Vietnam considers expanding visa exemptions policy

HANOI – In a significant development, the authorities in Vietnam have revealed that the country is contemplating expanding its visa exemption policy.

Prime Minister Chinh disclosed this initiative during his directive to immigration agencies on Friday. Chinh instructed Immigration agencies to explore waiving visas for visits lasting six to 12 months, particularly for individuals from affluent countries, aiming to stimulate tourism recovery.

The directive also includes plans to broaden the list of countries enjoying unilateral visa exemptions beyond the current 13, such as Germany, Spain, Britain, Russia, Japan, South Korea, France, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Belarus, and Finland. Additionally, agencies are instructed to consider issuing long-term and multiple-entry visas, spanning from 12 to 36 months, to attract affluent foreign retirees from various regions.

This decision comes amidst heightened competition among Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia, which have initiated visa-free policies to attract foreign tourists, particularly from China.

While Vietnam currently offers visa waivers to travelers from 25 countries (Brunei, Myanmar, Thailand, Chile, Panama, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Japan, Norway, The UK, The Philippines, France, Germany, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, Spain, and Sweden), the numbers pale in comparison to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore which extend such privileges to a significantly higher number of countries.

At present, Vietnam grants tourist visas for up to three months to citizens of all countries and territories. However, the country has experienced a decline in international visitors, with last year’s arrivals reaching only around 70% of pre-pandemic levels.

It’s noteworthy that despite efforts to attract tourists, Vietnam’s passport strength remains modest, ranked 92nd on the Henley Passport Index 2024, with citizens having visa-free access to 55 destinations. This contemplation of visa exemption expansion underscores Vietnam’s commitment to revitalizing its tourism sector amidst ongoing challenges.

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, has a population of approximately 97 million. Key cities include Hanoi (capital), Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Its economy is driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Iconic destinations include Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta.