Vietnam tourism forecast to see robust growth as visa restrictions relaxed: HSBC

“With the approaching summer holidays and potential easing of visa restrictions, which are under considerations by the National Assembly, Vietnam will likely see a punchier boost from international tourism, a much-needed support for its sharply slowing economy,” HSBC said in a report.

Vietnam has received 4.6 million international tourists so far this year, around 60% of this year’s target of 8 million.

In May alone, it received over 916,000 foreign tourist arrivals.

Despite falling slightly from April’s figure, Vietnam has seen its inbound tourism recovery reach around 70% of pre-pandemic levels.

Tourists from China, the biggest feeder market of Vietnam’s tourism before the pandemic, have recovered to 35% of pre-pandemic levels.

Legislators will vote on new bill on June 24 that seeks to extend the validity of e-visas from 30 days to a maximum of three months and allow multiple entries, and triple to 45 days the duration of visa-free stays for tourists from certain countries who now enjoy a 15-day waiver.

Vietnam offers e-visas to citizens of 80 countries and territories. It waives visa for citizens from 25 countries, mostly for between 15-30 days, a policy considered less generous than other countries in the region.