During a meeting on Thursday with the heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for these agencies to examine suitable visa policies that would facilitate the arrival of foreign tourists and drive momentum in the tourism sector.

"The Ministry of Public Security should collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to waive visas for more countries," PM Chinh stated.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at a meeting with heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad on July 18, 2024. Photo by VNA Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at a meeting with heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad on July 18, 2024. Photo by VNA

Currently, Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens from 25 countries, significantly fewer than Malaysia and Singapore, which grant visa-free entry to 162 countries, the Philippines to 157, and Thailand to 93.

In a bid to attract more international tourists, several Asian countries are enhancing their visa policies. Thailand, for example, recently expanded its visa-free stay policy, now allowing visitors from 93 countries and territories to stay for up to 60 days, up from 57 previously. Indonesia is also planning to introduce visa-free entry for tourists from 20 key destinations, including Australia, China, and India, by October.

Under Vietnam's current immigration policy, the country offers three-month tourist visas to citizens from all nations and territories. Additionally, since August of last year, Vietnam has extended the duration of visa-free stays to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries unilaterally exempted from visa requirements.

In the first half of this year, Vietnam welcomed 8.8 million international visitors, a 58% increase year-on-year and a 4% rise from pre-COVID-19 levels. South Korean and Chinese tourists were the most frequent visitors. The government has set a target of 18 million international visitors for the entire year of 2024.