Tourism ministry proposes 30-day stay for international visitors

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed the government extend the temporary stay for international visitors to 30 days to create favorable conditions for tourists to enter Vietnam.

The 15-day visa exemption period is very short compared to other countries in ASEAN, and not suitable for the long-term travel needs of international tourists, especially markets as far away as Europe, who often travel for three to four weeks, Minister Nguyen Van Hung told a recent tourism conference.

In addition, the ministry also proposed the government consider piloting the issuance of visas at border gates for international tourists.

The tourism market has gradually recovered, especially domestic travel. In many places, the number of visitors has increased, and travel businesses have returned to the market and opened more services, according to Minister Hung.

More than 90% of tourist accommodation establishments nationwide have returned to normal operations. In the summer, the occupancy rate of hotel rooms in some places like Ha Long town, Sapa, Quy Nhon town, and Phu Quoc island exceeded 95%.

The minister said that Vietnam's tourism industry has faced many challenges. Most markets in Northeast Asia (accounting for nearly 70% of international visitors to Vietnam) continue to apply many epidemic prevention measures, like China which has not yet opened to international tourism. The Russia-Ukrainian military conflict affects the resumption of Vietnam-Russia flight routes, affecting this major market.

Besides, there is increasing competition from countries in the region. Many create attractive conditions by providing visa-free entry for international visitors. For instance, Malaysia and Singapore have visa-free policies for 162 countries. The figures for the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam are 157, 65 and 24, respectively.

The visa-free period of many ASEAN countries lasts from 30 days to 45 days, even 90 days. For example, Thailand launched its Special Tourist Visa of Thailand (STV) for guests staying up to 90 days.

Vietnam fully reopened its doors on March 15 with international flights restored after the Covid-19 pandemic was deemed under control.

According to statistics of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the market in 2022 has gradually recovered, with total revenue from tourists is estimated at VND495 trillion ($20.86 billion), 2.75 times over the same period last year.

Domestic tourists are estimated at 101 million arrivals, exceeding the target of serving 60 million set at the beginning of the year. However, the number of international tourists to Vietnam is estimated at 3.5 million, equal to 70% of the target.