Vietnam is contemplating joining Thailand and Sri Lanka in offering visa-free entry to Indian tourists. Reports indicate that the Vietnamese Tourism Ministry is discussing a temporary visa exemption for Indian travelers.

The Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, Nguyen Van Hung, has proposed a short-term visa waiver program for Indian and Chinese visitors to stimulate tourism.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presided over a meeting where this visa waiver proposal was discussed. The plan includes potential waivers for tourists from Australia, Canada, the US, and 20 European Union countries.

Currently, travelers from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden can enter Vietnam without a visa, thanks to agreements with the European Union. India and China might be the next countries added to this list if the plan is approved.

Vietnam already offers visa-free access to 25 countries. As of October 2023, the country has welcomed over 10 million international visitors.

Visa-Free Travel for Indians to Thailand and Sri Lanka

Thailand recently initiated a visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists to promote tourism. According to the Thai government, this policy allows Indians to visit Thailand without a visa from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024, with a maximum stay of 30 days.

Similarly, Sri Lanka has opened its doors to Indian tourists without requiring a visa until March 31, 2024. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the tourism sector, which was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.