After Sri Lanka and Thailand, Vietnam is considering offering visa-free entry for Indians and the Chinese. Nguyn Van Jung, Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has called for short-term visa waivers to these two major markets to boost the country’s tourism sector, Vietnamese news agency VnExpress reported. At a conference chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, waivers for visitors from countries such as Australia, Canada, the US, and the remaining 20 members of the 27-member EU were also suggested.

As of now, only nationals of seven EU countries – Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland – can enter Vietnam without a visa. Vietnam’s new visa policy effective from August 15, 2023 extended stay duration for 13 countries enjoying unilateral visa exemption from 15 days to 45 days, regardless of passport type and entry purposes.

The 13 countries include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus. Beginning August, Vietnam also started issuing e-visas with a validity period of 90 days for individuals from all countries. These e-visas also allow multiple entries.

Vietnam with its stunning landscapes and white sandy beaches, received nearly 10 million international visitors during the first ten months of this year marking a 4.6-fold rise compared to the corresponding period in 2022. The numbers also saw the Southeast Asian nations surpass the tourist targeted goal for 2023.

Countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are eyeing India realising the fact that beyond traditional tourist destinations, Indian travelers are now on a quest for novelty. A growing middle class and a fairly young population are driving these travellers who are on the lookout for authentic and immersive experiences. Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An are popular among Indian tourists.

From October, Thailand allowed visa-free entry for tourists from India and Taiwan for a period of six months from November 10 this year to May 10, 2024. Before Thailand, Sri Lanka also approved a proposal to grant free visas to travelers from seven countries for a period of five months till March 31, 2024.