HCMC - Foreigners in transit at international airports and seaports across the country can extend their tours in Vietnam from five to 15 days, with effect from August 14.

The Ministry of Public Security’s new Circular 44/2011/TT-BCA requires transit visitors to have a tour program arranged by a local travel agency before or upon their arrival at international border gates.

Travel firms must obtain transit visas and arrange tours for such visitors. They must bring such travelers to international border gates and then make arrangements for the guests to leave the country.

The immigration department will reply to the travel firm’s request within one working day.

Hoang Huu Loc, deputy director of Saigontourist Travel Service Co., said the new rule would make things convenient for transit visitors who want to travel around Vietnam before continuing their journey.

The company is arranging these tours for international visitors, especially Chinese tourists who transit at Tan Son Nhat International Airport for tours to Cambodia, often followed by short tours in Vietnam. The transit visa fee is US$5 per person.