Proposal for extension of visa exemption for Russian visitors – In aiming Vietnamese’s efforts at promoting Russian tourist’s travelling to Vietnam, and introducing Vietnam’s image to foreign friends all over the world, a proposal to extend Vietnam visa exemption from 15 days to 30 days for Russian passport holder was proposed to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on July 24.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), from 2009 to 2013, the number of tourist arrivals from Russian rose from 49,000 to 298,000, equivalent to a 27 percent rise year over year. Moreover, in the first half of 2014, Vietnam welcomes 194,000 Russian arrivals, up to 25.9% from last year’s same period.

Vietnam has also exempted citizens from nine of the 10 ASEAN member nations from visa application for 30 days.

Previously, citizens from seven other nations also benefit from the 15- day visa exemption, namely Japan, the Republic of Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Russia.