Bui Vien pedestrian street – a popular nighttime destination for foreign visitors and young local people in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi – In a bid to revive the struggling
tourism sector, Vietnam is set to unveil a series of new visa and immigration
policies at the upcoming National Assembly meeting.
These policies are expected to bolster the country’s socioeconomic
development by attracting foreign visitors, following the devastating impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has been proactively urging
the Government to present a comprehensive plan to the National Assembly, aimed
at expanding the list of visa exemptions and promoting the growth of tourism.
The proposed immigration policies encompass several key changes that could
potentially transform the landscape of travel to Vietnam.
One significant proposal is the extension of the duration for
electronic visas from 30 days to 3 months, applicable for both single and
multiple entries. This extended timeframe aims to provide travellers with
greater flexibility and encourage longer stays, allowing them to fully immerse
themselves in the country’s diverse offerings.
Furthermore, the plan entails the issuance of electronic visas to
citizens of all countries and territories. By streamlining the visa application
process, this measure seeks to eliminate unnecessary barriers and facilitate
smoother entry for international visitors. This inclusive approach reflects Vietnam’s
commitment to embracing global tourism and fostering cultural exchange.
Another noteworthy proposal involves extending the visa exemption
period. Currently limited to a duration of 15 days, this certificate would be
extended to 45 days. This extension aims to accommodate travellers from
countries enjoying visa-exempt status, granting them a more extended period to
explore the country’s attractions and contribute to its tourism revenue.
These forthcoming visa and immigration reforms signify Vietnam’s
determined efforts to revitalise its tourism industry, which has suffered
immensely from the impact of the pandemic. The introduction of these policies
is anticipated to create new opportunities for growth and development,
positioning Vietnam as an appealing destination for international travellers
seeking a memorable and immersive experience.
As the country prepares to present these proposals to the National
Assembly, stakeholders and industry experts eagerly await the outcome, hopeful
that these reforms will pave the way for a vibrant and resilient tourism sector
in Vietnam.
In addition, besides considering the decision to expand the visa
exemption list, there will also be breakthrough policies to attract
international tourists to Vietnam and promote the development of the country’s
green economy in the near future.
The MOFA is coordinating with relevant agencies and localities to
actively carry out economic diplomacy, actively engage in comprehensive and
effective international integration, and prepare for and implement high-level
foreign relations programmes, further deepening bilateral and multilateral
partnerships with countries and on international forums.
The Government has also entrusted the Ministry of Culture, Sports,
and Tourism to work with relevant authorities to enhance promotional activities
for tourism, and efficient exploitation of potential international tourist
markets. This includes the development of new tourism products with high
quality and competitiveness to stimulate tourism recovery and sustainable
development.
Ministries, sectors, and localities are required to organise the
effective implementation of tasks and solutions in various fields, with a
particular emphasis on the need to boost the recovery and development of
tourism and propose the expansion of visa-exempt entry for countries into Vietnam.
Currently, the tourism sector is receiving significant attention
from the Party and the State. At the National Tourism Conference in March 2023,
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged ministries, sectors, and localities to
amend and improve policies regarding immigration procedures for international
guests.
This includes expanding the list of visa-exempt countries,
extending the appropriate duration of stay with reasonable fees, and expanding
electronic visas. The Prime Minister also called for facilitating domestic and
international airlines to open new routes and establish direct connections
between Vietnam and key tourism markets.
PM Chinh also emphasised the need to enhance international
cooperation, particularly with large multinational tourism corporations and
conglomerates, to promote connectivity and attract major and potential markets
based on the principles of “harmonious benefits and shared risks.”
Following this conference, it is expected that the Government will
issue a resolution to accelerate the recovery and development of tourism in the
near future./.
