Vietnam negotiating with 15 countries for mutual visa exemption

At a National Assembly session on Monday, Ta Thi Yen, deputy head of the delegate affairs committee, said Vietnam has been a favorite destination for tourists and it has signed several visa exemption agreements to promote tourism.

However, few countries waive visas for Vietnamese nationals, and even getting a visa is difficult from some countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said work is on to simplify immigration procedures, including extension of stay durations for foreigners in Vietnam.

In addition to the 13 countries that Vietnam unilaterally waives visas for, the ministry is also negotiating with 15 countries for mutual exemption and 80 for waivers for official passports.

Lawmaker Hoang Van Cuong said Vietnam only grants visa exemption for 28 countries while other countries in the neighborhood like Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines waive for over 150 countries to promote tourism.

He asked Son: "It is tough competition for Vietnam. Should Vietnam allow visa exemption for developed, high-income countries with low crime rates?"

Son said the ministry and other relevant agencies are considering various countries for visa waivers.

Since August 2023 Vietnam has issued e-visas for all nationalities, extended their maximum stay from 30 to 90 days, and allows them unlimited entries. Those who get visa waivers under Vietnam's unilateral exemption policy can now stay for 45 days rather than the earlier 15.