In an effort to boost tourism, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed the ministries of public security and foreign affairs to investigate the possibility of waiving visas for citizens of several countries. This initiative is aimed at making Vietnam a more attractive destination for international tourists, thereby accelerating the recovery of its tourism sector.
Prime Minister’s Directive
During a meeting with the heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad, Prime Minister Chinh highlighted the need for streamlined visa policies. He instructed these agencies to simplify the visa process for foreign tourists, which would provide a significant boost to the tourism industry.
“The Ministry of Public Security should cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to waive visas for several countries,” Chinh stated, aligning this initiative with Vietnam’s broader goal to improve its standing in the global tourism market.
Visa Policies Across Southeast Asia
Currently, Vietnam offers visa exemptions to travelers from 25 countries. This number is relatively low compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Malaysia and Singapore, for instance, waive visas for 162 countries, the Philippines for 157, and Thailand for 93. Thailand has recently expanded its visa-free stay from 57 to 93 countries and territories. Likewise, Indonesia is planning to introduce visa-free visits to 20 new destinations, including Australia, China, and India, by October.
Existing Visa Framework in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a three-month tourist visa for citizens from all countries and territories. Since August 2023, the government has also increased the visa-free stay duration to 45 days for citizens of 13 specific countries. This exemption applies to popular tourist destinations such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and several Nordic nations.
Revitalizing Vietnam’s Tourism Industry
Despite a significant increase in international arrivals in the first half of 2024, with 8.8 million visitors, Vietnam still trails its pre-pandemic levels by 4%. The government has set an ambitious target of attracting 18 million international visitors by the end of the year.
Future Visa Waivers
While the specific countries for potential visa waivers have not been disclosed, this move underscores Vietnam’s proactive efforts to draw foreign tourists and rejuvenate its vital tourism sector. The investigation’s results by the Ministries of Public Security and Foreign Affairs are eagerly awaited by both travel enthusiasts and tourism industry stakeholders.
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