Vietnam Joins Uzbekistan, China, Malaysia, Kenya, Philippines, And Other Nations In A Bold Move To Attract More Tourists With Breakthrough Visa-Free Travel Schemes

Published on
January 28, 2026

Vietnam Joins Uzbekistan, China, Malaysia, Kenya, Philippines, and Other Nations in a Bold Move to Attract More Tourists with Breakthrough Visa-Free Travel Schemes by introducing a series of liberalized visa policies aimed at simplifying entry procedures for international visitors. This strategic initiative, unveiled by Vietnam’s government in early 2026, is designed to make the country more accessible and attractive to high-value tourists from major markets across the globe. By removing barriers such as visa requirements and expanding digital visa options, Vietnam is positioning itself as a key player in the global tourism sector, joining other nations like Uzbekistan, China, Malaysia, Kenya, and the Philippines, which have similarly embraced visa-free or simplified travel to boost their tourism industries.

Vietnam, a country known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and rapidly growing tourism sector, has recently made headlines by unveiling its new visa-free travel policies. This move, which is part of a broader initiative to drive economic growth through tourism, is expected to transform the nation into a key global tourism hub. But Vietnam is not alone in its quest to attract more international visitors; several other countries, including Uzbekistan, China, Malaysia, Kenya, and the Philippines, have also launched similar policies in recent years. Together, these countries are contributing to a global tourism boom, creating new opportunities for travelers and businesses alike.

Vietnam’s Bold Move: A New Era for Tourism

Vietnam has long been recognized for its stunning landscapes, from the lush Mekong Delta to the picturesque Ha Long Bay and the vibrant streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, the country has also understood that in order to solidify its position as a global tourism destination, it must make significant efforts to simplify travel procedures for international tourists.

On January 20, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh of Vietnam announced a new set of visa liberalization measures aimed at attracting more visitors and positioning tourism as a key pillar of Vietnam’s economic growth. The Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have worked together to expand the list of countries whose citizens will be eligible for unilateral visa exemptions, simplifying entry for millions of international tourists.

These new policies are part of a broader, multi-pronged approach to strengthening tourism, which includes:

• Streamlining Visa Processes: The Vietnamese government is accelerating its efforts to digitally transform the visa process. This includes expanding e-visa access to more countries and simplifying visa-on-arrival procedures. This will drastically reduce wait times at border crossings and make the process more seamless for visitors.
• Visa Exemptions for High-Potential Markets: Vietnam’s new visa regime will target high-value markets, including countries in Europe, the U.S., Southeast Asia, and China, allowing tourists from these regions to travel more easily to Vietnam. By removing visa barriers, Vietnam aims to position itself as an accessible, welcoming destination.
• Increased International Promotion: Alongside these visa reforms, Vietnam is stepping up its international tourism campaigns to raise awareness about the country’s new travel policies and the wide variety of experiences it offers.

Vietnam’s tourism targets are ambitious, with plans to welcome 25 million international visitors in 2026 and 150 million domestic trips. This growth is expected to support job creation in hospitality, tourism, and related industries, contributing to the nation’s broader economic development goals.

Vietnam’s New Visa Policies: A Competitive Advantage

Vietnam’s move to expand visa-free access is expected to give the country a competitive edge over other popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. While other countries in the region, such as Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, have long relied on tourism as an economic driver, Vietnam’s aggressive visa reforms are designed to accelerate growth even further.

By making it easier for tourists to visit, Vietnam is aiming to capture a larger share of the global tourism market, particularly from high-spending international travelers. For example, the country is placing particular emphasis on attracting tourists from long-haul markets, such as the U.S., Europe, and Australia, where travelers tend to stay longer and spend more on luxury accommodations, dining, and experiences.

One of the critical aspects of this visa reform strategy is the country’s commitment to developing and enhancing high-value tourism segments, such as:

• Green Tourism: With its rich natural resources, Vietnam is positioning itself as a sustainable tourism destination. The government plans to boost eco-tourism initiatives that will appeal to environmentally conscious travelers.
• Wellness Tourism: With increasing global demand for health and wellness experiences, Vietnam aims to attract tourists interested in spa resorts, wellness retreats, and traditional healing practices.
• MICE Tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions): As one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global tourism industry, MICE tourism is expected to contribute significantly to Vietnam’s tourism revenue. The government is investing in conference infrastructure to attract international business events and conferences.
• Golf Tourism: With its beautiful landscapes and new golf courses, Vietnam is positioning itself as a top destination for golf tourism, targeting high-end travelers looking for exclusive experiences.

