Visa has been 'opened', tourism accelerates to attract international visitors

Accordingly, the duration of electronic visas (e-visas) will be increased from 30 to 90 days. The Government decides on the list of countries and territories whose citizens are granted e-visas; the list of international border gates that allow foreigners to enter and exit the country with e-visas. After being granted an e-visa, within 90 days, foreigners can enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, without having to apply for a new visa.

The law also allows citizens of countries unilaterally exempted from visas by Vietnam to be granted temporary residence for 45 days (previously 15 days) and to be considered for visa issuance and temporary residence extension according to regulations.

An open and flexible visa policy is expected to be the final step to complete the "runway" to accelerate Vietnam's tourism industry.

Expect customer volume to increase 5 - 25% per year

Immediately after the National Assembly approved the proposals to relax visa policies, Viet Travel Company immediately sent information to tourism partners in many key markets such as Europe, the US, Australia, etc. about the new immigration policy.

According to Ms. Pham Phuong Anh - General Director of Viet Travel Company, sending information early will help partners proactively prepare appropriate steps when applying the new visa policy, at the same time, clearly understand the regulations to convey to customers who are tourists planning to travel to Vietnam or are undecided about choosing a destination. In addition, Viet Travel is planning to survey routes, design tour products for international tourists with tour itineraries from Vietnam to neighboring countries such as: Laos, Cambodia ... to increase the length of stay in Vietnam.

Ms. Pham Phuong Anh commented that with simple and convenient procedures, foreigners do not have to go to Vietnamese representative agencies abroad, do not have to apply for visas through intermediaries. Not to mention, increasing the unilateral visa exemption period to 45 days will increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese destinations in attracting tourists, helping them to take the initiative in their time and schedule for sightseeing and vacation, creating an advantage for us when tourists choose destinations, contributing to the decision to expand the market and increase the number of visitors.

This contributes to making tourism products designed and organized by Vietnamese travel companies more diverse and attractive. At the same time, it increases opportunities to expand cooperation with international partners, such as travel companies, airlines and hotels in other countries, bringing long-term benefits to the tourism industry.

"This is positive information of great significance and this change brings many significant benefits to travel companies such as Viet Travel as well as the tourism industry in general. The visa policy with more open conditions and more openness, which has just been approved by the National Assembly, will be a lever to help the tourism industry develop, increase the number of international visitors to Vietnam, and develop the tourism economy. We expect that the new entry visa policy can impact the company's increase in the number of international tourists to Vietnam by 5-25% each year," Ms. Phuong Anh emphasized.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Man, Director of Communications and Marketing of TST Tourist Company, also informed that TST has quickly informed customers of the new regulations that have just been approved by the National Assembly. Currently, tour programs in Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring areas, programs connecting Vietnam with Indochina countries are available, just need to add and apply new policies on entry and exit.

"This is a very meaningful decision for attracting international visitors to Vietnam during this period. With the new regulations, not only will the number of tourists increase, but the target group of visitors to Vietnam to promote investment and seek business opportunities will also be much more favorable. When applied and effective from August, the newly amended law will also facilitate policies that will have immediate effects on tourism activities in 2024" - Mr. Nguyen Minh Man acknowledged.

International tourists join the tour of Northeast Vietnam

Golden opportunity to open customer market

The leaders of the General Department of Tourism assessed that the name Vietnam has never been closer to world tourists like now. Almost every week, we have a destination, a hotel, a construction, a business or a dish in the top of the continental and world lists, voted by prestigious international news agencies. We are a favorite destination of the two largest markets in the world, India and China. People from distant markets such as Europe and the US, after coming to Vietnam, all have a good impression and vote for us in the polls.

"The visa policy has been opened, this is a very strong boost for the tourism industry as the peak international tourism season at the end of the year is approaching. The target of welcoming 8 million visitors this year is completely possible thanks to the growth momentum in the peak international tourist season and the newly approved favorable policies. We expect that along with the entry and exit regulations, the list of visa-free countries will also be expanded soon. The tourism industry in the coming period will continue to strengthen connections, build promotional programs, and form more unique and attractive products. Vietnam tourism in the coming period will certainly bounce back very quickly," the leader of the General Department of Tourism confidently affirmed.

Compared to one of the two wings of the plane, the aviation industry is equally excited when tourism is freed from the visa bottleneck to take off together. A representative of Vietravel Airlines assessed that Vietnam is facing a golden opportunity to expand its tourist market with diverse customers. Recently, the Michelin list of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City was announced, marking a historical milestone for Vietnam to officially own the "bible" of world culinary elite. Many foreign visitors will know about Vietnam, want to come to Vietnam, not only because of the nature and culture but also to experience the cuisine that has been listed in the world's culinary elite.

"The extension of visas and the increase in the length of stay for tourists are major steps that demonstrate the determination to implement the policy of turning tourism into a spearhead economic sector according to the Resolution of the Politburo. On this momentum, if the list of visa-exempt countries is quickly expanded, it will create a great opportunity to promote international visitors to Vietnam from the third quarter of this year. The more international visitors come to Vietnam, the sooner tourism recovers completely, the more aviation will develop" - a representative of Vietravel Airlines emphasized.

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