Visa requirements have been relaxed, and tourism is rapidly attracting international visitors.

Accordingly, the validity period of e-visas will be extended from 30 to 90 days. The government will decide on the list of countries and territories whose citizens are eligible for e-visas; and the list of international border gates allowing foreigners to enter and exit using e-visas. After being granted an e-visa, foreigners can enter and exit an unlimited number of times within 90 days without having to apply for a new visa.

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

An open and flexible visa policy is expected to be the final step in completing the "runway" to propel Vietnam's tourism industry to new heights.

We hope the number of visitors will increase by 5-25% each year.

Immediately after the National Assembly approved the proposals to relax visa policies, Vietnam Tourism Company promptly sent information to its tourism partners in key markets such as Europe, the US, and Australia regarding the new immigration policies.

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, and at the same time, clearly understand the regulations to pass on to customers who are planning to travel to Vietnam or are undecided about their destination. In addition, Viet Travel is planning to survey routes and design tour products for international tourists with itineraries from Vietnam to neighboring countries such as Laos and Cambodia, increasing the length of stay in Vietnam.

Ms. Pham Phuong Anh noted that with simplified and convenient procedures, foreigners do not have to go to Vietnamese representative offices abroad or apply for visas through intermediaries. Furthermore, extending the unilateral visa exemption period to 45 days enhances Vietnam's competitiveness as a tourist destination, allowing them to proactively plan their time and itineraries for sightseeing and relaxation. This creates an advantage for Vietnam when tourists choose destinations, contributing to market expansion and increased visitor numbers.

This contributes to making tourism products designed and organized by Vietnamese travel companies more diverse and attractive. At the same time, it enhances opportunities for expanding 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 and significant information, and this change brings considerable benefits to travel companies like Vietnam Tourism, as well as the tourism industry in general. The expanded and more flexible visa policy recently approved by the National Assembly will be a catalyst for tourism development, increasing the number of international tourists to Vietnam and boosting the tourism economy. We expect the new entry visa policy to impact and increase the number of international tourists visiting Vietnam by 5-25% annually," Ms. Phuong Anh emphasized.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Man, Director of Communications and Marketing at TST Tourist Company, also informed that TST had promptly notified customers of the new regulations recently passed by the National Assembly. Currently, tour programs in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding areas, as well as programs connecting Vietnam with Indochina countries, are already available; only the new immigration policies need to be applied.

"This is a very significant decision for attracting international tourists to Vietnam in this period. With the new regulations, not only will the number of tourists increase, but those coming to Vietnam for investment promotion, work, and business opportunities will also find it much easier. When applied and effective from August, the newly amended law will also create favorable policies that will have an immediate impact on tourism and travel activities in 2024," Mr. Nguyen Minh Man observed.

International tourists participate in the East-West-North Vietnam tour.

A "golden" opportunity to expand into the tourist market.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the name Vietnam has never been closer to international tourists than it is now. Almost every week, we have a destination, a hotel, a building, a business, or a dish that ranks among the top in continental and global lists, as voted on by prestigious international news agencies. We are currently a favorite destination for the two largest markets in the world, India and China. People from distant markets like Europe and the US, after visiting Vietnam, have consistently left a positive impression and voted for us in various polls.

"The visa policy has been opened up, which is a huge boost for the tourism industry as the peak international travel season approaches at the end of the year. The target of welcoming 8 million tourists this year is entirely achievable thanks to the growth momentum during the peak international travel season and the newly approved favorable policies. We expect that along with immigration regulations, the list of countries with visa exemptions will also be expanded soon. In the coming period, the tourism industry will continue to strengthen linkages, build promotional programs, and create more unique and attractive products. Vietnamese tourism will certainly rebound very quickly in the coming period," the leader of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism confidently affirmed.

Often likened to one of the two wings of an airplane, the aviation industry is equally excited as tourism overcomes visa restrictions to take off alongside it. Representatives from Vietravel Airlines believe Vietnam is facing a golden opportunity to expand its tourist market with a diverse range of customers. Recently, the Michelin lists for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were announced, marking a historic milestone for Vietnam, officially possessing the "bible" of world-class cuisine. Many foreign visitors will learn about Vietnam and want to visit, not only for its nature and culture, but also to experience its culinary scene, which has been recognized as a world culinary gem.

"The relaxation of visa extensions and increased length of stay for tourists is a significant step forward, demonstrating the determination to implement the breakthrough policy of making tourism a key economic sector as outlined in the Politburo's Resolution. On this trajectory, if the list of visa-exempt countries expands rapidly, it will create even greater opportunities to boost international tourists to Vietnam starting in the third quarter of this year. The more international tourists come to Vietnam, the sooner tourism fully recovers, and the more the aviation industry will develop," emphasized a representative from Vietravel Airlines.

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