The statement noted the government had decided to extend the offer until the 30 June 2018. Conditions regarding entry are the same. Nationals of the five nations have to enter Vietnam via an official checkpoint and are given permits to stay valid for up to 15 days.
The statement will have miffed the Vietnam Tourism Association as it had urged the government to expand the number of countries eligible under the scheme. The association said it should be expanded to include the likes of India and Australia.
They also recommended giving 30 days in the country after arrival, instead of the current 15, as well as adding five years so that it expired in 2022. 12GO ASIA notes that on top of the five European nations, citizens of ASEAN bloc nations plus another 10 countries are granted visa exemption upon arrival.
Vietnam adds another year to visa free offer for select nations
News in Asia
The Vietnamese government released a statement last week saying it was adding another year to the visa waiver offer for citizens of five European nations. The free visa programme for people from the UK, Germany, Italy, France and Spain had been due to expire on the 30 June.