Vietnam considers expanding visa-free programme
Vietnam’s Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Public Security and other related agencies to draw up an expanded list of countries for visa-free entry and streamlined visa processing.
Vietnam already offers visa-free access for 17 countries including ASEAN nations and wants to boost inbound tourism by expanding the facility.
The move would be a unilateral one.
Tourism industry leaders have recently called for travelers from its major tourism markets of France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, India and Canada to be offered easier visa processing or visa waivers.
Due to the East Sea tensions earlier this year, inbound visitor numbers dropped significantly with mass travel cancellations from Chinese travel agents.
Visitors from mainland China and Taiwan make up a third of all inbound visitation to Vietnam.
Despite a drop in Chinese visitors for several months earlier this year, Vietnam still recorded a year-on-year rise of 5% compared to 2013.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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