Vietnam extends visa-free

HANOI Vietnam National Administration of Tourism says nationals of seven countries will continue to be eligible for visa-free stays for stays of up to 15 days.
The seven countries are Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia.
The government confirmed it has extended visa exemptions for tourists from seven countries for another five years effective 1 January, this year, as they are major visitor-generating markets.
Last year, there were suggestions that the privilege would be rescinded. However, local tourism authorities called on the government to continue the policy and also streamline visa procedures to attract more international visitors.
inside no 3South Korea and Japan are among the top visitor-generating markets for Vietnam supplying 847,958 (+13.3%) and 647,956 visits (+7.3%) respectively last year.
Russia is also an important market recording 364,873 visits (+22.4%) in 2014.
Despite low visitor numbers from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, these Nordic countries are the next target markets, according to VNAT.
All foreign passport holders can stay on Phu Quoc Island for up to 30 days without a visa, a concession that the island’s administration hopes will propel the destination into the top league alongside Bali and Phuket.
Last year, VNAT suggested a visa waiver, nation-wide for more countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, India and Canada as a measure to prop up the tourism sector.
All ASEAN member nations are on the visa-free list for stays of up to 15 days.
In 2014 Vietnam welcomed 7,874,312 international tourists an increase of 4.0% from 2013.

sourced:ttrweekly.com