Vietnam Visa: extension of the visa exemption for tourists from Western Europe

The Vietnamese government has announced a decision to extend the visa exemption by one year for travellers from five European countries: Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

This was pronounced by Mai Tien Dung, Minister and President of the Government Office, during a session held on the afternoon of June 3. In this direction, tourists from Western Europe will be exempt from visas from 1 July 2017 until 30 June 2018 for stays up to 15 days.

This movement was set up on an experimental basis two years ago, valid from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. The first extension was in effect until June 30, 2017 and this time marks the second.

In addition, the Tourism Association and the Tourism Consultation Council unanimously submitted to the Prime Minister the proposal to extend the measure up to 5 years against one, and the exemption period of a 30-day visa, compared to the current 15.

According to statistics, in the first five months of 2017 alone, the number of international tourists coming to Vietnam reached 5.3 million, an increase of 30.8% compared to the same period the year before.

>> Read more: E-visa Vietnam: Official issuance of e-visa to citizens of 46 countries