By 
Hanoi and Warsaw Align on High-Level Tourism Strategy
[Hanoi, 2026] — The governments of Vietnam and Poland have entered a new phase of diplomatic and economic cooperation aimed at drastically increasing the flow of travelers between Southeast Asia and Central Europe. Following a series of strategic discussions between Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, both nations have prioritized the removal of travel barriers and the enhancement of international connectivity.
The diplomatic engagement focused on transforming the current travel landscape into a more seamless experience for citizens of both nations. While leisure travel remains the primary driver, the leaders emphasized a broader cooperation framework that includes the preservation of cultural heritage, sports exchanges, and collaborations in the performing arts and film industries. These initiatives are designed to deepen people-to-people connections and modernize the long-standing relationship between the two states.
Vietnam Evaluates Expanded Visa-Free Access for Polish Nationals
A central pillar of the recent bilateral talks involves the potential for expanded visa-free entry for Polish citizens entering Vietnam. During the meetings, Prime Minister Donald Tusk formally proposed a widening of visa exemptions to encourage more frequent travel. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung indicated that Vietnam would positively consider this proposal, ensuring any new measures align with current national laws and regulatory frameworks.
While a definitive new visa exemption has not yet been codified into law, the dialogue signals a strong intent to lower entry barriers. In a reciprocal move, Vietnam has requested that Poland consider granting visa-free entry for holders of Vietnamese official passports to facilitate smoother government-to-government coordination.
Industry observers suggest that if these proposals are ratified, the resulting increase in mobility will likely trigger a spike in business travel and high-value cultural exchanges, moving beyond the current reliance on organized tour groups.
Current 45-Day Visa Framework Drives Growth
Despite the ongoing negotiations for broader exemptions, Polish travelers currently benefit from a specific set of entry privileges. Under Government Resolution 229/NQ-CP, Polish citizens can access a 45-day visa exemption, provided they are traveling through programs managed by Vietnamese international travel agencies.
This specific arrangement is active from 15 August 2025 and is scheduled to remain in effect until 14 August 2028. By tying the exemption to registered travel agencies, Vietnam aims to stimulate the professional tourism sector while maintaining oversight of international arrivals.
For independent travelers, Vietnam continues to leverage its electronic visa (e-visa) system, which first launched in February 2017. A significant update implemented on 15 August 2023 extended the maximum validity of these e-visas to three months, allowing Polish tourists more flexibility for long-term exploration and multi-city itineraries.
LOT Polish Airlines to Restore Warsaw–Hanoi Direct Route in 2027
The most significant logistical leap in this partnership is the planned return of non-stop aviation services. LOT Polish Airlines, the national carrier of Poland, has announced its intention to resume direct flights between Warsaw and Hanoi, with the first flight slated for 2027.
The proposed operational model includes three flights per week. This direct link is expected to eliminate the current reliance on transit hubs in the Middle East or other Asian capitals, significantly reducing travel time and costs for passengers.
Vietnamese officials have welcomed the announcement, viewing the route as a critical artery for economic cooperation and business tourism. While the 2027 launch date provides a clear target, the airline has noted that final schedules and booking availability will be confirmed as the date approaches.
Polish Market Becomes Top-Three EU Source for Vietnam
Statistical data reveals that Poland has rapidly ascended to become one of Vietnam's most vital European markets. The growth trajectory shows a consistent upward trend in visitor numbers over the last three years.
In 2024, Vietnam recorded 51,157 arrivals from Poland. This momentum accelerated into 2025, with projections estimating a 42.6 percent increase to approximately 73,000 visitors. The most recent data from the first seven months of 2026 shows that more than 61,000 Polish tourists have already visited Vietnam, marking a nearly 50 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
These figures place Poland as the third-largest source market for Vietnam within the European Union, trailing only Germany and France.
| Year/Period | Polish Visitor Arrivals | Growth/Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 51,157 | Baseline |
| 2025 (Projected) | ~73,000 | +42.6% |
| 2026 (Jan–July) | 61,000+ | ~50% increase vs 2025 |
New Memorandum of Understanding Formalizes Tourism Ties
To institutionalize these gains, the two nations have exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation. The agreement was witnessed by Prime Ministers Le Minh Hung and Donald Tusk and involved key officials from both governments.
The signing was carried out by Ho An Phong of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Robert Kupiecki, the Deputy State Secretary at Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This framework creates a direct institutional link between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Vietnam and the Ministry of Sports and Tourism in Poland.
The MoU focuses on three primary objectives:
- Destination Promotion: Joint marketing efforts to increase the visibility of both countries.
- Institutional Coordination: Streamlining communication between tourism boards.
- Visitor Exchanges: Facilitating professional and cultural exchange programs.
Strategic Marketing Initiatives in Poland
Vietnam has already begun implementing aggressive destination marketing within Poland to capitalize on the growing interest. A key milestone was the organization of a business-to-consumer (B2C) tourism promotion program held in Poland on 22 June 2025. This event allowed Vietnamese tourism operators to engage directly with Polish consumers, showcasing the country's diverse attractions and updated entry requirements.
Why This Matters: The Impact on Global Travel
For the average traveler, the shift from "conditional" visa exemptions to "direct" aviation and "expanded" visa-free access represents a fundamental change in how Vietnam is accessed from Europe. Currently, the 45-day exemption requires the mediation of a travel agency, which limits spontaneous travel. The move toward broader exemptions would empower the "free independent traveler" (FIT) segment, likely leading to a diversification of destinations within Vietnam beyond the standard tourist trail.
From a logistical standpoint, the 2027 LOT Polish Airlines flights will be a game-changer. Direct flights typically correlate with a surge in business-class travel and corporate investment, as the friction of long-haul transfers is removed. For the Polish traveler, this means a reduction in travel fatigue and a lower barrier to entry for short-term business trips.
Ultimately, Poland's rise to the third-largest EU source market suggests that Vietnam is successfully diversifying its European reach, reducing dependence on traditional markets like France and Germany and tapping into the growing middle-class appetite for Asian travel in Central Europe.
