After Vietnam reopened to international tourism on March 15, Ho Chi Minh City recorded a slower recovery in international tourist arrivals than its regional neighbors, the Department of Tourism said in a proposal.

Tourists walk on the sidewalk next to a hotel on Dong Khoi Street in HCMC, November 2022.

Strict visa policies and limited tourism promotion campaigns have been hindering the city's tourism recovery, it added.

City authorities called on the government to offer visa exemptions for more countries and to prolong visa-free stays from the current 15 to 30 days to attract Western tourists who want to stay longer in the country.

In the first 10 months of this year, HCMC welcomed 2.65 million foreign arrivals, meeting 76% of this year's target.

This year, the city is hoping to welcome 3.5 million foreign tourists.

While Vietnam waives visas for nationals of only 24 countries for stays of 14-90 days, it only issues a one-month single-entry e-visa to visitors from all other countries.

HCMC was among Asia-Pacific cities recording the slowest recoveries in international tourist arrivals with an estimated drop of 69% against pre-pandemic levels, according to Spain-based travel data and analytics company ForwardKeys.

Vietnam issues 459,000 e-visas since reopening

Since Vietnam reopened its borders and resumed pre-pandemic visa policies in March, it has issued 459,000 e-visas.

Vietnam eyes expansion of eligible countries for e-visa issuance

The government has sought recommendations from the tourism, foreign affairs and public security ministries for expanding the list of countries whose nationals can get visas online.

Thailand to extend visa-free stay for Vietnamese tourists to 45 days

The Thai government has increased the period of visa-free stay for tourists from over 50 countries including Vietnam from 30 days to 45.

Tourism industry insiders urge govt to ease visa requirements

Tourism industry insiders called on the government to expand the list of countries qualified for visa waivers and prolong visa-free stays to 30 days to lure more visitors to Vietnam.

Vietnam minister proposes visa exemption for US, European travelers

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung proposed expanding visa exemption for tourists from the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India to boost sector recovery.

Source: VnExpress