Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - In a bid to revive the strugglingtourism sector, Vietnam is set to unveil a series of new visa and immigrationpolicies at the upcoming National Assembly meeting.

These policies are expected to bolster the country's socioeconomicdevelopment by attracting foreign visitors, following the devastating impact ofthe COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has been proactively urgingthe Government to present a comprehensive plan to the National Assembly, aimedat expanding the list of visa exemptions and promoting the growth of tourism.The proposed immigration policies encompass several key changes that couldpotentially transform the landscape of travel to Vietnam.

One significant proposal is the extension of the duration forelectronic visas from 30 days to 3 months, applicable for both single andmultiple entries. This extended timeframe aims to provide travellers withgreater flexibility and encourage longer stays, allowing them to fully immersethemselves in the country's diverse offerings.

Furthermore, the plan entails the issuance of electronic visas tocitizens of all countries and territories. By streamlining the visa applicationprocess, this measure seeks to eliminate unnecessary barriers and facilitatesmoother entry for international visitors. This inclusive approach reflects Vietnam'scommitment to embracing global tourism and fostering cultural exchange.

Another noteworthy proposal involves extending the visa exemptionperiod. Currently limited to a duration of 15 days, this certificate would beextended to 45 days. This extension aims to accommodate travellers fromcountries enjoying visa-exempt status, granting them a more extended period toexplore the country's attractions and contribute to its tourism revenue.

These forthcoming visa and immigration reforms signify Vietnam'sdetermined efforts to revitalise its tourism industry, which has sufferedimmensely from the impact of the pandemic. The introduction of these policiesis anticipated to create new opportunities for growth and development,positioning Vietnam as an appealing destination for international travellersseeking a memorable and immersive experience.

As the country prepares to present these proposals to the NationalAssembly, stakeholders and industry experts eagerly await the outcome, hopefulthat these reforms will pave the way for a vibrant and resilient tourism sectorin Vietnam.

In addition, besides considering the decision to expand the visaexemption list, there will also be breakthrough policies to attractinternational tourists to Vietnam and promote the development of the country'sgreen economy in the near future.

The MOFA is coordinating with relevant agencies and localities toactively carry out economic diplomacy, actively engage in comprehensive andeffective international integration, and prepare for and implement high-levelforeign relations programmes, further deepening bilateral and multilateralpartnerships with countries and on international forums.

The Government has also entrusted the Ministry of Culture, Sports,and Tourism to work with relevant authorities to enhance promotional activitiesfor tourism, and efficient exploitation of potential international touristmarkets. This includes the development of new tourism products with highquality and competitiveness to stimulate tourism recovery and sustainabledevelopment.

Ministries, sectors, and localities are required to organise theeffective implementation of tasks and solutions in various fields, with aparticular emphasis on the need to boost the recovery and development oftourism and propose the expansion of visa-exempt entry for countries into Vietnam.

Currently, the tourism sector is receiving significant attentionfrom the Party and the State. At the National Tourism Conference in March 2023,Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged ministries, sectors, and localities toamend and improve policies regarding immigration procedures for internationalguests.

This includes expanding the list of visa-exempt countries,extending the appropriate duration of stay with reasonable fees, and expandingelectronic visas. The Prime Minister also called for facilitating domestic andinternational airlines to open new routes and establish direct connectionsbetween Vietnam and key tourism markets.

PM Chinh also emphasised the need to enhance internationalcooperation, particularly with large multinational tourism corporations andconglomerates, to promote connectivity and attract major and potential marketsbased on the principles of "harmonious benefits and shared risks."

Following this conference, it is expected that the Government willissue a resolution to accelerate the recovery and development of tourism in thenear future./.