Vietnam travel agencies updated entry laws for foreigners

Basic content of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence for Foreigners in Vietnam was introduced to Vietnam travel agencies during a conference in Hanoi on June 26.

The law, which took effect on January 1, 2015, includes 9 chapters with 55 articles regulating detailed issues related to visas, entrance and exit, transit and residence as well as the rights and obligations of foreigners and agencies, organisations and individuals in charge of providing the above-mentioned services to foreigners.

The regulation on fixed- and long-term visa exemptions stated in the law has attracted attentions from travel firms. It is expected to make tourism promotion activities more effective and draw more foreign tourists to the country.

Luu Duc Ke, Director of Hanoitourist, said visa exemptions for citizens from five countries – the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain – is an important measure contributing to promoting tourism development.

The event offered a good chance for Vietnam travel firms to share their experiences in creating favourable conditions for foreign visitors in following entrance and exit procedures.

Previously, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) worked with the Embassies of Belarus, the UK, France, Spain and Italy in Vietnam to introduce information on the country’s policies and tourist attraction activities. It also requested assistance from agencies in promoting and providing information on Vietnam’s tourism to their countries’ communications and travel firms.

A plan to attract arrivals from the exempted countries will be implemented this year, VNAT revealed.

With active support from the Government, ministries and sectors, the number of international tourists to Vietnam is expected to surge in the coming time.