Visa waiver for 5 European countries urged to be extended
The HCM City Tourism Association has asked the Government to extend the visa waiver for tourists from five Western European countries -- France, Italy, Germany, the UK, and Spain.
Foreign tourists visit Ben Thanh Market in HCM City (Photo: VNA)
HCMCity (VNA) - The HCM City Tourism Association has asked the Governmentto extend the visa waiver for tourists from five Western European countries --France, Italy, Germany, the UK, and Spain.
The visa waiver programme for the five countries will end next month, Nguyen ThiKhanh, vice chairwoman of the association, said.
But it should be extended by five years to June 30, 2022, she said.
The visa-free policy should be for five years instead of one to enable travelfirms to organise promotion and marketing campaigns in the five markets, shetold a meeting with the city People’s Council on May 23.
Besides, the maximum stay per entry for these tourists should be doubled to 30days, she said.
The longer stay would be of help to tourists besides boosting their spending inthe country, she said.
Neighbouring countries have simplified their visa procedures to attract moreinternational visitors, she added.
The number of tourists from the five countries rose by 12 percent year-on-yearin the first quarter to more than 240,000, according to statistics released bythe Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.-VNA
The granting of 30-day single-entry electronic visas to visitors from 40 countries from February 1 is expected to be a breakthrough in attracting foreign tourists to Vietnam.
Officials of Ho Chi Minh City’s Tourism Department on February 4 welcomed the first foreigner entering Vietnam on an e-visa, Richard Kenneth Wilson of the UK, at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely coordinating with relevant agencies to implement Vietnam’s policy on e-visa granting to foreigners to Vietnam.
Visa Vietnam said last month that its mVisa, a quick response (QR) code-based payment service, will soon be expanded to merchants and consumers in 10 countries, including Vietnam.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
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.
Foreign tourists visit Ben Thanh Market in HCM City (Photo: VNA) 
