Vietnam received more than 12.2 million international tourists in the first seven months of 2025, a 22.5% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure nearly equals the total for all of 2023, highlighting the tourism sector's robust recovery and placing the country on track to meet its goal of welcoming at least 25 million international visitors this year under Government Resolution 226.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), July 2025 saw 1.56 million international arrivals, up 6.8% year-on-year - an impressive achievement considering it is the off-season for inbound tourism. Notably, the European market recorded remarkable growth of up to 38%.

This surge reflects the effectiveness of relaxed visa policies and proactive tourism promotions by VNAT and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism across six European nations: France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany.

In total, the 12.2 million international arrivals from January to July 2025 nearly match the 12.6 million recorded in all of 2023 - the first full year of recovery following the pandemic.

China remains Vietnam’s largest source market, contributing 3.1 million visitors (25.5%), followed by South Korea with 2.5 million (20.7%). Other major markets include Taiwan (737,000 visitors), the United States (522,000), and Japan (380,000). Completing the top 10 are Cambodia, India, Australia, Russia, and Malaysia.

Russia led the European markets and ranked ninth among the top ten source countries.

In July alone, most markets posted growth. Asia saw a 22.4% rise, led by major Northeast Asian markets: China surged by 45.7% and Japan by 18.2%. South Korea, however, experienced a slight 2.5% decline.

European markets continued their strong momentum, with Russian arrivals up 156.6%, the UK up 22.2%, France up 23.1%, Italy up 25.9%, and Norway up 21.1%.

Visitor numbers from Poland and Switzerland rose by 44.8% and 15.8%, respectively, thanks to the short-term visa exemption policy under the 2025 tourism stimulus program.

This strong rebound is encouraging and supports Vietnam’s aim of attracting 25 million international visitors and 150 million domestic travelers in 2025, as set out in Resolution 226/NQ-CP issued on August 5.

The resolution urges the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, along with localities, to ramp up tourism promotions, diversify and improve tourism products, and maximize both domestic and international travel seasons. It also calls for strict market supervision, regulation of prices, hygiene, and food safety - especially in major tourist areas. It encourages regional tourism linkages and integration with local OCOP (One Commune One Product) goods and specialties.

Additionally, the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are tasked with coordinating with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to develop more flexible and convenient visa policies, while streamlining visa application procedures for international visitors.

Ngoc Ha