As expected, Vietnam lawmakers approved the government’s proposal to extend the validity of temporary visas for US travelers from three months to one year.
Currently, a tourist visa to Vietnam for US citizens is initially valid for 30 and for up to 90 days.
Tourism minister Hoang Tuan Anh said visa reform was necessary to boost inbound tourism from the US.
Last year more than 400,000 US travelers came to Vietnam and Anh has targeted up to one million by 2017.
The Standing Committee of the National Assembly gave the green light after Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh submitted a report outlining benefits to both trade and tourism.
Although approval has been granted, no date has yet been set for when the visa change will take effect.
