Sanchez’s experience is shared by many other international travelers who have benefited from Vietnam's relaxed visa rules. Since August 15 of last year, Vietnam extended the visa-free stay to 45 days for citizens from 13 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus. This policy applies regardless of passport type or entry purpose.

Additionally, Vietnam now offers three-month tourist visas to citizens of all countries and territories, a significant increase from the previous one-month limit. 

In the 12 months following these changes, nearly 16 million international visitors arrived in Vietnam, reaching 99% of the pre-pandemic levels of 2018-19. In the first seven months of this year alone, 10 million international visitors were recorded, a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2019.

Visitors from the 13 visa-exempt countries accounted for over 3.7 million arrivals, marking a 1.4 times increase from the previous year and representing 37% of all international arrivals. Notably, visitor numbers from Russia and Italy surged by 75% and 61%, respectively, while other countries like South Korea, Japan, Spain, France, and Germany also saw significant increases.

The visa relaxation has also allowed travel companies to better capitalize on the inbound tourism market. 

Industry experts believe that the easier visa policies will help Vietnam surpass its goal of attracting 17-18 million international visitors this year. The extended stay duration not only allows tourists to explore more but also encourages them to spend more during their visit.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Vietnam welcomed 12.6 million visitors last year, generating over VND203 trillion (US$8.1 billion) in tourism revenue. The duration of stay for foreign visitors increased by 10-30% over last year, further boosting the economy.

Vietnam's International Openness score, as reported in the 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index by the World Economic Forum, has improved, rising three ranks since 2019 and two since 2021, reaching 80th place.

However, there are areas for improvement. Tour guides report that while most visitors have positive experiences, many express a desire for more nighttime entertainment options and better access to information in various languages. Australian tourists, among the top 10 visitor groups this year, have also expressed interest in visa waivers.

The tourism industry also needs to prioritize personnel training to improve service quality, ensure safety at tourist destinations, and promote sustainable tourism practices. A promising example is an upcoming visit by an Indian pharmaceutical billionaire, who will bring 4,500 employees to Vietnam for a two-week tour of Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay—an opportunity that insiders describe as a "big chance" for the industry.