Vietnam has started a new visa program that allows people to stay longer.
Chris Crampton, who leads the Pacific Asia Travel Association in the UK & Ireland, thinks this is great news. He says it will help tourism, bring in investments, and boost the economy. Vietnam now lets people stay for 45 days without a visa, and their online visas can be for 90 days. Flights from the UK to Vietnam are increasing too, starting in October. Tour operators who plan trips to Vietnam are happy about this change. They say it encourages visitors to spend more time exploring the country. It’s good for business and for Vietnam’s economy.
Thailand did something similar last year by allowing people to stay for 45 days during the peak travel season, from October to March. This helped tourism, especially during times when the cost of living was high. Thailand became a popular destination for people looking for a long stay and affordable living, like retirees.
Other countries in the region, like Indonesia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Brunei, Hong Kong, Fiji, and Mauritius, have also extended their visa policies to attract more visitors, allowing them to stay longer than the usual 30 days.
Australia has good news too. They’ve raised the age limit for their Working Holiday Visa from 30 to 35 years old, which means more Britons can live and work there. Many young people regret not taking a gap year, and this change gives them a chance to experience Australia.
As the region reopens and more countries offer visa-free or extended stay options, it opens up opportunities for travelers to explore multiple destinations and stay longer. Long-stay travelers tend to spend more money in local communities and explore lesser-known places, making them a valuable market for the region. This includes young travelers, backpackers, retirees, digital nomads, and people on sabbatical leave.