HCM City seeks visa waiver extension to boost tourism
The HCM City People’s Committee wants the Government to extend the visa waiver period for tourists from key foreign markets to increase the country’s tourism competitiveness and attract more visitors.
Foreign visitors to Ben Thanh Market in HCM City (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) - The HCM City People’sCommittee wants the Government to extend the visa waiver period for touristsfrom key foreign markets to increase the country’s tourism competitiveness andattract more visitors.
It has proposed that the Government should extend thevisa-free stay to 21 days or 30 days from the current 15 for travellers fromcountries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Denmark, the Republic of Korea,Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain so that they would have enough timeto tour the country.
At present, nationals of 22 countries and territories do notrequire a visa to enter the country.
HCM City also suggested waiving visas for tourists from fivewestern European countries – the UK, France, German, Italy, and Spain – forfive years at a time instead of one year and for tourists from the visa-waivercountries re-entering Vietnam within 30 days of their last exit.
The number of tourists from the five western Europeancountries has been increasing at 14 percent a year since the visa-free policytook effect two years ago.
Half of all foreign visitors coming to Vietnam visit HCM City.
Last year the city received more than 6.38 million visitors,a year-on-year increase of 22.8 percent.
Its tourism revenues rose 12.6 percent to 116 trillion VND (5.1billion USD), accounting for a fourth of the entire country’s tourism earnings.
HCM City targets 7.5 million foreign visitorsthis year. -VNA
Visa waiver is an effective tool to promote tourism among economies, said Yasuto Kawarabayashi, Deputy Director General of the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), on June 19.
ASEAN is planning a single visa system, in the same way Europe's unified visa system has streamlined travel, to open the region to more foreign to more foreign tourists.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism has proposed the Government extend its visa exemption policy for international tourists from nine countries to 30 days from 15 days to promote tourism development to help reach the city’s target of 10-11 million international tourists in 2020.
The number of e-visa issues for foreigners entering Vietnam has seen dramatic growth month on month, said Major General Le Xuan Vien, head of the Immigration Management Department in a press conference on December 12.
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 visitors to Ben Thanh Market in HCM City (Photo: VNA) 
