Vietnam Launches Digital Halal Connect Tourism Platform to Expand Services and Flight Connections for Global Muslim Travelers

Vietnam has launched the 'Vietnam Halal Connect' platform to coordinate Halal tourism services, hotels, and flight connections. The initiative supports the growing volume of Muslim tourists visiting Southeast Asia.

Centralizing Halal Tourism Services

The new digital integration initiative was introduced during the Vietnam Halal Tourism Conference 2026 to support the growing inbound tourism sector. Vietnam welcomed over 21 million international overnight visitors in 2025, which included a segment of approximately 600,000 Muslim travelers. The platform coordinates hospitality offerings to meet the specific requirements of these guests.

The system acts as a central index, linking flight bookings, hotel options, and certified dining locations. By integrating these services, the platform provides a verified travel itinerary for international visitors. This centralized coordination reduces the fragmented information that travelers historically faced when looking for certified facilities.

The ACES Framework and Standardization

Accessibility: Improving direct international flight paths and airport terminal infrastructure to support seamless connections.
Cooperation: Enhancing joint ventures between airline networks, hospitality providers, and tourism ministries.
Environment: Developing culturally sensitive spaces, including prayer rooms, at key transit hubs and hotels.
Standardization: Partnering with international certification bodies to implement verified Halal guidelines across all services.

Traveler Logistics and Flight Connectivity Guide

Passengers can access flight connections across a network of over 135 international and domestic routes. To simplify entry logistics, visitors should secure their eVisa through the official Vietnam Portal for Immigration before departure. For verified listings of hotels and restaurants, travelers can consult the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism portal.

Travelers requesting Halal-certified in-flight meals should specify their dietary requirements at least 24 hours before their flight departs. For transit passengers connecting through Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, newly established prayer facilities are available in the international departure hall. Layovers of at least two hours are recommended when transferring between international and domestic flights.

Regional Infrastructure Development

The digital platform is accompanied by physical infrastructure updates at major gateways. The national government has launched the National Halal Certification Center (HALCERT) to monitor food preparation standards. These regulatory efforts ensure that certified establishments maintain consistent compliance with international rules.

Cultural training programs are also being rolled out for hotel staff in popular tourist centers like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ha Long Bay. These initiatives aim to improve the visitor experience while preserving the local cultural heritage that draws tourists to the region. The tourism sector is working to position Vietnam as an inclusive destination in the highly competitive Asian market.

Tourism Development Framework (ACES)

Strategic Pillar	Target Objective	Implementation Status
Accessibility	Expand routes linking India, Malaysia, and Middle East hubs	Direct flights active; terminal services expanding
Cooperation	Align airline menus and hotel dining certifications	Joint agreements established with certification bodies
Environment	Implement dedicated prayer spaces at airports and resorts	Airport prayer rooms active; hotel integration underway
Standardization	Establish uniform HALCERT food safety guidelines	National certification registry operational

Key Takeaways

Platform Launch: The 'Vietnam Halal Connect' platform centralizes flight booking, hotel options, and certified dining details.
Tourism Growth: The initiative addresses the needs of a growing segment of Muslim travelers, which reached 600,000 visitors in 2025.
Standardization Center: The newly created HALCERT center oversees dining standards and issues official certifications.
Route Coverage: Vietjet supports access to the country through its network of 135 domestic and international routes.

FAQ

How do I find Halal-certified restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City?
Travelers can use the Vietnam Halal Connect platform or check certified listings on the National Authority of Tourism portal.

What is the function of the HALCERT center?
HALCERT is a national certification agency that monitors and standardizes Halal food preparation standards across Vietnam's hospitality sector.

Are prayer facilities available at Vietnamese airports?
Yes. Major international terminals, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have established dedicated prayer rooms for passengers.