Vietnam calls for easier visa regulations from Macau

The Chinese Consul General in Hong Kong and Macau has pushed Macau to take steps to broaden and boost bilateral tourism, such as lowering the need for Vietnamese tourists to get a visa.

On March 12, Ambassador Pham Binh Dam presented this concept to Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng of the Macau Special Administrative Region during their farewell visit.

Dam advocates for the relaxation of Macau’s visa requirements, pointing to the two nations’ close cultural ties and robust transportation connections as important chances for more tourism.

In response, Ho Iat Seng promised to expedite visa-on-arrival services for Vietnamese citizens, streamline visa procedures, and introduce online visa applications.

With the aim of exceeding 2 million visitors this year, Macau is currently actively marketing foreign travel.

An early-year interview with AGB revealed that a Macau tourism company was concerned about visa restrictions, especially with regard to Vietnamese tourists.

Vietnamese passport holders are subject to more stringent requirements when applying for a Macau tourist visa, which means that the application process might take more than a month before receiving authorization to enter the country, according to the general director of MTP Travel Agency.

In response to prior instances of unapproved entry, Macau authorities strengthened its protocols for Vietnamese tourists.

Original story by: Asia Gaming Brief