VISA FEE FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS BACK TO US$5 PER PAX

Travel firms that specialize in arranging local port visits and overland tours for passengers expressed concern over the new rules, saying the rules would discourage cruise travelers from buying overland tours as they were required to fill in a visa application form, pay US$45 for a visa and wait long for immigration officers to use multiple seals for stamping their passports.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung late last week told the Ministry of Public Security to work with relevant agencies to streamline visa procedures for passengers on board foreign cruise ships and the Ministry of Finance to lower the fee.

Accordingly, immigration officers would issue a landing slip for visitors upon arrival at a fee of US$5 if they want to go ashore for sightseeing.

Travel enterprises have hailed the PM’s swift action, saying it makes life easier for them and cruise tourists.

Cruise tourists will spend a much shorter time to get a landing slip, said Vu Duy Vu, deputy general director of Saigontourist Travel Service Company. Travel agencies can help complete procedures in advance for cruise tourists.

Before the Prime Minister’s move, a number of foreign cruise lines complained about the new time-consuming and costly immigration requirements as it takes many hours to have their passports stamped, leaving little time for their guests to go sightseeing overland.

At present, local tour operators expect relevant agencies to quickly issue documents guiding implementation of the PM’s measures to encourage cruise lines to bring their customers to the country.

Source: The Saigon Times

Related News

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

VIETNAM’S AGRO-FORESTRY-FISHERY EXPORTS JUMP NEARLY 30% IN JANUARY

Vietnam’s exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products surged nearly 30% year-on-year in January 2026, driven by strong growth across major commodity groups and key export markets, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Export turnover for the sector in January is estimated at nearly US$6.51 billion, up 29.5% from the same period last year, the ministry said at a regular press briefing on February 5.

Feb 09, 2026

VIETNAM MONTHLY STATISTICAL DATA

INFOGRAPHIC SOCIAL-ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN JANUARY OF 2026

The monthly statistical data presents current economic and social statistics on a variety of subjects illustrating crucial economic trends and developments, including production of agriculture, forestry and fishery, business registration situation, investment, government revenues and expenditures, trade, prices, transport and tourism and so on.

Feb 09, 2026

MEMBER CORNER / PROMOTIONS

PHUC VUONG DISTRIBUTES "TET REUNION" GIFTS: SENDING LOVE TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITES

On the afternoon of February 6th, amid the busy year-end atmosphere, Phuc Vuong Company organized the "Tet Reunion – Spring Connection" gift-giving event right at the construction site. This annual activity aims to honor the "dream builders" who have dedicated themselves to the company's growth. The General Director was present to personally express his sincere gratitude and hand over meaningful Tet gifts to the workers.

Feb 09, 2026

HOSPITALITY / TOURISM / ENTERTAINMENT

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS TO VIETNAM REACH NEW MONTHLY HIGH

International arrivals to Vietnam hit a new monthly record in January 2026, rising 21.4% from the previous month and 18.5% year-on-year, according to the National Statistics Office. Air travel continued to dominate, accounting for nearly 80% of all arrivals. Arrivals by land nearly doubled compared with the same period last year, while sea arrivals rose by about 30%, though they remained a small share.

Feb 09, 2026

PROPERTY / INDUSTRIAL ZONE

HCMC APPROVES 28 MORE LAND PLOTS FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

HCMC has approved 28 out of 30 proposed land plots for pilot housing developments, covering a combined area of more than 750,600 square meters, according to a newly adopted resolution. The approved sites are spread across multiple wards and communes, with a strong concentration in the city’s southern and eastern areas.

Feb 09, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

VIETNAM SEES STEADY FDI DISBURSEMENT BUT SLOWER EXPANSION IN JANUARY

Foreign direct investment (FDI) disbursement in Vietnam rose in January, while newly registered capital fell sharply, pointing to stable project implementation but slower investment expansion. Data from the Ministry of Finance showed that January FDI disbursement increased 11.26% year-on-year to US$1.68 billion, reflecting continued execution and expansion of existing foreign-invested projects.

Feb 09, 2026