Vietnam visa exemption for 17 countries

According to regulation of the government, Vietnam visa exemption. Vietnam visa exemption is still applied to citizens of 10 countries in Asia and 7 other countries outside of Asia. Citizens of 7 countries are unilaterally exempted from Vietnam visa including Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Citizens of above mentioned countries can enter Vietnam and be free from visa to Vietnam with the stay not exceeding 15 days since the date of entry, regardless of type of passport, immigration purposes, based on meeting regulations.

Vietnam visa exemption

The exemption policy when entering Vietnam for citizens of these countries will be implemented in a period of 5 years, from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2019 and will be reviewed and renewed under the Vietnamese regulations.Many new contents of the Immigration Law on foreigners in Vietnam 2014 include the duration of Vietnam visa may be granted up to 5 years for investors (previously, 12 months at most); duration of card for Vietnam temporary residence up to 5 years (3 years in the previous regulation). In particular, the provisions were amended tighter as: from the date of January 1st, 2015, Vietnam visa for foreigners does not change purposes, visa has a valid of single entry or multiple entry, depending on the purpose of entry. Notably, the new law will extend temporary residence card for foreign investors and foreign lawyers in Vietnam, and ease the conditions of entry for citizens of certain countries. According to the evaluation, the new law with the simplified procedure will create favorable conditions for Vietnam foreign entry, exit and residence; simultaneously meet the requirements of national security and the maintenance of social order and safety.Vietnam is currently applying the exemption visa system within 30 days of stay for tourists coming from ASEAN countries (excluding Brunei in 14 days) and during 15 days for tourists of the following countries: Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Policy on Vietnam visa exemption makes great contribution to the development of Vietnam tourism. The extension of free visa for Vietnam policy not just ensures the successful implementation of strategic tourism development, but also contributes to improving economic- social growth. According to statistics, international tourists to Vietnam have an average expenditure of $ 1,200 to $ 2,500, depending on each customer market and types of tourism.Consumption of international tourists will increase income for private sectors and contribute taxes to state sector, as well as speeding up demands for ancillary products, such as transportation, food, crafts and fine arts..., creating job and social benefits to the community. Vietnam is currently applying system of bilateral visa exemption for a period of 30 days for tourists from ASEAN countries (excluding Brunei within 14 days); and governments of ASEAN members apply visa exemption for Vietnamese citizens when entering the countries.With ventilated visa policy, it will contribute actively to the development of Vietnam tourism in the future when the trend of integration and migration is increasing around the world. Policy on Vietnam visa exemption makes great contribution to the development of Vietnam tourism.

Source: http://www.vietnamvisa.alotrip.com/

Email Contact: booking(at)alotrip(.)vn

Vietnam Airlines flights Hanoi - Nha Trang

Vietnam Airlines flights Hanoi - Nha Trang take off at Noi Bai international airport and lands at Cam Ranh international airport. Cam Ranh International Airport is located about 40km from the city center of Nha Trang. This is the 5th large airport in Vietnam. There are currently 3 domestic airlines including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jestar Pacific and many international airlines operating flights to Nha Trang. Domestic airlines are operating flights Hanoi - Nha Trangwith different frequencies depending on season or each flight increment.

The flights from Nha Trang to Hanoi depart at Cam Ranh airport and ends at Noi Bai Airport. Noi Bai International Airport is situated at 30km from the city center of Hanoi. This is the largest international airport in North Vietnam. Currently, there are 3 domestic airlines and 22 international airlines having flights to this airport. Vietnam Airlines currently operates the Hanoi - Nha Trang - Hanoi route with a frequency of 3 flights/ day. Passengers can choose routes suitable to favored schedules. The average airfare for this route is about 1,834,000 dong.

Vietnam Airlines flights to Nha Trang

Nha Trang has been favorable endowed geographic location and ideal climate with famous tourism spots as Vinpearl Land, Ninh Van Bay, Oceanographic Institute, Doi grotto, Mun Island - Tam Island, Diamond Bay, Cau Da villa, so on. Vinpearl Land is a resort located in Hon Tre Island. From the city center, tourists can easily come here by cable cab or canoe. Vinpearl Land owns luxurious hotels, swimming pool, spa, recreational park and 4D cinema. If you like to contemplate colorful coral reefs under the sea, you should drop by Hon Mun Island with black cliffs as wood. Coming to Hon Mun, you cannot ignore activities as bar floating on the sea, diving, contemplating coral reef, glass-bottom boat...

