Phu Quoc’s 30-day visa-free policy has emerged as a key driver of international tourism, reinforcing the island’s position as one of Asia’s most attractive travel destinations.
Introduced in July 2020, the policy allows foreign passport holders to enter and stay on Phu Quoc for up to 30 days without a visa. Travelers can arrive directly or transit through an international border gate in Vietnam by air or sea before continuing to the island.
Phu Quoc remains the only destination in Vietnam that fully meets the legal criteria required for visa exemption, including having an international airport, clear geographical separation from the mainland, and the capacity to maintain effective control over security and immigration.
However, the policy comes with important limitations. Visitors entering under the exemption are permitted to stay only on the island. Those wishing to travel to other parts of Vietnam must obtain a valid visa in advance.
Authorities have recently highlighted potential risks associated with this restriction. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi, for example, has advised travelers to secure a Vietnamese visa even when planning to visit only Phu Quoc. In cases of medical emergencies or flight disruptions, visitors may need to travel to major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, which would not be permitted without a valid visa.
Despite these constraints, the visa exemption has significantly boosted international arrivals. Phu Quoc welcomed a record 1.8 million foreign visitors last year, tripling pre-pandemic levels. In the first quarter of this year alone, the island received 817,000 international arrivals, a 72 percent increase year-on-year, according to local authorities.
Looking ahead, Phu Quoc aims to attract two million foreign visitors this year, supported by ongoing infrastructure upgrades as it prepares to host APEC 2027.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 