Nguyen Van Hung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, had proposed earlier this week that Vietnam expands visa exemption for tourists from Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Europe, and the U.S. to boost tourism recovery after more than two years of pandemic restrictions. Michael Burger from the U.S., who visited Vietnam in May, said the proposal was definitely a positive step toward making travel to Vietnam easier. "As a regular visitor to Vietnam, I feel delighted to hear this news," Burger told VnExpress International. It would help increase Vietnam's tourism competitiveness among Southeast Asian nations that already exempt American passport holders from having to get a visa for stays of under 30 days. Ken Rafter from Australia said it would be "fantastic news" if Australians are exempted from obtaining a visa prior to visiting Vietnam. "When Vietnam reopened to international tourism in March, my family had a terrible time attempting to obtain visas before our … [Read more...] about Foreign tourists upbeat as minister seeks visa waiver expansion
Ethiopia visa on arrival countries
US seeks birthplace proof for visas from new passport holders
It said Friday: "The U.S. government continues to review the new Vietnamese blue passport issued starting July 1, 2022, to determine if it meets U.S. requirements for visa issuance and travel. We expect a determination to be made soon." From August 15 applicants must make sure to write their place of birth when filling the DS-160 or DS-260 application, it said. "Do not write your place of origin or your place of birth registration. Write the name of the city/province and country where your mother gave birth to you." The DS-160 is a nonimmigrant visa while the DS-260 is for permanent residence in the U.S. Applicants with interviews scheduled must bring their original birth certificate starting August 15, it said. "If you do not have an original birth certificate but do have an old (green) passport that shows your place of birth, then bring the old passport along with your new blue one. "If you have received the new passport, we strongly suggest that you request that the … [Read more...] about US seeks birthplace proof for visas from new passport holders
Transport ministry clamps down on taxi drivers overcharging at Tân Sơn Nhất Airport
The Ministry of Transport has announced a plan to strengthen inspection and crack down on taxi drivers' illegal practices, such as enticing passengers, overcharging or refusing to take passengers at the country's busiest airport, Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in HCM City. Taxis enter to pick up passengers at HCM City's Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport. Deputy Minister Lê Anh Tuấn has urged inspectors from the city's Department of Transport, in cooperation with leaders of the Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport and the Southern Airport Authority, to punish taxi drivers who refuse to take passengers, as well as those who impose unreasonably high extra charges. Tuấn has also asked units to arrange pick-up and drop-off areas, creating favourable conditions for buses, taxis, and app-based vehicles to park, pick up and drop off passengers. This is among measures taken to solve the recent overcrowding at the country's busiest airport, with … [Read more...] about Transport ministry clamps down on taxi drivers overcharging at Tân Sơn Nhất Airport