Vietnam Loses to Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia in Getting Low Visitors Making Tourism Suffer Huge Blows as Travel Sector Downfall Shows Deadening Emptiness in 2026: These New Updates Inside will Shake You Up

Published on
March 10, 2026

Since January 2026 a tourism slowdown has been evident across much of South‑East Asia. Official agencies have noted that international visitor arrivals remain below pre‑pandemic levels. Foreign arrivals to destinations such as Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines are lower than expected. Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency recorded around 1.01 million international visitors in January 2026 with only a modest increase over the previous year[1]. This figure is far short of the tens of millions seen in 2019. Vietnam’s tourism authority reported month‑on‑month declines in arrivals from neighboring ASEAN markets[2]. These trends highlight a regional challenge and prompt discussion on whether digital nomad visa initiatives can attract remote workers to bolster the tourism economy.

Vietnam’s tourism statistics for February 2026 revealed notable month‑on‑month drops in visitors from neighbouring countries[2]. Arrivals from Cambodia were just over 54,000, down markedly from January, while those from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Lao PDR also fell[3]. The declines ranged from roughly seven per cent to more than thirty per cent, signalling a broad regional slump. This reduction may stem from economic caution and lingering travel barriers. Singaporean visitors stood at about 30,000 while Indonesian visitors were near 18,000, both significantly lower than in January[2]. Malaysian and Thai arrivals were under 60,000 and 40,000 respectively, and Lao travellers dropped to around 15,000[3]. These official figures show that several ASEAN neighbours contributed fewer visitors to Vietnam early in 2026.

Indonesia’s statistics agency recorded about 1.01 million international arrivals in January 2026[1]. This figure marks a small increase over the previous year but remains far below the 2019 tally of more than 16 million visitors. Domestic travel accounted for over 102 million trips and hotel occupancy reached 47.53 percent[1]. To attract long‑stay foreigners Indonesia introduced a Second Home Visa in 2022, allowing stays of five or ten years and requiring applicants to show at least 2 billion rupiah in funds[4]. The visa targets investors, digital nomads and retirees rather than ordinary workers[5]. The high financial threshold may limit uptake, so international arrivals remain modest and domestic tourism continues to support the tourism economy.

Vietnam recorded declines in visitors from neighbouring countries during February 2026[2][3]. The country does not yet provide a digital nomad visa. Foreigners can obtain an e‑visa valid for up to ninety days for single or multiple entries, provided they hold a valid passport and meet basic conditions[6]. The absence of a longer‑term remote‑work option limits the ability of remote professionals to stay beyond a few months. This likely reduces the appeal of Vietnam to digital nomads who might otherwise contribute to local spending. Without more flexible visas and targeted marketing the tourism recovery may remain fragile.[3] As of March 2026 there has been no official announcement about a remote‑work visa.

Malaysia offers a dedicated remote‑work programme called the DE Rantau Nomad Pass. This professional visit pass lets qualified foreign digital nomads work remotely from Malaysia for up to twelve months with the option to renew for another year[7]. The pass is issued by the Immigration Department and is part of a broader initiative that includes co‑working hubs and digital infrastructure. Official 2026 arrival figures have yet to be published. Malaysia received more than 38 million foreign visitors in 2024, exceeding pre‑pandemic levels. A slowdown in regional travel could reduce visitor numbers, but the Nomad Pass may cushion the impact by encouraging longer stays. Applicants must show sufficient income and must work for companies outside Malaysia, which could limit participation. As of early 2026 the government continues to promote the pass.

Thailand seeks to attract work‑from‑Thailand professionals through its Long‑Term Resident (LTR) Visa. A government release in January 2025 described this programme, launched in September 2022, offering a ten‑year stay, a digital work permit and tax benefits[8]. The release explained that eligibility criteria were eased by removing a five‑year work‑experience requirement and lowering corporate revenue thresholds[8]. By late 2024 more than 6,000 visas had been issued[8]. Although the scheme functions as a digital nomad visa, it targets high‑earning professionals. Official January 2026 arrival data have not been posted, but early indications suggest a slight decline. The LTR visa could help offset revenue losses by attracting affluent residents, yet its strict eligibility may exclude many freelance remote workers.

The Philippines welcomed 6,484,060 foreign visitors in 2025 according to the Bureau of Immigration[9]. International tourist arrivals processed through the eTravel system were 5,940,975, still below the eight million arrivals recorded in 2019[9]. In April 2025 President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 86 to ease the entry of digital nomads. House Bill 795 proposes a digital nomad visa allowing qualified foreigners to reside for twelve months and renew for another year while working remotely[10]. The bill defines digital nomads as people who use information and communication technology to work for employers outside the Philippines[11]. As of March 2026 the bill remains pending, leaving remote workers reliant on short‑term visas. Officials hope that implementing such a visa will boost tourism by attracting longer‑stay visitors who spend on accommodation and services.

Singapore does not offer a conventional digital nomad visa but provides the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass). According to the Ministry of Manpower, this pass targets top talent in business, arts, sports, academia and research and requires a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for twelve consecutive months or an equivalent future salary[12]. Holders receive a five‑year stay and may work for multiple companies or start their own ventures[12]. Family members can obtain dependant passes, and spouses may work via a letter of consent[12]. The ministry explains that pass holders can remain during periods of unemployment but must submit annual declarations[13]. In 2025 Singapore welcomed 13.6 million visitors, still below the 2019 figure. The ONE Pass functions as a high‑end remote‑work visa and is likely to attract only a small number of high earners.

