Ministry proposes removing mandatory COVID travel insurance for arrivals

International tourists pose for a picture in front of Chùa Cầu (Pagoda Bridge) in the ancient town of Hội An. — VNA/VNS Photo Trần Tĩnh

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed scrapping the US$10,000 COVID-19 travel insurance required to enter Việt Nam. 

The ministry said that treatment for COVID-19 infection is now much less expensive, and most cases do not require long-term hospitalisation.

Considering the situation and eased regulations in COVID-19 prevention and control, the mandatory travel insurance covering coronavirus treatment expenses was no longer necessary, said the proposal.

As per the current Law on Tourism, international tourists entering Việt Nam still need travel insurance in case of accidents and illness, which does not include COVID-19 treatment. 

Việt Nam has reopened its border for international tourism since March 15.

In April and May, requirements for medical declaration and COVID-19 tests have also been removed for international arrivals. 

Meanwhile, during the recent third meeting session of the National Assembly (NA), several delegates also suggested putting forward policies to support the recovering tourism industry.

Stating that tourism is one of the driving forces behind economic growth in numerous localities, NA delegate Nguyễn Duy Minh from Đà Nẵng City advocated a more open visa policy and expanding the visa exemption list. 

He added that Việt Nam needed to further promote tourism abroad, encourage investment, and develop night-time tourism and the creative and cultural industries.

NA delegate Trần Thị Vân from Bắc Ninh Province agreed that the visa waiver period should be extended from 15 days to 30 days. 

She also recommended multiple-entry visas, streamlining travel agencies and tourist procedures, and simplifying the e-visa issuance at border gates. 

Vân said that promoting Việt Nam’s tourism abroad needs a professional communication programme, which would use digital technology and increase the presence of the country’s image so that international visitors can easily find information on travelling in Việt Nam from anywhere.

Nguyễn Văn Hùng, minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that in the near future, the tourism sector would continue to submit proposals to the Government to address the issues on visas while also revamping its products, striving toward green tourism in accordance with the National Tourism Year 2022. 

“Community tourism, marine tourism, and leisure tourism are the strengths Việt Nam will focus on this summer,” said Hùng. 

The whole industry will also continue to review and improve its human resources, upgrading and promoting destinations and digitalising tourism to achieve the goal of welcoming 5 million international arrivals to Việt Nam this year. 

The country welcomed more than 365,300 foreign tourists in the first five months of 2022. — VNS