thailand.

#vietnamvisa #visaupdate #10yearvisa #goldenvisa #vietnamgoldenvisa #tourismnews #tourismupdate