Vietnam reaches 2024 foreign tourist goal with record-high December arrivals

Vietnam attracted nearly 17.6 million overseas visitors in 2024, up 39.5% year-on-year and 2% lower than the pre-pandemic 2019 level.

As a result, the country reached its goal of 17-18 million international visitors, the General Statistics Office (GSO) reported.

1.75 million foreign tourists came in December, marking a 27.4% year-on-year hike and the highest monthly of 2024.

By region, Asia dominated the list of foreign visitors to Vietnam during 2024, with nearly 14 million arrivals, up 43.1% year-on-year.

Europe ranked second with approximately two million (up 36.8%), followed by the Americas with one million (up 10.7%) and Oceania with 540,200 (up 26.2%).

Regarding countries and territories, South Korea has been the largest market for Vietnam 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 4.5 million in 2024, or 26%; trailed by mainland China with 3.7 million (21.26%), Taiwan with 1.29 million, and the U.S. with 780,000.

Last year, air travel was the most popular mode of transportation for foreign visitors to Vietnam, with 14.8 million passenger arrivals (up 35.6% year-on-year).

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

In 2025, Vietnam targets 22-23 million foreign tourist arrivals.

At present, the country 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.