On the afternoon of November 25, the National Assembly passed the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, with 404 delegates in favor (83.64%); 26 people disagreed (5.38%); 16 abstained votes (3.31%).
Accordingly, the new law adds a provision exempting foreigners from visas for a temporary stay of 30 days to coastal economic zones (currently there are 18 zones nationwide, including two island districts of Phu Quoc and Van Don); assigning the Government to decide which coastal economic zones are exempt from visas if they meet four conditions.
New law passed creates momentum to attract international tourists to Vietnam
The conditions include: having an international airport, separate space; defined geographical boundaries, separate from the mainland; consistent with socio-economic development policies; not harming national defense, security, order and social safety of Vietnam.
According to the explanation of the National Assembly Standing Committee, when commenting on the draft Law, in addition to many opinions agreeing with the above provisions, there are delegates who think that it is necessary to strictly regulate and supplement the conditions on coastal economic zones to ensure they do not affect national defense and security. Some delegates suggested considering because Vietnam's coastline is long, it will be difficult to manage and ensure security and order; other opinions suggested not exempting visas for foreigners entering coastal economic zones.
However, the National Assembly Standing Committee said that the regulation on visa exemption for foreigners entering coastal economic zones with the above four conditions is "strictly guaranteed".
Vietnam's beaches such as Ha Long, Phu Quoc... always welcome many international tourists.
The Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam takes effect from July 1, 2020.
