Vietnam to Launch Preferential Visas for High-Spending Tourists Under Sweeping Tourism Overhaul
- Editorial Team
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 minutes ago
HANOI, August 28, 2026 — Vietnam will introduce preferential visas for foreign visitors who contribute most to its tourism industry, under a new Politburo resolution that also widens visa waivers, mandates compulsory travel insurance, and sets an ambitious target of 50 million international arrivals by 2030 .
The resolution, signed by Party General Secretary and President To Lam on August 22, 2026, represents a fundamental shift in Vietnam's tourism strategy — moving from volume-based growth to value-based growth by prioritizing travelers who spend more and stay longer .
Published: August 28, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
What the Preferential Visa Policy Entails
The resolution directs Vietnam to provide visa facilitation for visitors capable of contributing highly to tourism development, particularly those with higher spending and longer stays .
Aspect | Status |
Qualifying Threshold | Not yet set |
Definition of Preferential Treatment | Not yet defined |
Implementation Timeline | Not yet announced |
Target Group | High-spending visitors, longer-stay travelers |
Entry and exit policy will be eased in favor of key markets, with flexible visa arrangements applied market by market, subject to defense and national security considerations. Bilateral visa exemptions will also be expanded on the same basis .
Other Key Provisions of Resolution 26
Mandatory Travel Insurance
The resolution introduces a requirement for compulsory insurance covering international visitors to Vietnam . This comes as Vietnam's visa policy becomes increasingly open, leading to a growing trend of independent travel, with tourists switching to e-visas .
Simplified Border Procedures
The resolution calls for simpler procedures for staying and sightseeing in border and island areas .
Digital Nomad and Long-Stay Pilots
Vietnam will pilot controlled mechanisms to attract long-stay visitors and remote workers, along with international capital into tourism and resort development, within existing law on land, housing and real estate .
Ambitious 2030 Targets
Target | 2030 Goal |
International Visitors | 45–50 million |
Domestic Tourists | 160 million |
Direct GDP Contribution | 10–12% |
Total Tourism Revenue | $80–90 billion |
By 2045, Vietnam aims for 70 million international arrivals and a direct contribution of 14–15% of GDP, targeting a place in the world's top 30 for tourism competitiveness .
Key Growth Poles
Hub | Role |
Hanoi | Main growth pole |
Ho Chi Minh City | Main growth pole |
Da Nang | Main growth pole |
Phu Quoc | High-end beach resort hub |
Read Also
2025 Performance
Vietnam drew a record 21.2 million foreign visitors in 2025, up 20.4% from the previous year . The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism is aiming for 25 million in 2026.
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