Vietnam has significantly broadened its e-visa program by adding 41 new international checkpoints, bringing the total to 83. This expansion, formalized by Resolution 389/NQ-CP, aims to streamline entry for foreign visitors and boost tourism, building on earlier reforms that extended e-visa validity to 90 days for all nationalities.
Vietnam has significantly expanded its e-visa program, adding 41 new international checkpoints across airports, land borders, and seaports. This brings the total number of e-visa eligible entry and exit points to 83, aiming to facilitate foreign visitors and bolster the country's tourism sector. The policy, effective December 2, 2025, builds on earlier reforms from August 2023.
China and Vietnam have officially launched a bilateral QR code payment service in Hanoi on December 2, 2025. This initiative allows Chinese visitors to use their mobile payment apps, such as UnionPay, to scan VietQR codes at participating merchants across Vietnam, enhancing financial connectivity and boosting tourism and trade between the two nations.
China and Vietnam have officially launched a bilateral QR code payment service in Hanoi on December 2, 2025. This initiative allows Chinese consumers to use their mobile payment tools, primarily UnionPay-enabled apps, to scan VIETQR Global codes at participating merchants across Vietnam, enhancing convenience for tourists and boosting economic ties.
Torrential rains have triggered widespread floods and landslides across central Vietnam since the weekend, resulting in at least eight fatalities and dozens injured. The severe weather has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including major roads and railways, and is significantly disrupting the crucial coffee harvest in key agricultural regions.
Vietnam and Ireland have solidified a strategic policy partnership to transform sustainable food systems, moving beyond project-based cooperation. This collaboration, highlighted by a recent bilateral conference, focuses on areas like food safety, climate resilience, digital transformation, and agricultural innovation, aiming to strengthen Vietnam's agri-food sector and foster inclusive economic growth.
Central Vietnam has been hit by severe flooding in late October 2025, triggered by record-breaking rainfall. The deluge has resulted in at least 10 fatalities, 8 individuals missing, and the evacuation of nearly 26,000 residents. Cities like Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang have experienced extensive damage to homes and critical infrastructure.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced Vietnam's government is targeting an average annual economic growth of at least 10% for the 2026-2030 period. The ambitious plan, unveiled in Hanoi, aims to propel the nation to upper middle-income status by 2030, driven by innovation, infrastructure, and trade diversification.
Vietnamese authorities have launched multiple online safety campaigns and issued warnings about a sharp rise in cybercrime and online fraud. Tens of thousands of cases were reported in 2024, resulting in estimated losses nearing 20 trillion VND (approximately 758.85 million USD). The government is implementing coordinated national efforts to enhance public awareness and strengthen enforcement.
Typhoon Bualoi made landfall in central Vietnam on September 29, 2025, causing at least 26 fatalities, leaving 22 people missing, and injuring over 100. The storm brought destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and severe flooding, damaging more than 135,000 homes and inundating vast agricultural areas.
Vietnam and Tuvalu officially established diplomatic relations on September 24, 2025, in New York. The agreement, signed by top foreign affairs officials, marks Vietnam's diplomatic recognition of all 193 UN member states and paves the way for cooperation in areas like blue economy and tourism.
Vietnam requires an estimated US$55-92 billion between 2021 and 2030 to implement its climate adaptation commitments, as outlined in its updated National Adaptation Plan. Facing severe climate impacts, the nation emphasizes the urgent need for international financial and technological support to bolster its resilience.