In addition to Mun Island, Tam Island is an ideal place for those who love ecotourism. With the unspoiled beauty, green tropical forests, long sandy beaches, mysterious Doi cave (Bat Cave); Tam Island will not make you disappointed. Here, you can participate in sport activities as beach volleyball, kayaking, hiking... If you have once visit Ninh Van Bay and stayed in Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, you surely want to return again and again. The resort was designed in the harmony between nature and the simple wooden architecture decorated in a beautiful location in Ninh Van Bay. 

There are mountainous villas. Each villa has a separate swimming pool, the outside and inside bath room. Wood is the main material used in creating a comfortable and luxurious architectural space but pristine and romantic features. Dao Yen (Bird Nest Island), National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam, Hon Chong Promontory, Hon Vo or Van Phong Bay, Po Nagar Cham Towers are indispensable attractions in Nha Trang. Besides, you should spend time strolling around the city to Dam Market, Long Son Pagoda, Nui Church, Diamond Bay...

Source: http://www.vietnamairlines.travel/

Proposal on new Vietnam visa fee

Ministry of Finance is drafting the Circular on the collection, remittance, management and use of fees for issuing passports,Vietnam visa and papers on entry, exit, transit and residence in Vietnam. In the draft, Ministry of Finance proposed for passport fee to Vietnamese citizens from 100,000 - 400,000 VND. To specify, the fee for renewing passport is 200,000 VND. The fee for renewing for damage or lost is 400,000 VND. The fee for expanding passport is 100,000 VND. According to the draft, all levels of fee almost remain unchanged. For example, the Vietnam visa fee for issuing single-entry is 45 USD. The fee of issuing visa for tourists entering Vietnam for a short period remains at 5 USD.

Vietnam visa fee

Issuing multiple-entry visa (up to 1 year) remains at 65 USD, 95 USD, and 135 USD, even the fee of 3 month multiple entry visa is considered to reduce. Some fees for visa to Vietnam are expected to increase due to the increase in duration of issuing time. The visa fee of multiple-entry with valid period of 1-5 years is from 165 USD to 255 USD. To the fee of renewing passport remains unchanged at 200,000 VND.

To foreigners and Vietnamese people living abroad, the ministry proposed 45 USD for issuing single - entry visa, 65-255 USD for multiple-entry, depending on validity. The proposed fee of issuing visa for tourists is 5 USD/pax. Thus, compared with the current regulations, the rates for Vietnam citizens remain unchanged. The changes are seen in the rates for foreigners and Vietnamese living abroad. Particularly, the fee for issuing multiple-entry visa is divided into 7 levels, not 3. The highest level of 135 USD (for over 6 month visa) is proposed for increasing to 255 USD (visa with 4-5 year validity).

The ministry clarifies cases of being free from visa fee, including:

1. Invitee (spouse, children) of Party, State, Government or of Leaders of Party, State, Government, and National Assembly as individuals.

2. Officials and employees of diplomatic missions, consular offices abroad and representative offices of international organizations in Vietnam and members of their families (spouses and children under 18) , not being Vietnamese citizens of Vietnam and not residing in Vietnam, are exempted from the fee on the basis of reciprocity.

3. Foreigners holding diplomatic passports, official passports or ordinary passports issued by foreign countries and being exempted from visa fee in accordance with the Agreements between Vietnam and applicants' countries, on the basis of reciprocity.

4. Foreigners entering Vietnam to carry out relief or humanitarian assistance for Vietnamese organizations and individuals.

5. Those who are eligible for visa fee exemption under the specific decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Public Security, the Minister of Defense.

These cases of being exempted from the fees prescribed above must have the "fee exemption" (GRATIS) in papers issued by fee collection agency.

Source: http://www.vietnamvisa.alotrip.com/

Time-limited Vietnam visa exemption for Belarus citizens

Immediately after the regular session in May 2015, the Government decided on Vietnam visa exemption for citizens of the Republic of Belarus. This shows the attention of the Government to the visa policy aiming to create the favorable conditions for tourism development and attracting foreign tourists to Vietnam and openness in international integration.

vietnam visa exemption

Citizens of the Republic of Belarus entering Vietnam with the duration not exceed 15 days since the date of entry, regardless of type of passport, immigration purposes, meeting the following regulations of Vietnam law will be exempted visa. The exemption policy when entering Vietnam for Belarus citizens will be implemented in a period of 5 years, from January 1st, 2015 to June 30th, 2020 and will be reviewed and renewed under the Vietnamese regulations.

