Vietnam Waive Visas for Scandinavians

Vietnam Waive Visas for Scandinavians

Vietnam has decided to offer visa exemption to citizens from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland in an attempt to attract more tourists from the four Scandinavian countries.

Under Decision 808 issued by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 13, citizens from these countries will be exempted from entry visas to Vietnam for a short stay of less than 15 days, starting May 1.

The exemption is regardless of passport level or reason for entering the country, said the decision.

To benefit from the exemption, Scandinavian citizens must have a current passport valid for at least three months after date of entry, proof of two-way transit, and evidence that they are not subject to immigration bans or restrictions under the laws of Vietnam.

Currently, the four Scandinavian countries are among the smallest markets for Vietnam’s tourism industry.

In the first quarter this year, the communist hospitality sector served 6,224 Swedish, 2,487 Norwegian, 4,194 Danish and 2,591 Finn, up 26.6 per cent, 1.3 per cent, 21 per cent and 14.1 per cent on-year, respectively.

Up to now, Vietnam has exempted popular entry visas for citizens from five ASEAN countries, along with Japan and South Korea.

P.V