Vietnam plans to expand visa-free travel to boost tourism demand

Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has asked the Ministry of Public Security to consider extending visa exemptions for citizens of certain countries in line with the new context and bilateral cooperation.

In a recently issued decree, the Prime Minister also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review the recent application of the unilateral visa waiver policy for citizens of 13 countries and at the same time cooperate with the Ministry of Public Security to propose expanding the list of countries whose citizens are unilaterally exempted from visas, Vietnamnet.vn reports.

Currently, Vietnam applies a unilateral visa waiver policy for citizens of 13 countries, namely Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus.

Last year, Vietnam welcomed 12.6 million foreign visitors, nearly 3.5 times the number expected in 2022. This year, it aims to attract approximately 17 to 18 million foreign visitors, equivalent to the pre-pandemic figure.

According to the new bill, which came into force on August 15, 2023, the country provides three-month tourist visas for citizens from all countries and territories, as opposed to the previous 30 days. During the approved period of validity, foreigners will be able to enter and leave the country several times without having to undergo new visa procedures.

Foreigners who are subject to the visa exemption will be duly provided with a temporary residence permit at the international border, which will be valid for 45 days, as opposed to the current period of 15 days. In addition, they will be considered for a visa and extension of temporary residence in accordance with the rules.

Vietnam is currently cancelling visas for travellers from 25 countries, compared to 162 for Malaysia and Singapore, 157 for the Philippines, 68 for Japan, 66 for the Republic of Korea, and 64 for Thailand.

Earlier, TravelWise told you what travellers need to know before visiting Vietnam.