HANOI: In a bid to revitalise its tourism industry, Vietnam is considering a bold move to waive visa requirements for citizens of multiple countries. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed the Ministries of Public Security and Foreign Affairs to identify suitable nations for visa exemption.
The Southeast Asian country is playing catch-up with its neighbors, which have already implemented generous visa policies. Thailand, for instance, recently expanded its visa-free stay to 93 countries, while Malaysia and Singapore boast even more liberal entry rules.
Vietnam aims to bridge this gap and attract more international visitors. While the nation has seen a surge in tourist arrivals since the pandemic, it still lags behind pre-COVID figures. By simplifying visa procedures, the government hopes to entice travelers and boost economic growth.
Currently, Vietnam offers visa-free entry for 45 days to citizens of 13 countries, including major European and Asian markets. However, industry experts believe that further relaxation of visa restrictions is crucial to compete effectively in the global tourism arena.
Read More: Climate crisis is making days longer, study says
The identity of the countries being considered for visa exemption remains undisclosed. Nevertheless, the announcement has generated excitement among travel enthusiasts and industry stakeholders. All eyes are now on the government to reveal its final decision.
With the tourism sector contributing significantly to Vietnam’s economy, the success of this initiative could have far-reaching implications for the country’s development.
