News of Vietnam Visa and Airport services

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Photo: Collected

For the past few years, China and South Korea are always among top outbound destinations that have attracted many Vietnamese people to travel, especially for short-term visit purposes. In the latest statistics of the Korean Tourism Organization, Vietnam has ranked 5th worldwide and the leading spot in Southeast Asia for the number of tourists to the Republic of Korea (RoK) in 2023.

Therefore, the news of both China and RoK loosening their visa policy for several countries, including Vietnam, has brought considerable joy and excitement among Vietnamese people.

Specifically, China will cut visa fees by 25% for travelers from countries such as Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, from December 11, 2023, to December 31, 2024. The visa fee for Vietnamese citizens entering this country starts from US$45 - for a single entry visa. The world’s second-largest economy hopes that this new policy will help to boost China’s tourism and economy growth in general, which still has been detrimentally affected post Covid-19 pandemic.

As for RoK, tourist groups from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia will not be charged eVisa fees starting from 2024. Together with the visa waiver policy of Jeju island for Vietnamese passport holders who travel by charter flights or under tourist groups, RoK aims to attract 20 million international tourists and create US$24.5 billion in tourism revenue in 2024. 

To facilitate seamless travel for tourists, the Korean Government and Ministry of Science and ICT will develop an application designed to assist foreign visitors in making reservations for public transportation. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance the English services provided by navigation apps.

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Photo: Hương Giang

Following the meeting between Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, Deputy Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia on October 19, 2023, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia have agreed to promote bilateral tourism in a bid of making the two countries more accessible to their respective visitors and tourists. 

Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud expressed her support and Saudi Arabia’s goodwill by promising to review their eVisa policy towards citizens of this Southeast Asia nation. Up to now, Vietnam passport holders cannot send visa applications via Saudi Arabia’s eVisa portal but visit Embassies/Consulates or visa agencies in person to obtain a visa, which is often slow, confusing, and time-consuming. 

Additionally, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia also planned to operate direct flights between two countries in the near future.

During the meeting, the Minister asked for the joint of Saudi Arabia to educate each other about tourist taste and standards and laws regulating the hospitality field such as accommodation facilities and tourism investment, etc. In response, Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud said that in the near future, the Kingdom's Ministry of Tourism will work with domestic travel and tourism companies to research and develop inbound packages to suit the tastes of Vietnamese citizens.

Vietnam has focused on implementing Project "Strengthening international cooperation to build and develop Vietnam's Halal industry until 2030", issued and approved by the Prime Minister, with Saudi Arabia as an important market and partner in every sector, especially tourism. 

In the upcoming years, Halal industry in general and Halal tourism in particular will be a crucial market for Vietnam. Namely, Halal tourism provides services that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers, includes Halal-friendly accommodations, Halal food options, and considerations for prayer facilities. 

Signing ceremony of "Action Program in the field of tourism" between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Huong Giang)

To conclude the meeting, the two leaders unanimously signed the "Action Program in the field of tourism", opening more doors for the next meetings.

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Photo: Nhật Thịnh

Starting from August 15, 2023, Vietnam officially implemented its new visa exemption policy, which has allowed foreigners from 13 eligible countries to stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days, 30 days longer than the old scheme. 

Article 1 of Resolution No.128/NQ-CP Amendments to the Government's Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP dated March 15, 2022 on Visa waiver for nationals,

"Visa waiver will be applicable to nationals of  the Federal Republic of Germany, The French Republic, Italian Republic, Kingdom of Spain, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Russian Federation, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Denmark, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Norway, Republic of Finland, and the Republic of Belarus with a maximum temporary residence period of 45 days from the date of entry, no matter what visa types they currently hold or their purposes of entry, on the basis of eligibility for entry in accordance with Vietnamese laws."

Vietnam’s tourism industry and other related segments have benefited abundantly from this policy, especially when the Republic of Korea - one of the visa-free countries of this Southeast Asia nation, was reported to be the largest source of tourist arrivals with over 2.5 million travelers in the first nine months of 2023. 

In the most recent suggestion, The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has emphasized the need to loosen Vietnam visa requirements, namely aiming at granting visa waiver to short-term visits of any nationality. Short-term visits refer to unextended trips for tourist, business, transit, etc, which often permit foreigners to stay in Vietnam from 1 month to 3 months. 

Besides, in an effort to boost the upscale tourism market, the Ministry also mulls over a pilot project issuing three-year and five-year visa at ports of entry.

According to experts, Vietnam has to take a big step to attract more inbound tourism by opening up its border, following other ASEAN countries such as Indonesia with 169 countries, and Singapore with 150 countries favored by their visa-free policy.

In addition, the eVisa issuance procedures of Vietnam are required to be simplified, said the Ministry. Although the eVisa portal has been in effect for more than 4 months, foreigners and even travel agents still find the current system difficult and confusing.

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(Photo: Phan Cong)

At the departure airport – A good start

 Passengers will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the airport in new, high-quality vehicles

 Passengers will be greeted at the check-in area taken to the departure gate:

 -Quick check-in at the private counter – Concierge Desk

-Be instructed and supported in security screening and exit procedures

-Checked baggage allowance will be served as a priority, with passengers receiving it back quickly upon arrival.

At the arrival airport – Attentive reception when the flight lands

The staff will identify and pick up passengers at the aircraft gate (if telescopic bridge) or at the terminal entrance (when entering the terminal by airport bus)

-Guidance, immigration support (international flights)

-Assistance with baggage collection at the conveyor belt

-Assist in transporting luggage to the car or sending guests to the arrival gate.

VIP Lounge Service

Looking forward to enjoying luxurious, premium services at the airport while waiting for boarding? Need a private VIP lounge to receive guests at the airport? Need access to a business class lounge when only purchasing economy class tickets? VIP LOUNGE service will satisfy all your requirements.

Enjoy every precious moment in privacy and tranquility where you can take complete control of your own time and get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport before every journey.

Instead of waiting tiredly, passengers can enjoy the service in the business class lounges, where there is a variety of dishes for you to choose from, while resting in comfy seats, in a quiet space without hustle, even personal hygiene, Take a shower before you fly or during transit between two flights.

Airport Guide Service

And for this service support, you can contact the website: https://vietnam-immi.org  to book and guiding passengers at the Airport for individuals and groups.

Professionally trained staff will escort you before departure and/or after 

landing and make sure everything related to your trip goes smoothly.

Baggage Porters Service

Whether you are traveling with one bag or ten, let V.A.C’s porters service take the burden of carrying your suitcases off you. By far the easiest way of getting your luggage either to check-in or from baggage reclaim to your vehicle, this bespoke service can be booked online through V.A.C Airport Concierge Service.

Who is recommended to use these services:

o   Businessmen

o   Elderly and Infants

o   Pregnant Women

o   Transit but closing time is too tight.

o   In Group of travel.

Benefits of using Airport Support Service, passengers will get:

o   Enjoy high-class services, luxurious facilities at VIP lounge

o   Shorten check-in time at the airport to minutes instead of hours

o   Assistance with baggage transportation and management during check-in at the airport

o   Completely master the experience time, explore the airport

o   Take a relaxing break instead of crowds at the airport


Source:
avia.vn

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