Japan eases visa requirements for Vietnamese going on organized tours

November 22, 2014 | 09:30

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Japan on Thursday began demanding Vietnamese vacationing in the East Asian country on organized tours meet fewer conditions than what was previously required in order to get a visa.

Those Vietnamese people who go on package tours to Japan organized by Vietnamese tourist companies designated by the Japanese Embassy in Hanoi or the Japanese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City are required to carry out simpler visa application procedures from that date forward, the embassy says on its website.

In accordance with the new procedures, a number of previously required papers such as the document proving travelers’ ability to pay for their tours are no longer compulsory.

The new visa granting regime is aimed at promoting exchange activities between Japan and Vietnam, the embassy explains.

Beneficiaries are Vietnamese citizens who are living in areas supervised by the Japanese embassy in Vietnam and take package tours to Japan offered by 56 Vietnamese tourist firms whose names and addresses can be assessed by means of a link on the embassy’s website.

Of these companies, 54 are based in the Vietnamese capital city while the other two are located in Hai Chau District of the central city of Da Nang.

This visa easing is not applicable to those who want to travel to Japan for visiting relatives or friends, or for business purposes, the embassy notes.

Designated tourist companies will prepare air tickets, accommodations, and means of transport (subways, buses, ferries, etc.) to serve their customers during their package tours.

People who take the tours are not allowed to book hotel rooms by themselves.

The duration of stay is within 15 days.

Visitors who are interested in such organized tours can contact the designated travel companies for further information.