Travel

Visa rules to be loosened to boost tourism competitiveness

Vietnam would see an increase of 8-18 percent in the number of overseas visitors if e-visa and visas on arrival were available at all border gates, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
More relaxed visa policies are an important factor for the tourismindustry to boost competitiveness in the region and beyond.

Vietnam would see an increase of 8-18 percent in the number ofoverseas visitors if e-visa and visas on arrival were available at allborder gates, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) andthe World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

Currently, the country is unilaterally exempting visas for citizens ofJapan , the Republic of Korea , Finland , Denmark , Sweden , andRussia ; and bilaterally granting 30-day exemptions for citizens ofnine out of the 10 ASEAN member states.

International holiday-makers also benefit from a 30-day visa exemptionfor Phu Quoc island in southern Kien Giang province.

In July 2014, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism proposed thePrime Minister extend visa exemptions for Russian tourists from 15 to 30days as well as for citizens of countries that apply unilateral visaexemptions for Vietnamese tourists.

The number ofRussian arrivals in Vietnam rose to more than 298,000 in 2013 from49,000 in 2009, and is likely to hit 1 million by 2017, according to theVietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry ofTransport asked the Government of Vietnam for visa exemptions forvisitors from France, the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, NewZealand, India and Canada.

The number ofinternational visitors to Vietnam rose to 7.57 million in 2013compared to 250,000 in 1990. Between January and September this year,the country welcomed approximately 8 million international visitors.Employees in the tourism sector contribute 11 billion USD, around 10percent of GDP, to the State budget.-VNA
Follow VietnamPlus

See more

Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the HCM City Department of Tourism, speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam-HCM City tourism promoted in Singapore

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore are hosting a tourism promotion programme for Vietnam and the southern metropolis in the island nation from October 21 to 26.

The coastal urban and entertainment complex along the DT 994 route, connecting Vung Tau, Long Hai, Phuoc Hai, Ho Tram, Phuoc Thuan, and Binh Thuan. (Photo: VNA)

Ba Ria – Vung Tau works on driving tourism growth

The southeastern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau is focusing on improving existing tourism services, expanding entertainment options, and developing upscale beachfront resorts to attract international visitors.

Italy’s five-star cruise ship Costa Serena. (Photo: baoquangninh.vn)

Italian cruise ship brings more than 3,000 tourists to Quang Ninh

Italy’s five-star cruise ship Costa Serena docked at Ha Long International Passenger Port in the northern province of Quang Ninh on October 18, bringing 3,040 tourists from Hong Kong (China) to Ha Long, home to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-recognised world natural heritage.

Phu Quoc island has been named among the top 10 best islands in Asia by Conde Nast Traveler. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Quoc named among Asia’s top islands

Phu Quoc island off the coast of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has been honoured among the top 10 best islands in Asia by the prestigious British travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler in its 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Wedding of a foreign couple held at JW Mariott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa. (Photo: JW Mariott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa)

Wedding tourism need be professionalised: Insiders

With its advantages in unique natural and cultural resources, along with attractive event organisation costs, Vietnam is gradually emerging as a wedding destination worldwide, especially after many super-rich couples from India have chosen Vietnam for their lavish events.

The project on sustainable coastal community development, supported by Thai experts, is handed over to five tourism entities in Binh Dai district, Ben Tre province, on October 15. (Photo: VNA)

Thai experts support sustainable community-based tourism development in Ben Tre

The Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), under the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, on October 15 officially handed over a project on sustainable coastal community development through ecotourism and the application of the sufficiency economy philosophy to Binh Dai district in Vietnam’s southern province of Ben Tre.

Kem Beach - one of the most beautiful beaches in the planet. (Photo: Sun Group)

Travel Guide to Southern Phu Quoc in the Most Beautiful Season of the Year

More than just a destination with abundant and stunning nature, Southern Phu Quoc Island is becoming more and more popular as a "multi-experience paradise" with luxurious resorts, artistic architecture structures, and many other interesting, innovative and one-of-a-kind experiences in the world.

At the tourism promotion event in Munich (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam Airlines promotes tourism in Germany

Vietnam Airlines, in collaboration with the Tourism Departments of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Sai Gon Tourist Group, and Munich Airport recently held a promotion programme in Munich to popularise Vietnam’s tourism and culture and to enhance tourism cooperation with European countries.

The Queen Cable Car is a great way to get panoramic views of Ha Long Bay and Ha Long city from above. (Photo: Sun Group)

Experiences recommended by Lonely Planet for first-time visit to Ha Long

In addition to cruising - a typical experience for visitors to Ha Long Bay, getting the bird’s eye view of the world's natural heritage site on a cable car ride and enjoying hot spring bathing and diverse cuisine are among experiences that leading travel guide Lonely Planet recommends for travellers.