In Vietnam, the new visa conditions are hampering the recovery of tourism.
While domestic tourism is picking up again, international arrivals are showing much more modest growth.
In 2022, the country only welcomed 3.5 million foreigners, far from the target of 5 million.
“
Meanwhile, other
Southeast
Asian
countries have reached or even exceeded [their] target ,” observes
Le Courrier du Vietnam
.
The Thai neighbor, which temporarily authorized visa-free stays for 45 days instead of 30, for example welcomed 11.5 million foreign tourists in 2022, 1.5 million more than expected.
To discover
Partner stay in Vietnam - Cambodia |
14 days |
To the rhythm of the Mekong
The French who go to Vietnam for a short stay do not encounter any particular obstacles.
Like about twenty other nationalities, they benefit from a visa exemption regime which allows them to go there without going through any formalities, provided that their stay lasts less than 15 days.
On the other hand, a problem arises for visitors who wish to stay beyond this period.
In this case, it may be necessary to apply for a visa on arrival.
And that's the rub...
Read alsoTravel to Vietnam, the Figaro guide
Visas on arrival reserved for organized stays
"
Since the reopening of the country's borders, obtaining a visa on arrival is more complex than before
", confirms to
Figaro
Nicolas Le Page, communication manager at Action-Visas, an agency specializing in obtaining visas.
From now on, “
it is imperative to book an organized trip with a local tour operator so that the latter can request ministerial authorization allowing reception at the immigration checkpoint and the issuance of the visa.
Before Covid, the issue criteria were more flexible because it was not compulsory to book an organized trip
, ”explains Nicolas Le Page.
However, the Vietnamese authorities have not formally announced these new conditions.
But in fact, travelers and tourism professionals find that the visa on arrival is no longer issued.
Something to disconcert visitors who have not been informed of these changes.
To avoid any disappointment, Action-Visas recommends applying for an electronic visa online before going there.
The usual processing time is two days.
Count 25 € for a single entry or 50 € for multiple entries.
Read alsoWhy it is in your interest to travel to Asia during the monsoon
Soon visa-free stays of up to 45 days?
However, the situation could improve in the coming weeks.
To make foreigners stay longer in the country, tourism professionals in Vietnam have been asking for several months to authorize visa-free stays for 30 days instead of the current 15.
This exemption period could ultimately be extended to 45 days for the French.
Vietnamese MPs have until June 23 to review and pass the bill.
Another expected development: the electronic visa, currently valid for a stay of 30 days, could be extended to 90 days and allow multiple entries.
So many obstacles removed which should stimulate the tourist recovery.
Read alsoTourist tax: a few more months of respite for travelers to Thailand
ON
VIDEO -
"It scares me too much": in Vietnam, tourists struggle to move forward on the longest glass bridge in the world