By diversifying its tourism offerings and improving visa accessibility, Vietnam is poised to become an even more attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Global Trends: How Other Countries Are Following Vietnam’s Lead

Vietnam is not alone in its efforts to liberalize visa policies. Many other countries around the world are following suit and introducing visa exemptions or simplified visa procedures to attract more international tourists. Below are a few notable examples:

Uzbekistan – A Visa-Free Leap for U.S. Tourists

Uzbekistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, has made a bold move by removing visa requirements for U.S. citizens. Starting in January 2026, U.S. tourists can visit Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without the need for a visa. This initiative is part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to boost tourism and attract visitors from key markets like Europe and Asia.

China – Expanding Visa Access for Key Markets

China has long been a major tourism destination, and the country has made efforts to simplify its visa policies for travelers from several countries. China offers visa-free entry to nationals of Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and has plans to expand visa exemptions to other major tourism markets. These moves are designed to make travel to China more accessible and attractive to international visitors.

Malaysia – Leading the Way in E-Visas

Malaysia has long been a leader in visa facilitation, offering e-visa options to travelers from over 160 countries. The country is now focusing on expanding its visa-free access to India, Europe, and Australia, hoping to capture a larger share of the international tourism market. With its tropical landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural diversity, Malaysia is positioning itself as a top destination for tourists in Southeast Asia.

Kenya – Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential

Kenya, an emerging tourism powerhouse in East Africa, has made significant strides in simplifying travel for tourists from neighboring countries. By removing visa requirements for most African nations, Kenya is encouraging cross-border travel and positioning itself as a gateway for regional tourism in East Africa.

Philippines – Welcoming Indian Tourists

In a move to strengthen tourism ties with India, the Philippines has removed visa requirements for Indian citizens starting in June 2025. This is expected to lead to a significant increase in arrivals from India, which is one of the fastest-growing source markets for international tourism. This new policy will also support the Philippines’ broader goal of attracting more high-value visitors from Asia.

The Role of Digital Transformation in Tourism Growth

One of the most exciting aspects of Vietnam’s visa liberalization strategy is its focus on digital transformation. The country is leveraging modern technology to streamline the visa process and make it faster, more efficient, and more accessible to international travelers. Some of the key elements of Vietnam’s digital tourism strategy include:

• Faster E-Visa Processing: By expanding its e-visa system, Vietnam is making it easier for travelers to apply for and receive visas online. This eliminates the need to visit embassies and consulates, making travel to Vietnam more convenient.
• Digital Border Management: To reduce wait times at borders, Vietnam is investing in automated border control systems and smart visa kiosks that will speed up the immigration process for travelers.
• International Promotion: Vietnam is also focusing on digital platforms to promote its tourism offerings globally. This includes using social media, travel websites, and tourism apps to inform potential visitors about the new visa policies and the country’s exciting travel opportunities.

Through these digital innovations, Vietnam is enhancing the tourist experience while simultaneously boosting economic growth.

Vietnam’s decision to introduce visa-free travel for millions of international tourists is a game-changer for the country’s tourism sector. By simplifying entry procedures, promoting sustainable tourism, and targeting high-value markets, Vietnam is well-positioned to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.

As more countries follow suit with similar visa liberalization strategies, the global tourism industry is set to experience a significant boom. Vietnam, along with countries like Uzbekistan, China, Malaysia, Kenya, and the Philippines, is playing a key role in this transformation, making it easier for travelers to explore new destinations and experience different cultures.

With ambitious goals for 2026, Vietnam is not just aiming for increased visitor numbers—it is building a sustainable, high-quality tourism ecosystem that can contribute to long-term economic growth. By embracing digital transformation and simplified visa policies, the country is laying the groundwork for a thriving tourism industry that will continue to grow in the years to come.

Vietnam Joins Uzbekistan, China, Malaysia, Kenya, Philippines, and Other Nations in a Bold Move to Attract More Tourists with Breakthrough Visa-Free Travel Schemes to simplify entry procedures and make it easier for international visitors to explore the country, positioning itself as a top destination in the global tourism market.

Vietnam’s tourism future is bright, and with the new visa reforms, it is set to become one of the most dynamic, accessible, and welcoming destinations in the world.