According to data from the Statistics Office, before 2016, the number of Indian tourists to Vietnam was only about 100,000. By 2019, this number had nearly doubled, reaching nearly 200,000. Notably, after the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to the expansion of direct flights, the number of Indian tourists to Vietnam has increased sharply, reaching about 750,000 in 2025, 4.5 times higher than in 2019.
In the opposite direction, the number of Vietnamese tourists traveling to India also maintains an impressive growth rate, averaging 17-20% per year, according to the Indian Embassy. This shows that the demand for two-way tourism between Vietnam and India is increasing, opening up great space for cooperation for the tourism industry of the two countries.
Exchanging details about the potential for bilateral tourism cooperation, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh received Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering W. Sherpa on the occasion of the Ambassador's new term in Vietnam on January 15.
The Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said that the current visa policy between the two countries is one of the favorable factors to attract tourists. The application of electronic visas, along with extending the stay period to 90 days and allowing multiple entry, is creating favorable conditions to promote the number of tourists passing through in the coming time.
In addition, aviation connectivity is considered a key factor in increasing tourist exchange.
However, the number of visitors to Vietnam is still not commensurate with its potential when about 18 million Indian tourists travel in Southeast Asia each year. Currently, the frequency between major cities of the two countries has not yet fully met market demand. For example, a destination favored by Indian tourists like Da Nang currently does not have commercial flight routes.
To promote the Indian market, the two sides agreed to continue to strengthen tourism promotion and advertising activities, create conditions for businesses to participate in fairs, roadshows and tourism seminars; and at the same time promote the adjustment of the bilateral aviation agreement, expanding the air route network between the two countries.
2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam - India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. On this occasion, the two countries are expected to coordinate in developing specific plans and activities to create practical efficiency in many fields, including tourism.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is developing a plan to organize promotion and advertising activities in the Indian market in the period 2026-2027, with the expectation of continuing to maintain the rapid growth rate of the number of two-way tourists.
In addition to policies and infrastructure, the tourism trend of Indian people is also creating more opportunities for Vietnam. According to records of travel agencies in Kolkata (India), the weakening rupee is causing many tourists in the city of Kolkata to shift from long-day trips to Europe and the US to closer international destinations, reasonable costs and favorable visa policies. Vietnam and Dubai are emerging as priority choices, thanks to convenient, safe and clear air connections.
