Vietnam Sees Surge in Tourists from Visa-Exempt Countries in 2024
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Vietnam's international tourism surges in 2024, driven by visa-exempt countries and key markets like South Korea and China. Learn more about the latest trends. 
Vietnam's tourism sector is witnessing a significant recovery in 2024, particularly among travelers from visa-exempt countries. The number of international visitors surged in the first nine months of the year, driven by key markets and recent visa policy changes, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
Strong Growth in International Tourist Arrivals
In September 2024, Vietnam welcomed nearly 1.3 million international visitors, marking a 20.9% increase compared to September 2023. Over the first nine months, the country recorded over 12.7 million international tourists, a substantial 43% rise year-on-year, reflecting the robust recovery of Vietnam’s tourism industry post-pandemic.
South Korea and China Lead the Way
South Korea and China continue to be the largest sources of international tourists, accounting for almost half of all arrivals. South Korea led the charts with 3.3 million visitors, followed by China with 2.7 million, making up a combined 47.8% of the total international tourist count in this period. These two markets have been crucial drivers of growth for Vietnam's tourism sector in 2024.
Other top markets included Taiwan (China), the US, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, India, Cambodia, and Thailand, showcasing the diverse international appeal of Vietnam.
Impact of Visa Exemptions and Policy Changes
A key factor contributing to the rise in international tourists is Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption policy, which went into effect on August 15, 2023. This policy extended the length of temporary stays to 45 days or more for travelers from several countries, significantly boosting arrivals from those markets.
As a result, tourist numbers from Britain, France, and Germany grew by 20%, 28.1%, and 23.3%, respectively, following the policy change. These increases highlight the impact of the visa exemption in attracting more visitors from Europe.
Surge from Northeast Asia and India
Northeast Asia remains a key region for Vietnam’s tourism growth. Chinese arrivals jumped by a remarkable 141.4% compared to 2023, while South Korean tourists increased by 30.3%. Japanese tourists saw a 27.6% rise, and visitors from Taiwan (China) grew by 65.8%, reflecting strong demand from this region.
Meanwhile, India saw impressive growth, with a 27% increase in tourist numbers. India has been a fast-emerging market for Vietnam in recent years, contributing significantly to the overall tourism growth.
Recovery Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Despite the positive trends, several major markets have yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. China, which accounted for over one-third of Vietnam's total international visitors in 2018, has only recovered to 68% of its pre-pandemic numbers. Similarly, Japan stands at 74%, while Thailand and Malaysia are at 87% and 82%, respectively.
In contrast, India has shown a staggering recovery, reaching 305% of its 2019 levels, leading the recovery among international markets. Additionally, many ASEAN countries have shown strong recoveries, with Cambodia reaching 300%, Indonesia at 171%, Laos at 155%, the Philippines at 134%, and Singapore at 112% of pre-pandemic levels.
In Northeast Asia, South Korea has fully recovered at 110%, and Taiwan (China) has surpassed pre-pandemic numbers at 147%.
Russian Market Slow to Recover
One notable exception to the recovery trend is the Russian market, which has been significantly affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions. Russian tourist arrivals are still at just 33% of 2019 levels, making it the slowest-recovering major market for Vietnam.
Outlook for 2024
Overall, Vietnam’s tourism sector is on a solid recovery path, with most international markets showing substantial growth. While some markets like China and Japan have yet to reach pre-pandemic numbers, others such as India and ASEAN countries have surpassed them, signaling a broader shift in the makeup of Vietnam’s international tourist arrivals.
With the extension of visa exemptions and continued focus on key markets, Vietnam is well-positioned to achieve further growth in the coming months as global travel trends continue to recover.
Vietnam's tourism sector is witnessing a significant recovery in 2024, particularly among travelers from visa-exempt countries. The number of international visitors surged in the first nine months of the year, driven by key markets and recent visa policy changes, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
Strong Growth in International Tourist Arrivals
In September 2024, Vietnam welcomed nearly 1.3 million international visitors, marking a 20.9% increase compared to September 2023. Over the first nine months, the country recorded over 12.7 million international tourists, a substantial 43% rise year-on-year, reflecting the robust recovery of Vietnam’s tourism industry post-pandemic.
South Korea and China Lead the Way
South Korea and China continue to be the largest sources of international tourists, accounting for almost half of all arrivals. South Korea led the charts with 3.3 million visitors, followed by China with 2.7 million, making up a combined 47.8% of the total international tourist count in this period. These two markets have been crucial drivers of growth for Vietnam's tourism sector in 2024.
Other top markets included Taiwan (China), the US, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, India, Cambodia, and Thailand, showcasing the diverse international appeal of Vietnam.
Impact of Visa Exemptions and Policy Changes
A key factor contributing to the rise in international tourists is Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption policy, which went into effect on August 15, 2023. This policy extended the length of temporary stays to 45 days or more for travelers from several countries, significantly boosting arrivals from those markets.
As a result, tourist numbers from Britain, France, and Germany grew by 20%, 28.1%, and 23.3%, respectively, following the policy change. These increases highlight the impact of the visa exemption in attracting more visitors from Europe.
Surge from Northeast Asia and India
Northeast Asia remains a key region for Vietnam’s tourism growth. Chinese arrivals jumped by a remarkable 141.4% compared to 2023, while South Korean tourists increased by 30.3%. Japanese tourists saw a 27.6% rise, and visitors from Taiwan (China) grew by 65.8%, reflecting strong demand from this region.
Meanwhile, India saw impressive growth, with a 27% increase in tourist numbers. India has been a fast-emerging market for Vietnam in recent years, contributing significantly to the overall tourism growth.
Recovery Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Despite the positive trends, several major markets have yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. China, which accounted for over one-third of Vietnam's total international visitors in 2018, has only recovered to 68% of its pre-pandemic numbers. Similarly, Japan stands at 74%, while Thailand and Malaysia are at 87% and 82%, respectively.
In contrast, India has shown a staggering recovery, reaching 305% of its 2019 levels, leading the recovery among international markets. Additionally, many ASEAN countries have shown strong recoveries, with Cambodia reaching 300%, Indonesia at 171%, Laos at 155%, the Philippines at 134%, and Singapore at 112% of pre-pandemic levels.
In Northeast Asia, South Korea has fully recovered at 110%, and Taiwan (China) has surpassed pre-pandemic numbers at 147%.
Russian Market Slow to Recover
One notable exception to the recovery trend is the Russian market, which has been significantly affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions. Russian tourist arrivals are still at just 33% of 2019 levels, making it the slowest-recovering major market for Vietnam.
Outlook for 2024
Overall, Vietnam’s tourism sector is on a solid recovery path, with most international markets showing substantial growth. While some markets like China and Japan have yet to reach pre-pandemic numbers, others such as India and ASEAN countries have surpassed them, signaling a broader shift in the makeup of Vietnam’s international tourist arrivals.
With the extension of visa exemptions and continued focus on key markets, Vietnam is well-positioned to achieve further growth in the coming months as global travel trends continue to recover.
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