Vietnam has resumed its visa exemption policy for 13 countries for visits of up to 15 days as it continues efforts to encourage the return of international tourists.
According to VietnamNet, the 13 countries initially accepted under the policy are Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom with all visitors from those nations allowed to enter for 15 days regardless of their entry purpose.
The same 13 countries had been allowed similar access prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the majority of ASEAN nations were allowed up to 30 days visa-free entry.
It has been reported that around 10,000 visitors have entered Vietnam since international tourism was partially reopened last November.
Authorities had previously announced the dropping of most border restrictions for international tourists from 15 March 2022, however there is criticism over a lack of clarity around the new border rules. According to a report by Bloomberg, the government has yet to clarify rules around COVID-19 testing requirements and whether arrivals are required to self-quarantine for a short period upon arrival.
Tourism accounted for 9.2% of Vietnam’s gross domestic product in 2019.
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