Foreign tourists happy with Vietnam’s visa exemption policy
Foreign visitors have warmly welcomed Vietnam’s continued visa exemptions for guests from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, saying the policy is good for the country to spur tourism.
Hanoi (VNA) - Foreign visitors havewarmly welcomed Vietnam’s continued visa e⛎xemptions for guests from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, saying the policy is good forthe country to spur tourism.
From the beginning of July, citizens from the UK,France, Germany, Spain, and Italy will enjoy visa exemptions for the next three years, untilJune 30, 2021, as approved by the Prime Minister. “Visaexemption is good for the country to open to tourism,” said Anthony Dme, avisitor from France. Vietnam first offered visa waivers for citizensfrom the five European countries in July, 2015. The policy has been updatedannually and would have expired at the end of June. French guest Anastasia Belkacemi said thepolicy made people want to go because they did not have to pay. “We feel like part of Asia that we can comein easily like Indonesia, no need visa,” Matteo Lelli, an Italian, said. Vietnam is among countries with the strictestvisa policy in Asia. The country currently offers visa waivers to visitors from24 countries and territories, including the ASEAN member countries. The country has tried toimprove the situation with an e-visa policy which is now available topeople from 46 countries. Minister, Chairman ofthe Government Office Mai Tien Dung has said the government would considerproposals from the Vietnam Tourism Association on the extension of the periodof stay from 15 to 30 days and expansion of visa exemptions for more countries. Some visitors felt pleased with the validtime of visa exemption while others wished they could have a longer stay.
“15 days may be too short,” Matteo Lelli said.
“When you wa♐nt to go to a country you want to stay long and see everything. Sothe visa exemption is longer, it’s better,” Anastasia Belkacemi from Francesaid.
Anthony Dme, a French tourist, said “I wouldsay of course free visa for every time and everywhere is good, but we’re stillglad for 15 days.” Michelle Armstrong from the US said it took her threedays to get e-visa to Vietnam and it was very easy. Western arrivals to Vietnam soared in recentyears, with 720,000 in 2015, 855,000 in2016, and 1,500,000 in 2017.
In the first five months of this year, foreignarrivals to Vietnam surpassed 6.7 million, up 27.6 percent annually, accordingto the General Statistics Office.
The number of European visitors 🐬rose by 11.8 percentyear-on-year, including those from France (13.1 percent), the UK (9.6 percent),Germany (8.5 percent), and Italy (18.3 percent).
According to the Traveland Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 compiled by the World Economic Forum,Vietnam rose eight places in just one year to rank 67th in the world. “The main drivers of thecountry’s T&T competitiveness are its natural resources (34th), culturalresources (30th) and price competitiveness (35th). Vietnam has made significantprogress on its human resources and labour market pillar (37th, up 18 places)scores, thanks to a better-qualified labour force (53rd) and partiallysimplified regulations on hiring foreign labour (75th)”, the report says. Easier visa application proceduresfor foreign tourists, as well as visa exemptions for visitors from the UK,France, Germany, Italy and Spain have helped attract more tourists from thesemarkets, experts said. - VNA
The restructuring of the tourism sector should be conducted in a synchronous manner across all related sectors like transport, trade, services and customs, delegates said at a workshop in Hanoi on December 22.
2017 is considered a successful year for the tourism sector, with 13 million international tourists arriving in Vietnam, up by three million against the previous year.
Tourists from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy will continue to be exempted from visa until June 2021, Minister-Chairman of the Government Officie Mai Tien Dung said at the Government’s press conference on May 4.
Vietnam’s renowned destinations, excellent tourism products and policies will be nudged closer to European friends under a programme held by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism in collaboration with relevant parties from June 18-29.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Foreign tourists visit Hue Imperial City. (Photo: VNA) 
