Vietnam Among Nations Expanding Visa-Free Travel to UAE to Boost Tourism

Vietnamese citizens are now eligible for visa-free entry to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Last month, the UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival scheme to citizens of Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa, along with their family members. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the move underscores the country's commitment to deepening bilateral ties with friendly nations and fueling closer economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. This development is part of a broader trend across Asia where countries are relaxing visa policies amid intensifying competition for foreign visitors. Leading up to 2026, many nations in the region are expanding visa-free entry, waiving visa fees, and extending stay limits. These efforts are aimed at restoring tourism recovery to pre-pandemic levels. For example, Cambodia began offering visa-free entry for Chinese citizens on a trial basis from June 15, allowing them stays of up to 14 days. South Korea has also started issuing 10-year multiple-entry visas to certain Chinese travelers and extended its visa application fee waiver for group tourists from China, India, and Southeast Asian countries (including Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam) until the end of the year. China itself allowed visa-free entry for Canadian and British citizens for up to 30 days in February this year. Last year, China extended its visa-free entry for 45 countries, many in Europe, South America, and the Gulf, besides Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, until the end of 2026. These visa-friendly schemes have contributed to the recovery of inbound tourism in China, which saw 35.17 million foreign visitors in 2025. Conversely, some economies have tightened visa policies to safeguard their tourism image and prevent rising crime rates. Thailand, for instance, scrapped its 60-day visa exemption policy for 93 countries, including major economies like the U.S., the U.K., and India, from May, following a recent spate of high-profile arrests of foreigners linked to drug offenses and sex trafficking. A 30-day visa exemption remains in place, but the number of eligible countries and territories will be reduced from 57 to 54. Indonesia recently introduced a massive immigration crackdown targeting foreign influencers, content creators, and remote workers operating on tourist visas. The UAE's move to allow visa-free travel for Vietnamese citizens suggests the country is deepening international cooperation to attract tourists. Under Vietnam's one-party system, economic growth remains a top priority, and tourism is a crucial pillar supporting that growth. While relations with China are complex, economic ties remain strong, and increased tourism is expected to bring direct benefits to the Vietnamese economy.