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.

Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Van Tuan said the policy will make it easier for overseas visitors to enter Vietnam.

To apply for e-visas, foreign citizens must complete a form which is available on two separate websites (one in Vietnamese at http://www.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn and the other in English at http://www.immigration.gov.vn) administered by the Ministry of Public Security. After which applicants will receive an application code and be prompted to pay a non-refundable fee online.

It will take three working days for tourists to be informed if their applications have been approved or not.

Providing e-visas is a step in the right direction, but ultimately, not enough to help Vietnam’s tourism compete with other countries in the region, said Vice President of the Vietnam Tourism Association Vu The Binh.

He suggested more policies such as visa exemptions, tourism promotion, and human resources development to attract more international tourists.

Vietnam began granting electronic visas for foreign citizens from 40 countries worldwide as from February 1, 2017.

According to the State news agency, under the Decree 07/2017-ND-CP issued by the Government on January 25, procedures for applying and payment will be done online. It will take 3 days to process application for an e-visa valid for 30 days. The visa does not require letters of guarantee or invitation. 

Foreign citizens will be granted  e-visas for exit and entry through international border gates as listed in Appendix II attached to Decree 07/2017-ND-CP.  

The 40 countries include Azerbaijan, Argentina, Armenia, Ireland, Poland, Belarus, Bulgaria, Brunei, South Korea, Germany, Chile, China (not applicable to Chinese e-passport holders), Colombia, Czech Republic, Cuba, Denmark, Timor Leste,United States of America, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Russia, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Myanmar, Mongolia, Japan, Panama, Peru, Finland, France, The Philippines,Romania, Spain, Sweden,  Uruguay, Venezuela, Norway, and Slovakia.

Major General Le Xuan Vien, Director of the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, was quoted by VNA as saying that it will benefit the country’s economic development and international integration target, contributing to ensuring national security and social order. 

The granting of normal visa will still be implemented in line with regulations of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence for Foreigners in Vietnam, he noted. 

The move demonstrates the Government’s determination to promote administration reform, the official added.

Nhan Dan/VET