Vietnam leads Southeast Asia in tourism comeback
Vietnam has bounced back faster than any other country in Southeast Asia with its tourism years after COVID-19.
In 2024, the country welcomed 17.6 million foreign visitors. This is 98% of the number who came before the COVID-19 pandemic, making it the strongest tourism recovery in the region.
Malaysia followed with a 94% recovery rate, while Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia all stood at around 86–88%. The Philippines had the slowest recovery at 72%.
Vietnam’s success is largely due to its visa policies, according to local reports.
The country has made it easier for tourists to visit by offering visa-free entry to people from 25 countries.
Since August 2023, it has also allowed tourists from any country to apply for three-month visas.
Visitors from 13 countries that already had visa-free access can also now stay up to 45 days, three times longer than before.
Vietnam has also made it easier to get an e-visa. A new online system lets foreign travellers apply for visas quickly and simply.
Officials say tourism promotion campaigns have also helped attract visitors.
The country is now aiming even higher.to welcome between 22 and 23 million international tourists by 2025.
