Vietnam has recently made a forward-thinking decision to extend the validity of its electronic visa, known as the Vietnam E-visa. Starting from August 15, 2023, the validity period will be increased from 30 days to 90 days. This strategic shift aims to stimulate longer visits to Vietnam and encourage economic activity.
E-visas and visa policy reform
The extension of the E-visa validity is expected to enhance convenience for tourists and corporate travelers, allowing them more time to explore and discover the country. It will also facilitate the arrival of skilled workers and specialists, thereby contributing to the Vietnamese economy.
In addition to the E-visa extension, the National Assembly has approved the provision of multiple-entry visas. This decision is anticipated to reduce administrative workload and save time and money for both the government and visa applicants.
Vietnam encourages tourists to stay longer
The Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee for Defense and Security, Le Tan Toi, expressed that a three-month E-visa will meet the needs of foreign visitors who wish to extend their stay and explore investment prospects in Vietnam.
Furthermore, the approved amendments also increase the duration of visa-free stays for visitors from specific countries to 45 days, three times the previous limit. This change aims to attract more visitors from Western European nations, Japan, and South Korea, who are major contributors to Vietnam’s tourism market. The goal is to boost tourism income and promote cultural exchange.
The tourism and business sectors in Vietnam have welcomed these policy changes, as they believe it will make the country more enticing to foreign investors and help revive economic growth, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, Vietnam offers E-visas to residents of approximately 80 countries and territories and exempts visas for nationals of 25 countries, mostly for durations of 15 to 30 days. This policy is considered less liberal compared to neighboring countries. However, the introduction of the 90-day E-visa policy is expected to make Vietnam more competitive regionally and attract a larger number of tourists and investors.
It is important to note that the application procedure for the Vietnam E-visa remains unchanged. Applicants are still required to provide their passport details, a recent passport-sized photo, and pay the necessary fee online. The E-visa will then be emailed to the applicant. For more information on the Vietnam Visa Policy, please refer to our website.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s recent expansion of the validity of its E-visas to 3 months, along with the introduction of multiple-entry visas, represents a significant advancement in making the country more appealing and accessible to foreign visitors and investors. These changes are anticipated to have a positive impact on tourism, foster cultural exchange, and contribute to Vietnam’s overall economic development.
Effective from August 15, 2023, travelers planning to visit Vietnam can now anticipate greater flexibility in terms of visa duration.
