VNExpress-Feb 26
Vietnam should soon waive visas for the nationals of some major tourism source markets in order not to lag behind its Southeast Asian neighbors, experts said.
On Feb. 23 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had instructed immigration agencies to consider waiving visas for visits of six to 12 months for visitors of wealthy countriesand expanding the list of countries whose citizens are exempt from visas. Martin Koerner, chairman of EuroCham Vietnam’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector Committee, told VnExpress International Vietnam should not delay its visa reform as other Southeast Asian countries have been more proactive in their visa policies, especially Thailand. “If Vietnam is slow to expand visa exemption, it may face some disadvantages such as losing market share and competitiveness to other neighboring countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.” Dr Nuno F. Ribeiro, senior lecturer in tourism and hospitality management at The Business School of RMIT Vietnam, said the clock is ticking and if Vietnam delays expanding its visa exemption policies, it risks losing out on attracting visitors from major tourism markets.
“In my view, Vietnam should consider waiving visas for countries with a higher level of development, large tourism spending, and potential for long-term stays. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, the U.S., and the remaining countries of the EU.” Now only nationals of seven EU countries, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, can enter Vietnam without a visa. Vietnam now waives visas for nationals of 25 countries compared to 162 by Malaysia and Singapore, 157 by the Philippines, 68 by Japan, 66 by South Korea, and 64 by Thailand. Vietnam grants tourist visas for up to three months to citizens of all countries and territories.
Read more at: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/vietnam-risks-losing-regional-tourism-race-without-visa-waivers-experts-4714970.html
