Mr. Bui Quoc Thai said that Phu Quoc is increasingly asserting its position as a leading destination not only in Southeast Asia but also on the international tourism map. With its existing potential, outstanding policies and mechanisms help Phu Quoc develop rapidly, gradually becoming a tourist center of the whole country.

Deputy Director of Kien Giang Province Department of Tourism Bui Quoc Thai. PHOTO: DOC LAP

More specifically, Phu Quoc was chosen by the Government to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC 2027), an international event expected to gather dozens of heads of state, thousands of businessmen, journalists and high-ranking delegates. This is both an honor and a source of pride, but also a very heavy responsibility as there is still much to do, from investing in the construction and completion of infrastructure, technical facilities, airports, ports, international standard accommodation systems, service personnel, etc. In particular, a special visa policy and innovation in promotion and advertising are not only essential requirements, but also strategic tasks to enhance Phu Quoc's position.

According to Mr. Bui Quoc Thai, Phu Quoc Economic Zone (Kien Giang) is currently a coastal economic zone that applies a visa exemption policy for foreigners to enter and stay for 30 days. This special policy has been creating very favorable conditions for Phu Quoc tourism to develop, especially attracting international tourists.

However, the visa policy currently applied in Phu Quoc still has some shortcomings. For example, the visa exemption period for foreigners staying temporarily is only 30 days, while in other localities it is 45 days. Visitors are only exempted from visas when staying within the Phu Quoc Economic Zone (big island), while other islands, archipelagos, island districts, and neighboring districts/cities in the province are not, while the tourist areas/destinations in these localities are very attractive.

In addition, visa issuance for foreigners who want to travel to other places besides Phu Quoc is not convenient (must have a travel agency to guarantee). Many tourists come to Phu Quoc but transit at other airports such as Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports do not enjoy visa exemption policies, causing inconvenience for the journey.

To stimulate tourism, attract more international tourists to visit and relax, especially towards the APEC event to be held in Phu Quoc in 2027, leaders of Kien Giang tourism industry proposed to central ministries and branches to advise the Government to issue breakthrough visa policies.

Specifically, the visa exemption period is increased to 180 days for foreigners who directly enter Phu Quoc, or come to Phu Quoc from other international border gates within Vietnam (by air). Visitors staying in the transit area at that border gate, then transferring to Phu Quoc are also entitled to this visa exemption policy;

In addition, citizens of countries exempted from 45-day visas, when flying directly to Phu Quoc, can then transfer to other localities in the country without having to go through any other visa-related procedures. At the same time, international tourists are allowed to visit islands and archipelagos in Kien Giang province for sightseeing and then return to Phu Quoc to exit the country and still enjoy the visa exemption policy.

"Phu Quoc is facing a "golden" opportunity to affirm its international status and reach further on the world tourism map. The systematic investment in infrastructure, technical facilities, services along with policy mechanisms including visa policies, communications, and tourism image promotion not only aims to serve the APEC 2027 event professionally, but also opens the door for the tourism industry to break through to become an international tourism symbol in the new development stage" - Mr. Bui Quoc Thai emphasized.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/de-xuat-mien-thi-thuc-cho-khach-toi-phu-quoc-choi-tha-ga-180-ngay-185250424162715008.htm