HCMC – The Ministry of Public Security is considering expanding the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to get a visa online as instructed by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam.
Vietnam currently offers a 30-day single-entry e-visa for citizens from 80 countries and territories and a visa waiver for 25 countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister worked with relevant departments and agencies over whether to expand the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for an e-visa at a meeting last week, according to Notice 262/TB-VPCP dated August 23.
He also requested the Ministry of Public Security to simplify e-visa issuance procedures and make it more convenient for international tourists to visit Vietnam.
The Steering Committee on Tourism for Development has proposed extending the stay of international visitors after entry into the country.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will take measures to support tourism businesses severely affected by the Covid pandemic and strengthen cooperation between provinces to foster inbound tourism.
The Ministry of Finance will coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to draw up a plan to use the Tourism Development Support Fund appropriately.
The number of foreign visitors to the country in the first seven months of this year was not yet back to the pre-pandemic level despite the Government’s effort to boost inbound tourism.
Vietnam saw 733,000 foreign arrivals in the first seven months of this year, accounting for only 15% of the year’s target, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
