Vietnam Proposes 90-Day E-Visa to Boost Tourism
The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security has proposed extending e-Visa stays to 90 days, tripling the current 30-day limit, as part of efforts to revive tourism post-COVID-19 and compete with regional rivals. Lawmakers will review the plan in May and October 2024.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, acting on instructions from Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, has proposed amendments to the country’s immigration laws. Under the proposal, electronic visa holders would be permitted to stay for up to 90 days—three times the current 30-day allowance granted to nationals of 80 countries.
In addition, the Ministry of Public Security has suggested extending the visa-free period for exempt nationals to 30 days, from the current 15. This visa-free list includes several European countries such as Germany, Denmark, Norway, France, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Italy and the United Kingdom, as well as the Republic of Korea and Japan.
The validity period for tourist visas remains unchanged at three months. The Ministry of Public Security has stated that the government will decide on the final list of countries and territories whose citizens may qualify for electronic visas, as well as the border checkpoints that will accept electronic entry and exit.
The stated goal of the eased visa policies is to attract more foreign tourists to Vietnam amid fierce competition from other destinations in the region, particularly since the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions on 15 March 2024.
The draft law is slated for discussion during the fifth and sixth plenary sessions of the 15th National Assembly in May and October of this year.
Tourism plays a major role in Vietnam’s economy. In 2019, the sector generated more than US $30 billion in revenue and employed over 2.5 million people, equivalent to about five percent of the national workforce.
Vietnam boasts rich cultural and natural heritage, with popular attractions that include the Halong Bay, historic cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, beaches in Nha Trang and Phú Quốc, the Sapa mountains, and much more. The country is equally renowned for its cuisine, culture and festivals.
The Vietnamese government regards tourism as a key driver of economic growth and is working to develop the sector by improving infrastructure, promoting destinations, expanding the range of tourist services and streamlining administrative procedures for foreign visitors.
The proposed easing of visa policies and the extension of the visa-free period for foreign visitors are designed to enhance Vietnam’s appeal as a travel destination by making the country more accessible and offering greater flexibility for international tourists.
