Complicated procedures for visas to Vietnam are disappointing many foreign tourists, resulting in travelers deciding to choose other regional destinations.

Expand the list of visa-exempt countries to all EU countries and extend the visa exemption period from 15 to 30 days are among recommendations outlined in the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam’s 2023 Whitebook.

A key for Vietnam to attract more foreign tourists at this time is to change its visa policy, said Chris Farewell, a member of the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB).

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of problems and difficulties faced by foreigners when applying for visas to enter Vietnam, said deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang on December 15.

Since the beginning of the year, Vietnam has welcomed over 2.2 million international visitors, with Ho Chi Minh City alone welcoming more than 2 million foreign visitors.

The visa process does not always go smoothly. Sometimes, it moves so slowly that some specialists cannot enter Vietnam on schedule, leading to production disruptions.

The Republic Korea (RoK)’s Ministry of Justice announced on May 19 the issuance of tourist visas for international travelers, including Vietnamese visitors.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued Document No. 829/PA-BVHTTDL on its plan to reopen the tourism sector in the new normal.

The prime minister has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reinstate the visa waiver for international travelers to revive the pandemic-battered tourism sector when tourism services for local and foreign visitors are fully reopened on March 15.

Several ministries have been asked to facilitate Vietnamese people and foreigners’ exit from and entry into the country.

Vietnam received only 0.5 percent of travelers from Spain in 2019, although the number of visitors has increased in recent years.

The Vietnamese Government has given the go-ahead to the reopening of the UK visa application centre in Hanoi for August 30, with restrictions set to be in place following its launch.

The Vietnamese Government will most likely suspend all visas issued to citizens of all countries over a period of 15 to 30 days to contain the fast spread of the coronavirus.

According to the research, 95% of respondents had used fingerprint recognition in the past to make a payment—making it the most popular form of biometric authentication.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the credit cards industry within Asia covering various aspects.

Fintech companies could hold the key to driving last-mile adoption of digital payments and unlocking vast cash displacement opportunity in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, according to Visa, a world leader in digital payments.

The Republic of Korea will temporarily waive the visa application fee for Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.

The change in technology used for domestic payment cards is expected to give a push to non-cash payments in Vietnam.

VietNamNet Bridge - Some experts believe that a specific code of conduct for Chinese travelers can help better manage problems that have existed in recent years.