A foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) wishing to operate a travel business in Vietnam faces a dual set of requirements: investment law plus travel-business conditions — including one critical limitation many investors overlook: an FIE may only provide international travel services for international tourists coming to Vietnam (inbound). This guide covers the conditions, deposit levels, and licensing procedure under current rules.
1. The inbound limitation: what foreign investors must know first
Under Clause 4, Article 30 of the Tourism Law 09/2017/QH14, a foreign-invested enterprise may only provide international travel services for international tourists traveling to Vietnam, unless an international treaty to which Vietnam is a party provides otherwise.
In other words, an FIE may not independently operate domestic travel or outbound travel (taking Vietnamese tourists abroad). This is a hard boundary: every business plan must be designed within the inbound scope.
2. Conditions for international travel business (Clause 2, Article 31, Tourism Law)
An enterprise (including an FIE) providing international travel services must meet three conditions:
- (a) Lawfully established under enterprise law;
- (b) A deposit for international travel business placed at a bank;
- (c) The person in charge of the travel business: graduated college or higher in a travel-related major; graduates of other majors must hold a certificate in international tourism operation.
3. Current deposit levels — applicable from 01/01/2024 (Article 14, Decree 168/2017/ND-CP)
- International travel for inbound tourists: VND 250,000,000;
- International travel for outbound tourists: VND 500,000,000;
- Both inbound and outbound: VND 500,000,000.
The deposit is placed in Vietnamese dong at a commercial bank, cooperative bank, or foreign bank branch established and operating in Vietnam, and must be maintained throughout the travel business operation.
Important: the 80% reduction under Decree 94/2021/ND-CP was a temporary COVID-19 support measure that expired on 31 December 2023 — do not use the reduced levels for current applications.
4. Dossier and licensing authority (Article 33, Tourism Law)
The dossier for an international travel business license comprises: the standard application form; a copy of the Enterprise Registration Certificate; the deposit certificate; and the diplomas/certificates of the person in charge of the travel business together with the appointment decision or labor contract.
Licensing authority: the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism).
5. Foreign investment conditions
- Investment Registration Certificate (IRC): foreign-capital projects follow investment procedures under the Investment Law 143/2025/QH15 (effective 1 March 2026, replacing Investment Law 61/2020/QH14);
- WTO commitment (CPC 7471): foreign investors may establish a joint venture with a Vietnamese partner, with no limitation on the foreign capital contribution ratio;
- Tour guides: guides working in foreign-invested enterprises must be Vietnamese citizens — foreigners cannot be issued a tour guide card.
6. Common risks and recommendations
- Tours exceeding the inbound scope: taking Vietnamese tourists abroad or running domestic tours under an FIE entity violates Clause 4, Article 30;
- Incorrect or unmaintained deposits: withdrawing the deposit during operations may lead to license revocation;
- Unqualified person in charge: verify the travel-major diploma or international tourism operation certificate before appointment;
- Using COVID-era deposit levels: apply only the Article 14, Decree 168/2017 levels (effective from 01/01/2024).
7. Frequently asked questions
Can a 100% foreign-owned company obtain an international travel license?
Yes, provided it is established as a joint venture under the WTO commitment (no cap on foreign ownership) and operates inbound only — serving international tourists to Vietnam.
When does the VND 250 million deposit apply?
Since 01/01/2024, for enterprises providing inbound-only international travel services. Enterprises covering outbound as well deposit VND 500 million.
Can foreigners work as tour guides for an FDI travel company?
No. Guides in foreign-invested enterprises must be Vietnamese citizens; foreigners may take tour-operation or management roles.
Legal sources
- Tourism Law 09/2017/QH14 — in force (effective 01/01/2018);
- Decree 168/2017/ND-CP — in force; current deposit levels applicable from 01/01/2024;
- Investment Law 143/2025/QH15 — in force (effective 01/03/2026).
See also: Logistics business license for foreign-invested companies.
Planning a foreign-invested travel company? Contact FLAT Law Firm.
For reference only; not legal advice for your specific case. This article has been quality-checked (QA) by the AI Legal Council and has not been reviewed by a human lawyer.