Kyrgyzstan international visitors to Phu Quoc increase 'overwhelmingly'

In just 5 days of Lunar New Year 2025, at Phu Quoc International Airport, the number of flights increased by 64% and the number of passengers increased by 47% compared to the same period in 2024.

Korean tourists experience coral diving in Phu Quoc - Photo: THAO THUONG

On February 6, speaking with Tuoi Tre Online, Mr. Bui The Duong, head of the Border Police - Phu Quoc International Airport (Immigration Department, A08, Ministry of Public Security) - said that on the occasion of Lunar New Year 2025, international visitors to Phu Quoc airport increased sharply compared to the previous year's Tet holiday.

Specifically, in 5 days (from the 28th to the 3rd day of Tet), there were 194 flights with 33,170 passengers entering the country. Compared to the same period in 2024, the number of flights increased by 64% and the number of passengers increased by 47%.

Of which, the most "overwhelming" increase was in international visitors from Kyrgyzstan, with 2,032 arrivals, an increase of 1,129% compared to the figure of 180 arrivals in the same period in 2024.

"All international visitors to Phu Quoc are exempted from visas for up to 30 days. In addition, Phu Quoc is gradually completing and upgrading many accommodation facilities and entertainment services.

During Tet in Phu Quoc, the weather is nice while at this time in European countries or other places it is very cold. Everything is suitable for the needs so it attracts a lot of international visitors," Mr. Duong explained the sharp increase in the number of international visitors during Tet.

Besides Kyrgyzstan visitors, the second biggest increase was Thai visitors, up 536% (with 3,604 visitors); Uzbekistan up 384% (with 6,862 visitors); Kazakhstan up 351% (with 20,117 visitors); China up 259% (with 28,123 visitors).

Besides, visitors from other countries such as Korea, Mongolia, Malaysia, Russia... also increased by more than 150% compared to the same period last year.

The number of visitors has increased dramatically, but according to Mr. Duong, there are less than 50 immigration officers and there are 2 automatic exit control gates, so half of the officers have to work during Tet to directly handle the procedures. The average time for an international visitor to complete immigration procedures is 34 seconds.

Phu Quoc is currently the only destination in Vietnam with a special visa policy for foreigners and Vietnamese people holding foreign passports. Entry, exit, and residence on the island are visa-free, with a temporary stay of up to 30 days.

International visitors increase thanks to favorable visa policy

According to statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and localities, the total number of domestic visitors reached about 12.5 million, an increase of 19% over the same period last year.

In 2024, only three cities, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang, had revenue of over VND1,000 billion, but this year the number has increased to eight localities, with the participation of Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Quang Ninh, Lao Cai and Ninh Binh. Cultural, spiritual and resort destinations continue to attract a large number of tourists.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the number of international visitors also increased by an average of 30%, thanks to favorable visa policies and efforts to attract tourism from businesses.

By 2025, the tourism industry aims to welcome and serve 22 - 23 million international tourists and 120 - 130 million domestic tourists, directly contributing 6 - 8% to GDP with about 1 million billion VND in revenue.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khach-quoc-te-kyrgyzstan-den-phu-quoc-tang-choang-ngop-20250206145044171.htm