According to VnExpress, just ahead of Tet, the Vietnamese government released a directive detailing an e-visa pilot program that would take effect on February 1. The two-year program states that citizens from 40 countries are eligible for electronic visa applications, including Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. A complete list of nationalities can be found here.During a press conference held on January 25, immigration officials announced that the new single-entry e-visa will be valid for 30 days, reports Thanh Nien. However, the department also added that Chinese citizens holding electronic passports – which has a map depicting China’s claim on disputed islands in the East Sea – are not eligible for the pilot program.
Lao Dong reports that the fee for the online application is US$25 per person. Within three days of submission, visitors will be informed of the outcome of their application. Successful applicants will present a printed version of the approved visa upon arrival.
While this is without a doubt very good news for hopeful tourists from the listed nations, it appears that not many have been able to access the program: both electronic visa official homepages – here and here – are inaccessible as of press time.
According to VnExpress, visitors could try their luck at an alternative link instead.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc announced plans for the e-visa program last August and Vietnam’s parliament officially approved the proposal last November. The directive came into effect just weeks after the Politburo revealed future goals to reach US$35 billion in tourism revenue by 2020.
Source: Saigoneer
