(VNF) - Vietnamese and Chilean holders of regular passports will be offered entry visa exemption to both countries, beginning from August 11^th, following the implementation of an agreement on visa exemption.

The Consular Department under the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the agreement between the two Governments of Vietnam and Chile, on visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports, signed in October 17^th, 2016, will take effect from August 11^th, 2017.

Starting from August 11^th, Vietnamese and Chilean holders of ordinary passports will not need to apply for visa when traveling between the two countries.

The agreement states that citizens of both countries, who hold regular passports, with a validity of at least six months, are exempted from visas upon entry through international border gates.

The visitors stay must not exceed 90 days from the date of entry and must not be for the purpose of generating income.

To those who intend to stay for longer than 90 days, they must ask for permission from the authorised agencies of the receiving country.

Vietnam is now providing visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports from 24 countries across the world.

Previously, Vietnam allowed tourists from 23 countries and territories to enter and stay in the country without a visa. Since February 1^st, the Government has started the pilot issuance of e-visas for travelers from 40 countries in Asia, Europe and America.

E-visas are now accepted at 28 border gates, including eight by air, 13 on land and seven on sea./.

VNF