The request was made on Thursday after the Lunar New Year break as the country eyes 18 million foreign arrivals this year, equivalent to the pre-pandemic figure.

American tourists in Hoi An in central Vietnam.

The PM asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to evaluate the application of unilateral visa exemption policies for citizens of 13 countries.

The foreign affairs and public security ministries have been asked to expand the list of countries whose citizens are unilaterally exempted from visas. The list now has Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus.

Vietnam now waives visas for travelers from 25 countries compared to 162 for Malaysia and Singapore, 157 for the Philippines, 68 for Japan, 66 for South Korea and 64 for Thailand.

Many Asian countries are increasing their competitiveness to attract foreign tourists with visa-free policies.

Under the current immigration policy, Vietnam grants three-month tourist visas for citizens from all countries and territories.

The government also tripled the duration of stays in Vietnam to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries unilaterally exempted from visas.

Key highlights of Vietnam's visa policy for foreigners

Foreign tourists visiting Vietnam will be subject to a new visa policy beginning on August 15, 2023, with notable changes including the issuance of 90-day e-visas and an increase in the temporary stay period for people entering the country under unilateral visa exemption to 45 days.

Vietnam, Mongolia agree on visa exemption

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and his Mongolian counterpart Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh witnessed Wednesday the signing of an agreement for mutual visa waiver for the nationals of the two countries.

Hong Kong relaxes visa rules for Vietnam

Hong Kong has announced that Vietnamese visitors will be granted multiple-entry visas valid for two years starting Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia considers granting e-visas to Vietnamese tourists

Saudi Arabia is considering the issuance of e-visas to visitors from Vietnam as well as the possibility of bilateral visa exemptions as both countries seek to boost tourism.

Japan to issue e-visas for Vietnamese tour groups

The Japanese embassy in Vietnam will start issuing single-entry e-visas for groups of Vietnamese tourists for short-term stays of up to 15 days from November.

Source: VnExpress