New visa policy becomes important catalyst for tourism development

The Vietnamese Congress has officially approved the extension of the electronic visa to 90 days and the extension of the unilateral visa-free stay period to 45 days, which is indeed good news for the tourism industry. Tourism experts said the revision of the visa policy will improve the competitiveness of Vietnam's tourism industry compared with other countries in the region, thereby attracting more international tourists.

The validity period of electronic visa (e-visa) will be extended from 30 days to 90 days. After obtaining approval, foreigners can enter and exit the country as many times as they like within 90 days. The law also allows Vietnam to unilaterally increase the temporary residence time for citizens of visa-free countries from 15 days to 45 days, and issue visas and temporary residence extensions in accordance with regulations. This is expected to become an important factor in Vietnam's tourism industry attracting international tourists.

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said: "The opening of the visa policy is good news for the entire tourism industry. We have been waiting for Congress's decision for a long time. The new visa policy will help Vietnam's tourism unblock gambling spots and attract international tourists."

Christopher Farwell, financial director of Tian Ming Group, said: "I am particularly pleased that the visa policy has been relaxed, making Vietnam more competitive compared with other countries in the world, especially Southeast Asian countries including Thailand. I think the visa period is longer and the application procedures are Being simpler will bring positive changes to the tourism industry.”

Industry experts also expect that the new visa policy will inject new impetus into the development of Vietnam’s tourism industry, especially creating prerequisites for attracting European tourists with long-term travel habits.

Nguyen Van Ki, Chairman of the Quang Binh Provincial Tourism Association, said: “The National Assembly has just solved a hot issue for the tourism industry. For an economy that wants to promote the development of other service industries, an appropriate visa policy is a major advantage. Let people who come to Vietnam Tourists have the opportunity to experience Vietnam slowly and feel the local customs and customs of Vietnam instead of "coming and going quickly".

Huang Renzheng, secretary-general of the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Committee, said: “Extending the visa-free period to 45 days means that tourists not only come to Vietnam to check in, but also stay longer in Vietnam and spend more. This is how we attract international tourists and promote Vietnam’s economic development. ".

The new visa policy will take effect from August 15, just as Vietnam is ushering in the peak tourist season for international tourists. Once the policy is approved, travel agencies will be able to work with foreign partners to prepare for the creation of tourist itineraries that extend tourists' stay. (over)