Until now, the number of tourists from Belarus to Vietnam are very few, mainly businessmen and investors, but with the exemption of visa Vietnam for citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Vietnamese Government believed that Belarus tourists and investors to Vietnam will increasingly outnumber, the friendship cooperation relation between the two countries will further develop.

Earlier, at the regular meeting in May 2015, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung required ministries, departments and localities to promote tourism development, a key economic sector of Vietnam. Accordingly, the Government approved the solutions to resolve the difficulties and develop Vietnam tourism of the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism. There are 5 measures to simplify the immigration procedures applied around the world as transparency of information, facilitation of procedures, visa application at border gates, concessionary policy for a number of priority subjects, unilateral visa exemption for several country, electronic visa (e-visa) application, implementing regional agreements.

Policy on Vietnam visa exemption makes great contribution to the development of Vietnam tourism. On January 1st, 2015, Vietnam also exempted visa to Vietnam for citizens of 7 countries including Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and Finland. Accordingly, citizens of 7 countries above entering Vietnam with duration not exceed 15 days since the date of entry, regardless of type of passport, immigration purposes, meeting the following regulations of Vietnam law will be exempted.

Since 2014, after applying visa exemption policy, Japanese tourists to Vietnam have increased by 2.43 times, Korean tourists have increased by 3.6 times, and Russian tourists (since 2009) have increased by 7.45 times. As proposed by the Ministry of Culture, Sport, and Tourism, besides 7 countries being exempted Vietnam visa on arrival, Vietnam will extend the unilateral visa exemption for the countries which are the major markets with large number of tourists, demand for longer stays and higer spending.

Top best resorts in Vietnam for honeymoon

All selected resorts in Vietnam meet the criteria of far away from the city center, separated from crowded accommodations, having more private space, and reasonable price. Depending on the demand of relaxation in Vietnam holidays, each tourists will have different choices. If you travel with family and children, you should stay at resorts near the city center. If you travel in a group of friends, let's choose to stay at large hotels or resorts with reasonable price. And, if you are enjoying your honeymoon, it is highly recommended to stay at a serene space. 8 suggestions of best resorts Vietnam as below will be ideal choices for couples.

1. AVANI Quy Nhon Resort & Spa

Resort Vietnam Avani resort Quy Nhơn 

Located 15km from Quy Nhon City in Binh Dinh, AVANI Quy Nhon Resort & Spa is a "separate sky", ensuring the serenity and relaxation. All rooms in this resort are spacious, modern and well-designed with light colors. Guests can contemplate the sunrise without leaving the bed. It is highly recommended to choose rooms on high floor to have more wonderful view. In the resort, there are many entertainment services such as swimming at outdoor pool, kayaking, wind-surfing, massage, meditation, Yoga, and other interesting activities...

2. An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas, Nha Trang

Resort Vietnam An Lam Villas Nha Trang 

An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas is situated in Ninh Van Bay, stretching more than 1,500 meters along Nha Trang Beach. The resort is designed with both wild natural and modern architecture. All 35 villas in this resort have spacious atmosphere. To ensure the privacy, each villa has a private butler. This resort is an ideal place for couples who want to enjoy their Vietnam tours as honeymoons or personal relaxation moments to unwind and forget stress and tiredness after a long period of hard working.

3. Amiana Resort Nha Trang

Resort Vietnam Amiana Nha Trang 

Amiana Resort Nha Trang is located on Pham Van Dong Street, about 12km from Tran Phu Street. The hotel has 113 rooms. From 48-meter rooms to luxury beach front villas, all are designed in pure natural philosophy with furniture made from local materials to create harmony and refinement. Amiana once was chosen as the scene of several movies, and wedding venue of many celebrities.

4. MerPerle Hon Tam Resort, Nha Trang

Resort Vietnam Hon Tam Nha Trang 

MerPerle Hon Tam Resort has a friendly environment in Nha Trang Bay, about 5km from the city center. This resort is designed in villa style. All is made of wood with beachfront view, which helps guests to mingle with wild nature and the surrounding landscapes. It mainly uses natural energy to reduce environmental impact, use rainwater, solar, and wind to create electricity and water.

5. Bai Tram Hideaway Resort, Phu Yen

Resort Vietnam Bai Tram Phu Yen 

Like its name, Bai Tram Hideaway Resort is a space for guests to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a wonderful summer vacation. Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen) is a peaceful city, which is more specified at the resort. The closed and fully equipped resort will help you not to worry about anything. Guests can easily visit other attractions in this city.

