The Viet Nam National Assembly has approved a resolution to offer electronic visas from February 1, 2017, for a trial period of two years. As per the new scheme, foreign tourists can apply online for a single entry, 30 day visa by paying a non-refundable fee. Currently, the Vietnamese government is finalizing nations eligible for the scheme. Viet Nam, at present, has a visa-free policy for ASEAN countries along with Japan, South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Russia. In 2015, Viet Nam attracted almost eight million tourists with China, South Korea and Japan leading among the visiting countries.
The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism has welcomed the resolution stating the move will boost the domestic tourism industry and attract more tourists. The e-visa facility will ease the process for tourists and provide the local immigration control over entry as well. Funds collected from the scheme will also allow for subsidizing the tourism promotion program. Viet Nam aims to attract a revenue of US$18 billion to US$19 billion and around 10 million foreign tourists each year by 2020.