From next August, foreign tourists will be allowed to take their caravans to Vietnam, according to the Government’s new regulation governing foreign-registered vehicles in the country.

To back Vietnam’s tourism development, the Government has decided to amend the regulation on managing vehicles which foreign tourists bring to Vietnam for travel by issuing Decree 57 on June 16, 2015 replacing Decree 152 issued in 2013.

Under existing Decree 152, only under-nine-seat, left-hand-drive autos and motorcycles of foreigners are permitted in Vietnam.

However, the new regulation with effect on August 1 clarifies that caravans with the left-hand steering wheels can use the Vietnam road.

Nguyen Quoc Hung from Asian Trails Co. Ltd., which specializes in tours for European tourists in Vietnam, said if caravans are permitted to run in Vietnam, the company can attract more tourists. Previously many groups of foreign tourists wanted to drive to Vietnam but were disallowed.

In addition, the new regulation will cut the time the Ministry of Transport needs to consider licensing vehicles of foreigners from five days to three days if all necessary papers are submitted.

If the ministry rejects applications of foreigners, it will have to reply within three days’ time and explain why.

The Ministry of Transport’s approval documents will be sent to relevant ministries, border guards and localities for management and supervision.