6. Vedana Lagoon Wellness Resort & Spa, Hue

Resort Vietnam Vedana Lagoon Wellness Resort Hue

Being voted as one of the best hotels in Vietnam, Vedana Lagoon Wellness Resort & Spa in Hue will bring a sense of relaxation to tourists when immersing in the cool water and admire the nature. Located in the Tam Giang Lagoon, about 40km from Hue City center, Vedana Lagoon Wellness Resort & Spa is a quiet place to relax completely. The spacious bungalows built on water surface with modern design and fully equipped with traditional accents. It would be great if you get up early a little, cycle and admire the dawn here. Do not miss the cooking class with traditional Hue dishes. There are shuttles to downtown and to Phu Bai International Airport.

7. Topas Ecolodge Sapa

Resort Vietnam Topas Ecolodge Sapa

On crowded public holidays, when Sapa Town is full of travelers, you can still find a private space named Topas Ecolodge Resort, located about 20 km of winding road and majestic mountains from the center. It is suitable for those who love nature and want to enjoy everything that nature provides. The resort is completely isolated from the modern world, but still fully equipped. This is where the boss of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg stayed in his Vietnam travel.

8. Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa, Dalat

Resort Vietnam Ana Mandara Villas Dalat

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa is the chain of old French villas, close to the city center about 4 km, nestled between pine forests. In the morning, the atmosphere is surrounded by only the sound of birds singing melodiously. The villas have spacious campus. Some villas have ancient fireplaces. Each villas has a large living room. Coming here, you will have a feeling of living in Europe - beautiful, romantic, and ancient. It is highly recommended to choose villas on hills to have more wonderful view.

These above mentioned accommodations are the best resorts inVietnam for honeymoon. With reasonable price, high-qualtity service, and wonderful landscapes, honeymoons or family holidays in Vietnam will be unforgettable. At presetn, AloTrip – a famous and reputable travel company (official site as AloTrip.com) is providing a series of latest information about hotels and resorts in Vietnam to enjoy summer holidays. In addition, there is a wide range of cheap tickets to Vietnam shown up on their site to meet tourists’ demend. Let’s have a plan on traveling Vietnam and enjoy your life!

Source: AloTrip

10 most popular questions about Son Doong Cave

Son Doong becomes one of the hottest destinatons in Vietnam tour packages from 2014. Since the introduction of Son Doong Cave on ABC program of the US - Good Morning America, many questioned are raised about Son Doong tours - the tours of exploring the biggest cave in the world.

1. When was Son Doong discovered?

In 1991, a local man named Ho Khanh came to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to collect firewood and suddenly got lost in a strange area where there was a huge cave in the limestone mountain cliff with a giant ceiling hole full of sunlight. He also recognized that there is a river running into the cave. Yet, until April 2009, as the request of a caving exploration team from UK, Mr. Ho Khanh could find the cave again and instructed the exploration team led by Howart Limbert to discover Son Doong Cave.

Son Doong Cave

2. Where Son Doong's name comes from?

In Vietnam tours to Phong Nha Ke Bang, tourists who are introduced about Son Doong often wonder the name the the world’s biggest cave. Initially, Son Doong was named Ho Khanh as he discovered the cave. Later, it was suggested to change the name into “Sơn Đoòng” because the cave hides behind majestic mountains of Đoòng Village, and because there is a river running in the cave.

3. Why is Son Doong the world's biggest cave?

Son Doong Cave has the length of about 5km, the height of 200m, and the wide of 150m. According to Conde Nast Traveler, the cave can occupy a big house in Manhattan, US equivalent to a 40-floor building. Inside the cave, there is a separate ecosystem formed by the sunlight from ceiling holes and clouds. The stalagmites in Son Doong Cave reach the height of nearly 80m. The lime stones sized baseballs scatter throughout the cave floor. The spectacular underground scenery shows that there are many beautiful landscapes in the world to discovery.

Son Doong Cave

4. How does it cost a Son Doong tour?

There are two rates of tours to Son Doong exploited by a travel agent: about 3,000 USD for foreign traveler and 64.5 million dong for Vietnamese traveler. The rate is being applied for the whole year of 2015. In 2014, there were about 500 travelers visiting Son Doong. Since the beginning of 2015, the number is about 200 travelers. To serve a Son Doong tour of 10 people, there is a support of more than 30 people. Apart from porters bringing supplies and cooking, there are caving experts and safety experts in Son Doong tours.

