Iran lifts visas for 33 countries including Vietnam

The decision will increase to 45 the number of countries and territories whose citizens can visit Iran without obtaining a visa, according to Iranian Students News Agency.

But it remains unclear when the visa-free policy takes effect.

According to Iran's Ministry of Tourism, the policy aims to attract more international tourists, demonstrating the country’s determination to normalize bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation with countries around the world.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue paid an official visit to Iran last August on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the two countries establishing diplomatic relations.

He held talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, agreeing on measures to improve the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation, including promoting people-to-people exchange activities.

Previously, Iran implemented a visa-free entry policy for tourists from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria.

Iran welcomed 4.4 million foreign visitors in the first eight months of the country's fiscal year, starting from March 21, an increase of 48.5% over the same period last year.