Visitors from all countries and territories in the world would be allowed to enter Vietnam on e-visas.
This idea was consented by the Government in a recent meeting on new policies in management of foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.
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| Japanese bridge, a well-known tourist attraction in Hoi An ancient town, Quang Nam province__Photo: Thanh Ha/VNA |
For the time being, Vietnam issues single-entry e-visas with a validity duration of 30 days to visitors from 80 countries. With the cabinet’s nod, all tourists wishing to visit Vietnam would be granted multiple-entry e-visas, regardless of their countries of citizenship, and stay in the country for a maximum period of 90 days.
As for visitors eligible for visa waiver under Vietnam’s unilateral visa waiver program, the maximum stay would be extended to 45 days, instead of 15 days as at present.
The proposal for longer validity period of e-visas was put forward by the Ministry of Public Security and included in the draft Law Amending the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam. Under the draft, the Government would be empowered to decide on a list of countries and territories whose citizens are eligible for grant of e-visas and a list of international border gates that allow foreigners to enter and exit with e-visas, taking into consideration that these activities would not pose a threat to national defense, security as well as social order and safety of Vietnam.
The relaxed policies aim to attract foreign tourists to Vietnam amid fierce competition from regional countries, especially after nations have lifted COVID-19 restrictions.
The easing of e-visa policy both in terms of applicable subjects and duration will help attract more foreigners to visit the country and seek investment and business opportunities, creating a driving force to promote socio-economic development in general and the tourism industry in particular.- (VLLF)
