Tourist visa extensions to be made easier

The Government Office has announced Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam’s intention to rectify difficulties facing tourists applying for Vietnamese visa extensions.

The Deputy PM has asked the Ministry of Public Security to work with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) and other relevant bodies to facilitate the renewal of visiting permits by 15 days for tourists hailing from countries which allow Vietnamese people to enter without visas.

He has also requested the MoCST to strengthen its supervision of international tourism agencies in guaranteeing and managing their tourists in their extended visa period.

The ministry is also to develop a proposal for a Tourism Development Assistance Fund and another on increasing the number of countries enjoying Vietnam’s visa exemption which it will submit to the Prime Minister for approval by June. It will prioritise supporting tourist markets with high potential and visitors from Vietnam’s strategic partners.

The Ministry of Finance has been requested to accelerate the updating of relevant legal documents to facilitate this process.    

VNA