Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam is seeing a surge of interest from Eastern European travelers following its recent visa exemption policy, according to data from online travel platform Agoda.
Agoda reported a 60% increase in search interest from Eastern Europe after Vietnam announced visa-free entry for citizens of 12 European nations in mid-August. Specifically, searches rose 77% from Slovenia, 74% from Poland, 72% from Bulgaria, 69% from Romania, and 61% from Slovakia, based on accommodation search data between August 15 and September 30 for stays during October and November, compared to the same period last year.
“The data clearly demonstrates how simplified entry procedures and improved accessibility encourage travelers from Europe and other long-haul markets to visit Vietnam,” said Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam.
Starting August 15, citizens from Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland have been granted visa-free entry for stays of up to 45 days, regardless of passport type.
The rise in search activity mirrors official statistics. Data from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam shows that European tourist arrivals increased by nearly 35% in the first nine months of 2025.
In the third quarter alone, Vietnam welcomed 568,370 European visitors, marking a 38% increase from the previous quarter and an impressive 60% year-on-year growth.
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Source: Vietnam Insider