Removing administrative procedures for cruise tourists

On January 10, the Government Office issued Official Dispatch No. 203 conveying the Prime Minister's direction to remove some difficulties and obstacles in administrative procedures in welcoming foreign tourists to Vietnam.

Welcome cruise ship passengers to Vietnam

Accordingly, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Public Security to preside over and coordinate with the Ministries of National Defense; Culture, Sports and Tourism and relevant agencies to issue separate visas for tourists entering Vietnam by ship to ensure security, diplomacy, avoid congestion and difficulties at pick-up and drop-off points; ensure simplification of processes and procedures, and create the most favorable conditions for international tourists to Vietnam.

The Ministry of Public Security shall preside over and coordinate with the Border Guard Command; the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall guide the People's Committees of provinces with land borders to receive and manage tourists by road in the province, ensuring security and safety.

The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Finance to preside over and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to urgently amend regulations on visa fees. In the immediate future, while no new documents are issued, the visa fee for tourists entering Vietnam by ship will be applied at the same rate as the Vietnam tourist and sightseeing permit fee as prescribed in Section II of the Appendix to Circular No. 66/2009/TT-BTC dated March 30, 2009 of the Ministry of Finance. This means that the visa fee for cruise passengers entering Vietnam is 5 USD/person, equal to the rate before January 1, 2015.

Relevant ministries and agencies shall urgently develop, promulgate or submit to competent authorities for promulgation documents detailing and guiding the implementation of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam in the first quarter of 2015.

According to News