The National Assembly, Vietnam’s highest legislative body, passed amendments to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam by a majority of 95.14%, with 470 out of 475 lawmakers voting in favor.

South Korean tourists visit Nha Trang, central Vietnam, May 2023.

The amended law will take effect from August 15 this year.

Under the amended law, Vietnam will also triple to 45 days of the duration of visa-free stays for tourists from certain countries who now enjoy a 15-day waiver.

Nationals of some western European countries, Japan and South Korea, Vietnam's top tourism markets, are now permitted to visit for 15 days without a visa.

Lawmakers earlier expressed support for issuing multiple-entry e-visas, saying this would reduce the administrative burden and save time and money.

"A three-month e-visa will meet foreign visitors’ demand to stay longer to explore investment opportunities," Le Tan Toi, head of the NA Committee for Defense and Security Committee, said.

Vietnam currently offers e-visas to citizens of 80 countries and territories. It waives visa for citizens from 25 countries, mostly for between 15-30 days, a policy considered less generous than other countries in the area.

In the first five months of this year, the country welcomed 4.6 million international visitors, more than half this year's target of 8 million but just 63% of pre-pandemic levels.

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Source: VnExpress