The Consul General in Hong Kong and Macau (China) has proposed that Macau implement measures to revive and broaden bilateral tourism, such as easing visa regulations for Vietnamese travelers.
The diplomat, Pham Binh Dam, presented the proposal during a farewell visit to Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng of the Macau Special Administrative Region on March 12th.
Dam advocates for the relaxation of Macau’s visa policy, highlighting the significant potential for enhanced tourism cooperation between the two sides due to their cultural affinities and strong transportation links.
In reply, Ho Iat Seng agreed to simplify visa procedures, implement online visa applications, and introduce visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese citizens as soon as possible.
Currently, Macau is putting much effort into luring international visitors, as the authorities have set a goal to attract over 2 million visitors this year.
Early last year, in an interview with AGB, a Macau travel agency already raised concerns about visa restrictions, particularly for visitors from Vietnam.
According to the managing director of MTP travel agency, Vietnamese passport holders were facing elevated requirements for Macau tourist visa applications, with the application process taking more than one month before an entry permit is issued.
Macau authorities implemented stricter requirements for Vietnamese visitors after detecting illegal entry cases in the past.