Official January 2026 visitor statistics for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Brunei had not been released at the time of writing. Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism last reported about 4.05 million visitors in 2025. Laos has focused on domestic tourism and infrastructure rather than attracting long‑stay foreigners, and it has no government‑sponsored remote‑work visa. Myanmar’s 2024 statistics report suggested that international arrivals remained below one million, reflecting ongoing instability and limited aviation links. Brunei Darussalam, with its small population and reliance on oil revenues, has never developed mass tourism and has no official digital nomad visa. In the absence of fresh data it is reasonable to assume that these countries continue to experience low visitor numbers and have yet to embrace digital nomad programmes. Digital nomad communities have begun exploring these destinations informally, but formal support and reliable data remain limited for policymakers today.

Several ASEAN governments are using remote‑work schemes to diversify tourism. Indonesia’s Second Home Visa targets wealthy individuals and retirees but its high financial requirement limits participation[4]. Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass is more accessible and aims to attract freelancers[7]. Thailand’s LTR Visa provides generous benefits but is intended for high‑earning professionals[8]. The Philippines is considering a digital nomad visa, yet the bill has not been enacted[10]. Vietnam lacks a dedicated remote‑work visa[6]. From an economic perspective these visas can stimulate local economies by encouraging long‑term stays and increasing spending. However, they cannot offset low visitor numbers if costs, infrastructure or safety concerns persist. Governments must pair remote‑work schemes with marketing, affordable transportation and improved services to revive their tourism economies.

The early months of 2026 underline weaknesses in regional tourism. Official statistics show that Vietnam experienced sharp declines in visitors from neighbouring countries[2][3] while Indonesia’s international arrivals remain far below pre‑pandemic figures[1] and the Philippines still falls short of its 2019 visitor count despite hosting over six million foreign visitors in 2025[9]. Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore have introduced remote‑work visas with varying eligibility while the Philippines considers one[7][8][10]. These programmes may attract high‑spending residents but will not by themselves revive mass tourism. Countries without dedicated remote‑work visas risk losing potential revenue.

Encouraging coordination between tourism boards, immigration authorities and technology firms would help remote‑work programmes deliver wider benefits. Remote professionals depend on reliable connectivity, co‑working spaces and digital services; co‑investment in these areas can make destinations more attractive. Community‑based tourism projects can integrate digital nomads with local life, spreading spending beyond major cities and supporting small businesses. Lessons may be taken from destinations outside South‑East Asia that link remote‑work visas with cultural immersion, language learning and eco‑tourism. Governments should align tax policies, environmental safeguards and public health measures to build long‑term trust. Until comprehensive reforms are implemented visitor numbers are likely to stay below pre‑pandemic levels, and businesses must adapt to a landscape where digital nomads are just one component of the recovery strategy.

Sources:

[1] Januari 2026, kunjungan wisman melalui pintu masuk utama di Indonesia mencapai 1,01 juta kunjungan, jumlah perjalanan wisnus 102,04 juta, jumlah perjalanan wisnas 1,01 juta, dan Tingkat Penghunian Kamar (TPK) di hotel bintang 47,53 persen. – Badan Pusat Statistik Indonesia
https://www.bps.go.id/id/pressrelease/2026/03/02/2556/januari-2026–kunjungan-wisman-melalui-pintu-masuk-utama-di-indonesia-mencapai-1-01-juta-kunjungan–jumlah-perjalanan-wisnus-102-04-juta–jumlah-perjalanan-wisnas-1-01-juta–dan-tingkat-penghunian-kamar–tpk–di-hotel-bintang-47-53-persen-.html
[2] [3] Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/en/statistic/international
[4] Siaran Pers : Ditjen Imigrasi Resmi Luncurkan Aturan Second Home Visa – Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi
https://www.imigrasi.go.id/siaran_pers/2022/10/25/siaran-pers-ditjen-imigrasi-resmi-luncurkan-aturan-second-home-visa
[5] Visa Kunjungan Beberapa Kali Perjalanan Fasilitasi Peningkatan Kawasan Ekonomi Khusus – Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi
https://www.imigrasi.go.id/berita/2022/12/06/visa-kunjungan-beberapa-kali-perjalanan-fasilitasi-peningkatan-kawasan-ekonomi-khusus
[6] Vietnam evisa – National portal on Immigration
https://immigration.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt
[7] GOSG Non-Citizen
https://rai.malaysia.gov.my/digital-services
[8] Improvement of the Long-Term Resident Visa Program
https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/48/iid/357020
[9] Tourism offers high investment returns amid growing demand –DOT chief – Philippine Information Agency
https://pia.gov.ph/news/tourism-offers-high-investment-returns-amid-growing-demand-dot-chief/
[10] [11] HB00795.pdf
https://docs.congress.hrep.online/legisdocs/basic_20/HB00795.pdf
[12] Key facts on Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/overseas-networks-expertise-pass/key-facts
[13] Can I stay in Singapore while unemployed if I hold an Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass?
https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/one-pass/can-i-stay-in-singapore-while-unemployed-if-i-hold-a-one-pass