Visa exemptions for Phu Quoc visitors proposed

In late 2013, the prime minister issued a number of special policies and mechanisms to boost the development in Phu Quoc, including a visa exemption for foreign visitors.

This rule was implemented for five years, but had never been legalised.

The ministry said his rule must be included in Law 47 on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

The law also states that foreigners investors can be granted a five-year visa or temporary resident card.

However, according to the ministry, some people had only invested VND10m (USD435) to open a restaurant and had applied for a five-year temporary resident card.

The Ministry of Public Security is also gathering opinions from other agencies to further complete the law to provide visa exemptions for foreigners in coastal economic areas.

They also proposed that a temporary resident card issued to foreign investors must not be over 10 years.

Statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism show that since early 2019, Phu Quoc Island welcomed over 2.2 million visitors, increased by 35.9% compared to the same period last year.

There were 400,000 international tourists, an increase of 35.5%.

Tien Phong/Dtinews