5. How to visit Son Doong?

To take part in Vietnam tours to Son Doong, you have to register with the travel agent and wait for your turn. However, travelers have to undergo two severe theory and practice tests. If not passing the tests, travelers cannot join tours to Son Doong. It is because Son Doong exploration is adventure tours. During the journey, travelers have to walk more than 50km through jungles, rough routes, big stone blocks... Explorers will sleep in rents and have a bath according to the preparation of the travel agent. Travelers will join a tour without modern facilities, like a wild life.

Exploring Soon Doong Cave

6. When is the best time to visit Son Doong?

The best time to travel Son Doong is from February to August. The rest months are rainy season, which is very dangerous to travelers. From February to April, the weather in Son Doong is very cool. It is perfect to discover the cave. Yet, it is a little cold at night. From May to August, it is hot and humid weather. Therefore, travelers have to prepare a good health before the trip.

7. What to bring from Son Doong?

It is a big note that travelers must not take any thing from Son Doong. Travelers are not allowed to litter, break trees, defoliate leaves, absolutely not touch anything in the cave when the experts have not allowed, because the stalactites are still in process of formation, just a touch can make stalactite stop the development process. It is important that what you bring into the cave must be brought out. Not touching the stalactites also protects your health because many things in the cave have not checked.

Son Doong

8. How long of waiting for a Son Doong tour?

Tours to Son Doong is full for the year of 2015. If you want to register for the next year's tour, you have to wait for the specific evaluation of experts about the affection of tours to the environment. If the affection is high and affects the ecosystem of the cave, the travel company will stop tours to reserve the original beauty of Son Doong Cave. However, it is no hopeless about Son Doong tours. If having enough financial budget and health, do not hesitate to book a tour to Son Doong. If some one quits the tour in the last minutes, you may be chosen.

9. Is it available private tours to Son Doong?

Any individual or organization visiting Son Doong without the allowance of the management board of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is seen to violate the law. Thus, you can join the adventure tour with the travel company having the right. It is the best way.

10. What about other attractions beside Son Doong?

During the waiting time for taking part in tours to Son Doong Cave, you can choose other tours such as Phong Nha Ke Bang tours to caves of Tu Lan, Swallow Cave, Paradise Cave, and Phong Nha Cave. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park has many interesting services for tourists to enjoy Vietnam holidays in this national park.

Source: AloTrip

Solutions for helping tourist visa to Vietnam

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam directed to resolve the difficulties and problems related to the granting of Vietnam visa for foreign Government Office announced the conclusion of Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam at the meeting on resolving the difficulties and problems related to the granting of Vietnam visa for foreign tourists visiting Vietnam. Accordingly, international visitors exempted visa to Vietnam will be extended for 15 days, visitors who exit to the third countries and then return to Vietnam will be granted a visa at the border gates. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Public Security in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and related agencies to consider and resolve Vietnam visa extension for visitors who come from countries enjoying the unilateral visa exemption policy by Vietnamese Government want to continue staying in Vietnam for traveling purpose, if they are guaranteed and managed by an international travel company, following the tourism programs organized by enterprises and have return airfare. The temporary residence term fits tourist programs but not more than 15 days and only 1 time for extension of temporary residence. Besides, consider and grand Vietnam visa at the border for visitors from countries enjoying unilateral visa-free entry Vietnam exit to a third country and then return to Vietnam from the moment exiting Vietnam less than 30 days, if visitors have flights leaving Vietnam. Visa has to fit the duration flight but not exceeding 15 days. Some enterprises said that new decision has resolved difficulties in term of procedure and time for visitors to get visa to Vietnam. 

tourists arrivals to vietnam

Enterprises expected to have regulations reducing the visa cost for visitors coming form these markets. Hoang Thi Phong Thu, Chairman of Anh Duong Travel Company specializing in Russian visitors who are exempted Vietnam visa on arrival for 15 days said that with the new decision when the visa exemption expires, visitors only need to apply for extension of temporary residence permit instead of a visa if they want to stay longer. Deputy Prime Minister asked Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to strengthen the inspection and examination of international travel enterprises in the performance of underwriting and management of visitors who ask for the temporary residence extension, to have strict sanctions for violating enterprises in accordance with law. Moreover, researching, building and summiting the Fund Support Tourism development Scheme for Prime Minister's approval, including clearly defining the model, operating principles, resource mobilization, financial management mechanism of Fund. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with Ministries: Foreign Affairs, Public Security study, propose to expand the visa-free countries, primarily countries with potential tourist source, the strategic partnership with Vietnam. Then ministries summit for Government to consider and decide in June 2015. 
Source:
http://www.vietnamairlines.travel/