STAMPING FEES FOR SHORT-TERM VISA TO DROP SHARPLY

The fresh adjustments expected to lure more foreign tourists to visit Viet Nam.

Earlier, a large number of foreign tourists travelling to Viet Nam for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) complained about the higher visa service fees in Viet Nam than in other countries in the region. The US$45 stamping fee also led to higher tour costs in Viet Nam.

Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association Deputy Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Khanh regarded the new cut as a positive decision for the tourism industry. “The open policy offers a driving force for us to attract more tourists in the future,” she said.

Earlier, Viet Nam offered visa exemption for every passport holder of United Kingdom (the UK), France, Germany, Spain and Italy for maximum stay of 15 days.

Cost/Person    Previous stamping fee    New stamping fee
1 month           US$45                             US$25
3 months         US$95                             US$50
6 months         US$95                             US$95
1 year              US$135                           US$135
2 years            US$100                           US$145
3-5 years         US$120                           US$155

Source: VGP