Vietnam is considering a new visa policy to increase tourism, especially from India, which is seen as a key market due to the large population and strong bilateral ties between the two nations. Le Quang Bien, Vietnam’s Consul General in Mumbai, highlighted the country’s diverse tourism offerings, including beautiful beaches, rivers, and cultural landmarks like Buddhist pagodas. While Vietnam currently offers e-visas, it does not have a visa-on-arrival system for tourists from India. The government is now evaluating a policy change to make it easier for Indian tourists to visit.
Bien emphasized India’s importance as a major source of tourism for Vietnam, with Indian tourists showing increasing interest in the country. This shift in policy aims to encourage more Indian visitors and facilitate their travel.
Da Nang, a coastal city in Vietnam, is a major focus of these efforts. Known for its beaches, museums, and cultural heritage, Da Nang has seen a significant rise in Indian tourism, especially in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding sectors. Huynh Thi Huong Lan, Deputy Director of Da Nang’s Tourism Promotion Center, explained that India is integral to the city’s tourism strategy. In 2024, over 222,000 Indian visitors traveled to Da Nang, comprising 5.3% of the city’s total international arrivals. Since 2019, Indian tourists visiting Da Nang have surged by more than 13.5 times, further solidifying Vietnam’s growing appeal.
As Da Nang continues to gain recognition as both a leisure and business tourism destination, the Vietnamese government is committed to creating policies that support the growing influx of Indian tourists, positioning the city as a key player in the region’s tourism landscape.
