VNExpress-Dec 18
2023 witnessed a fierce tourism recovery race in Asia as countries rushed to waive visa requirements and simplify entry procedures for international tourists. In Vietnam,
amid a sharp drop in the number of foreign tourists post-pandemic, Vietnamese tourism insiders insistently called on the government to make a breakthrough in its visa policy to attract visitors. On June 24, the National Assembly, Vietnam’s highest legislative body, approved a government proposal to triple the validity of tourist visas to 90 days and allow visitors multiple entries, with effect starting from Aug. 15. Under the current immigration policy, Vietnam grants three-month tourist visas for citizens from all countries and territories. The government also tripled the duration of stays in Vietnam to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries unilaterally exempted from visas: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus. With changes in visa policy, Vietnam has received 11.2 million foreign tourists so far this year, smashing this year’s 8-million target. The government eyes 13 million foreign arrivals by the end of this month. Read more at: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/tourism-race-heats-up-as-asian-countries-rush-to-simplify-visa-requirements-4690193.html’
