The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Transport is seeking approval to waive visa requirements for citizens of France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, India and Canada in order to draw more visitors, reports Thanh Nien.
A Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) survey found that Western European visitors often spend more money and stay longer compared to others, while Australian and Kiwi visitors often visit during traditional low seasons.
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Vietnam currently allows visa exemptions for 17 countries:
- Citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Kyrgyzstan get a visa-free stay of up to 30 days.
- Citizens of the Philippines get 21 days.
- Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Japan, and South Korea get 15 days.
- Citizens of Brunei and Myanmar for 14 days.
Since international tourists often spend between US$1,200-1,500 per trip, according to VNAT, Vietnamese authorities are hoping to replicate the success Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia found after issuing visa waivers.
[Thanh Nien // Photo via DC Greer]
