The announcement of Vietnam’s new visa policy for foreigners has given rise to a significant increase in the number of international visitors seeking long vacation accommodations in the country, according to digital travel platform Agoda.com.

The Vietnamese National Assembly, the legislative body responsible for making laws, has granted approval for extending the validity of visitor e-visas for foreigners entering Vietnam from 30 days to 90 days starting August 15.

Furthermore, foreign visitors hailing from countries and regions eligible for Vietnam’s unilateral visa waiver program will be able to enjoy an extended maximum stay of 45 days, surpassing the current limit of 15 days.

After the amended law was introduced on June 24, Agoda’s data, released on Monday, showed a 33-percent rise in searches conducted by international travelers who are planning extended vacations in Vietnam compared to two weeks prior.

At the forefront of the list is a noteworthy surge of 72 percent in accommodation searches from French visitors in the two weeks following the announcement. 

Other countries, such as the Netherlands with a 45-percent increase, New Zealand with 41 percent, Germany with approximately 40 percent, and the U.S. with 38 percent, also displayed a substantial rise in tourism interest in Vietnam.

The U.S. took the lead in total searches, followed by Australia, Canada, and Germany.

Agoda’s data analysis primarily focuses on long-haul travelers from North America, EU countries, and Australia - New Zealand, as they face stricter visa policies when entering Vietnam compared to other Southeast Asian countries.

These travelers typically have to opt for longer and costlier return flights, which makes them more inclined to plan extended vacations compared to visitors from nearby regions. 

However, in the past, due to Vietnam’s less open visa policy, these trips had to be cut short.

The increased flexibility and ease in visa processes also play a crucial role in attracting more potential markets, especially from countries like India.

Visitors from India ascended from the eight position to become the second-largest international tourist market for Vietnam, trailing only behind South Korea in booking volume.

Currently, numerous domestic travel companies have communicated with their travel partners in various key markets, including Europe, the U.S., and Australia, regarding the recent change in the visa policy.

During the first six months of 2023, Vietnam received approximately 5.57 million international visitors, achieving nearly 70 percent of its target to welcome eight million foreigners for the entire year.

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