Vietnam's Khanh Hoa Province Introduces Visa-Free Tourism Trial to Attract Chinese Visitors to Nha Trang

Vietnam's Khanh Hoa province has launched a pilot visa-exemption initiative for Chinese tourists visiting the popular coastal destination of Nha Trang, aiming to revive international tourism and strengthen its competitiveness in Southeast Asia's growing travel market.

The initiative, introduced in October 2026, seeks to simplify travel procedures and encourage more Chinese holidaymakers to explore the province's beaches, tropical islands and historical attractions.

Nha Trang, one of Vietnam's prominent seaside destinations, is renowned for its clear waters, island-hopping excursions, scuba diving opportunities and ancient Champa temples. Its combination of cultural heritage and coastal recreation has traditionally made it particularly attractive to Chinese visitors.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Khanh Hoa welcomed approximately 2.5 million Chinese tourists in 2019. However, arrivals declined significantly, reaching around 680,000 in 2025, highlighting the challenges facing the province's tourism recovery.

Local authorities hope that easing entry requirements will help reverse this decline, stimulate visitor spending and support businesses dependent on international tourism, including hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and recreational operators.

The initiative also reflects intensifying competition among Southeast Asian destinations seeking to attract Chinese travellers, who represent an important market for regional tourism.

By reducing administrative barriers, Khanh Hoa aims to make Nha Trang a more convenient and appealing destination for holidaymakers considering alternatives across Asia.

Tourism stakeholders anticipate that improved accessibility could encourage longer stays, increase hotel occupancy and generate additional employment opportunities within the hospitality industry.

However, the programme's effectiveness will depend on its eligibility requirements, implementation and the response from prospective travellers.

As regional destinations increasingly compete through simplified travel policies and improved tourism infrastructure, Khanh Hoa's visa-exemption trial represents an effort to restore Chinese visitor numbers and strengthen Nha Trang's position as a leading coastal tourism destination.