Vietnam: international visitor arrivals 2023

In 2023, the total number of international visitor arrivals to Vietnam reached approximately 12.6 million. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam welcomed 18 million international arrivals in 2019, a record number for the country, following healthy year-on-year growth in visitor numbers since 2016. In March 2022, the country removed its travel restrictions, hoping to assist in the recovery of the tourism sector.

Post-COVID-19 rebound

Vietnam’s tourism industry has become an essential contributor to the country's service sector and overall economic growth. The country’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality have attracted a growing number of international tourists in recent years. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the industry, leading to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals and tourism sector revenue since 2020. Despite the challenges, Vietnam’s tourism industry has started to recover after the lifting of pandemic restrictions. In 2023, the country saw an impressive increase in international arrivals, with South Korea being the leading country of origin, followed by Mainland China. In addition to international tourism, the strong domestic market and the pent-up demand for travel have also played a crucial role in the country’s tourism industry. In 2023, the number of domestic tourists in the country reached approximately 108.2 million, doubling from 2021 figures.

An optimistic future for Vietnam’s tourism sector

The government's proactive efforts have enabled the industry to bounce back and regain momentum. For instance, the National Assembly of Vietnam has officially approved the Resolutions to implement a 3-month e-visa for all countries and visa duration exemption for 13 specific countries, effective from August 15, 2023. Particularly, foreigners from all countries and territories with e-visas can enter Vietnam via 42 ports and border gates, and citizens from 13 specific countries are allowed to stay in Vietnam for 45 days instead of 15 days since their entry, regardless of passport type or entry purpose. The visa relaxation is expected to boost tourism, foreign investment, and business cooperation in the country. Furthermore, the government's focus on sustainable tourism practices and infrastructure development will further enhance Vietnam's enchantment to visitors around the world.