On October 31, 2024, during an official meeting in Doha, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, and Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, discussed the possibility of establishing a visa-free travel agreement between their nations.
This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral relations by enhancing people-to-people connections and promoting cultural exchange.
Currently, Vietnamese citizens require a visa to enter Qatar, and vice versa. Implementing a visa waiver would allow citizens of both countries to travel without the need for prior visa arrangements, facilitating easier movement for tourism, business, and cultural purposes.
Such agreements typically permit visa-free stays for a limited duration, often ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on the terms negotiated. Longer stays or purposes beyond tourism and business would still necessitate appropriate visas.
This potential agreement aligns with Vietnam’s broader efforts to expand its network of visa-free travel arrangements. As of March 2024, Vietnam was in discussions with 15 countries regarding visa waiver agreements and with 80 countries concerning reciprocal visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders.
For Qatar, this move complements its existing visa policies aimed at boosting tourism and international engagement. In January 2023, Qatar resumed its visa-free entry policy for citizens from 95 countries, allowing stays of varying durations based on nationality.
The proposed visa-free agreement between Qatar and Vietnam signifies a mutual commitment to fostering closer ties and facilitating easier travel for their citizens. As discussions progress, further details regarding the terms and implementation timeline are anticipated.