Vietnam eases visa rules to attract tourists

Vietnam is a popular tourist destination with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty that attracts millions of visitors every year. To further boost its tourism industry, the Vietnamese government has relaxed its visa rules. Now, it is easier and more convenient for tourists to visit the country. In this article, we will discuss the changes in Vietnam’s visa policies and their potential impact on the country’s tourism industry.

New visa rules of Vietnam

The new visa rules allow citizens of 80 countries to enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days. This includes citizens of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, as well as several Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. The visa exemption policy applies to all types of passports, including regular, diplomatic, and official passports.

In addition, citizens of six countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, can apply for e-visas online. The e-visa allows tourists to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days. The application process takes only a few minutes. This is a significant improvement from the previous visa-on-arrival system. It requires visitors to obtain a letter of approval from the Vietnamese Immigration Department before arrival. Then they get the visa stamped upon arrival at the airport.

Positive impact in Vietnam

The relaxed visa rules are expected to have a positive impact on Vietnam’s tourism industry. It has been growing rapidly in recent years. In 2019, the country welcomed more than 18 million foreign visitors, an increase of 16.2% from the previous year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the tourism industry worldwide, and Vietnam is no exception. The number of foreign visitors to Vietnam in 2020 decreased by 78% compared to the previous year. The new visa rules are part of Vietnam’s efforts to revive its tourism industry, which is a key driver of economic growth.

The visa policy changes are expected to attract more short-term visitors. It includes those who are on a tight schedule or traveling on a budget. The visa exemption will also make Vietnam a more attractive destination for business travelers and investors. Also, for the people who are visiting friends and family. The e-visa system will provide a faster and more convenient way for tourists to obtain visas, which is expected to encourage more people to visit Vietnam.

The relaxed visa rules are just one part of Vietnam’s broader efforts to promote tourism. The country has been investing heavily in infrastructure, including airports, roads, and hotels, to accommodate the growing number of tourists. Vietnam has also been promoting its cultural and natural attractions, including its UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

Post Covid measures in Vietnam

The government has also been implementing various measures to ensure the safety of tourists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vietnam has been successful in controlling the spread of the virus, with a relatively low number of cases compared to many other countries. The government has implemented strict quarantine measures for incoming travelers, and has been promoting social distancing and other preventive measures to protect both tourists and locals.

In conclusion, Vietnam’s relaxed visa rules are expected to boost its tourism industry by attracting more short-term visitors. This makes the country a more attractive destination for business travelers and investors. The e-visa system will provide a faster and more convenient way for tourists to obtain visas, which is expected to encourage more people to visit Vietnam. However, the success of Vietnam’s efforts to revive its tourism industry will depend on a variety of factors, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, global economic conditions, and competition from other destinations.