Photo courtesy of VN Express South Korea is considering granting 10-year visas to visitors from major Vietnamese cities. This initiative aims to boost tourism and reach a target of 30 million tourists by 2027. The plan, disclosed at a national tourism strategy meeting in February, seeks to extend the current five-year visa to ten years for residents of Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, encouraging more frequent visits. Get today's headlines by email The proposal, if implemented, would potentially benefit frequent travelers who are currently eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas. The Ministry of Justice is expected to announce the final details and implementation timeline later this year. This move is part of a larger strategy by South Korea to enhance convenience for international visitors. Additionally, South Korea plans to extend five-year visas for citizens from 11 countries, including China and ASEAN members, especially targeting those who have visited before. In a trial effort, Seoul is offering visa-free entry for certain Indonesian group tourists and expanding its Smart Entry system to streamline airport procedures for more nationalities. In 2025, South Korea welcomed 550,000 tourists from Vietnam, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. The goal for 2026 is approximately 600,000 visitors, nearing pre-pandemic figures. These measures are set to bolster the country's tourism industry, aligning with the long-term objectives, reported VN Express. Join the discussion? Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 18 Mar 2026
