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Vietnam and Dominica Agree to Allow Visa-Free Travel

Diplomatic and official passport holders from Vietnam and the Commonwealth of Dominica are now able to travel between the two countries without requiring a visa following the signing of an agreement.

Administrator

24 September, 2023

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Vietnam, Dominica Sign Visa Exemption Agreement

At the signing ceremony of the agreement in New York. Photo: VNA

The visa exemption agreement between Vietnam and Dominica was signed on September 22 in New York by Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of the Commonwealth of Dominica Vince Henderson. The signing ceremony took place during the high-level week of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Prior to the signing ceremony, the two ministers had a working session to discuss and reach consensus on measures to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Dominica. Minister Bui Thanh Son highly valued the outcomes of Minister Vince Henderson’s visit to Vietnam in March, which was the first by an official of the Dominican Government. The two countries are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which were established on November 1, 2013.

Minister Bui Thanh Son suggested that both sides continue close coordination to carry out the agreed measures, encourage delegation exchanges, and create favorable conditions for enterprises of both nations to exchange information and seek cooperation opportunities. Additionally, they should accelerate negotiations on economic and trade agreements, such as a double taxation avoidance agreement, as well as cooperation pacts in science, technology, education, and agriculture, to further develop bilateral ties.

The agreement was inked on September 22 by Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of the Commonwealth of Dominica Vince Henderson

The agreement was signed by Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of the Commonwealth of Dominica Vince Henderson. Photo: VNA

Minister Vince Henderson expressed Dominica’s desire to intensify its relations with Vietnam and praised the coordination between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of the Commonwealth of Dominica in Ho Chi Minh City during his visit to Vietnam. He also commended the fast-tracking of procedures for the signing of the agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports. Henderson described the agreement as an important step in bilateral relations and hoped for breakthrough development in the Dominica-Vietnam ties in the future.

The two ministers agreed to strengthen coordination and support at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations. They also discussed promoting cooperation between Vietnam and countries in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as well as between Dominica and other ASEAN member states.

The Government recently issued Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP, amending Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP, regarding visa exemption for citizens of certain countries. According to the resolution, citizens from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus can now stay in Vietnam for 45 days instead of 15 days upon entry. This applies to all passport types and purposes of entry as long as they meet entry requirements in accordance with Vietnam’s laws. The resolution came into effect on August 15.

Furthermore, the Government also issued Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP on the issuance of e-visas for citizens of certain countries and territories. The resolution includes a list of international border gates that allow foreign nationals to enter and exit using e-visas. This resolution, which replaces previous resolutions, came into effect on August 15.