Foreign tourist arrivals to Vietnam hit 11-month high, tally near year’s target

Vietnam welcomed 1.7 million foreign tourists in November, marking a 38.8% year-on-year increase and the highest monthly figure since early this year.

In January-November, Vietnam attracted over 15.8 million overseas visitors, up 41% year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

By region, Asia dominated the list of foreign visitors to Vietnam during the 11-month period, with 12.6 million arrivals, up 45% year-on-year.

Europe ranked second with 1.78 million (up 38.4%), followed by the Americas with 907,900 (up 9.7%) and Oceania with 484,600 (up 25.8%).

Regarding countries and territories, South Korea has been the leading source market for Vietnam’s travel sector since the latter’s reopening in March 2022 following the pandemic, except for May when South Korea was overtaken by China.

South Korea made up the biggest share of 4.1 million in January-November, or 26.1%; trailed by mainland China with 3.3 million (21.2%), Taiwan with 1.1 million and the U.S. with 706,000.

During the spell, air travel was the most popular mode of transportation for foreign visitors to Vietnam, with 13.4 million passenger arrivals (up 36.4% year-on-year).

The GSO attributed the tourist arrival growth to Vietnam’s favorable visa policies, increased tourism promotions, and international awards to the local tourism industry.

With such positive results, the country is on track to reach its goal of 18 million international visitors this year, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism noted.

At present, Vietnam unilaterally waives citizens from 13 countries from visa requirements, namely Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus. They can stay for 45 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport types and entry purposes.