HCMC – The Government has officially written to the National Assembly proposing a new policy for changing immigration procedures and e-visa issuance, and lengthening a visa-free stay for foreign visitors.
The proposed policy includes granting e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories, extending the validity of e-visa to up to three months, and increasing the duration of visa-free stay for international tourists to 45 days from the current 15.
If approved, this visa policy would help attract more international tourists to Vietnam and contribute to the recovery and development of tourism.
The proposal, signed by the Minister of Public Security To Lam under the authorization of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, will be considered in the National Assembly session, expected to be held in May 2023.
After Vietnam resumed international tourism in mid-March 2022, the number of foreign visitors to Vietnam in 2022 increased 6.6 times compared to 2021, which Covid-19 struck and led to travel restrictions. However, it was still low compared to pre-pandemic levels, only equal to 32.6% of the figure in 2019.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, foreign diplomatic representatives in Vietnam, trade associations, foreign businesses, and the Tourism Advisory Council previously suggested a more flexible visa policy to enhance competitiveness and attract international tourists in the future.
Source: The SaigonTimes