The Japanese Embassy in Hanoi announced that on November 20, Japan started a simplified application procedure for single tourist visas for Vietnamese nationals as part of efforts to further promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Accordingly, Vietnamese individuals are able to apply for single tourist visas when they take part in package tours (with a stay of less than 15 days) organised by local travel agencies registered with the Japanese embassy and consulate general located in the country.

The list of the 56 Vietnamese companies is available at http://www.vn.emb-japan.go.jp .

Under the new procedure, the applicants are no longer required to submit documents that attest to their ability to pay for travel expenses.

Citizens of Indonesia and the Philippines also enjoy the policy.-VNA