Vietnam, South Korea Included: Visa Exemption for Tourists from 13 Countries Resumes After 2 Years

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The Vietnamese government will exempt travelers from 13 countries, including Korea, from visa requirements for the first time in two years.

According to local media on the 15th, the Vietnamese government made this decision to revitalize the tourism industry.

The target countries, besides Korea, are Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Citizens holding the nationality of these countries can stay in Vietnam for 15 days without a visa, regardless of the type of passport or purpose of entry.

The authorities also allow ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries to stay visa-free for up to 30 days.

However, the Philippines is allowed visa-free stay for 21 days, while Brunei and Myanmar are allowed for up to 14 days.

Vietnam had allowed visa-free entry for these 13 countries until the spread of COVID-19 began. Then, in March two years ago, as COVID-19 spread, regular international flights were suspended and visa issuance for foreign tourists was halted.

However, as the tourism industry, one of the major sources of revenue, suffered a significant blow, the government partially lifted restrictions on foreign tourist entry starting November last year.