HA NOI (VNS) — The French embassy has signed a partnership agreement with six of Viet Nam's travel companies to help them expedite the granting of visas for their clients.

The six travel agencies are Ha Noi Red Tour, Naci Travel, Ha Noi Iso Tours, Hanoi Tourist, South Pacific Travel and Vietfoot Travel.

The agreement will allow travel operators to make priority appointments at the French Embassy. Moreover, the embassy will simplify visa procedures and requirements for those who have traveled to Europe and other countries in the past.

The French Government has decided on this strategy, based on a sharp increase in the number of tourists from Viet Nam to France. Last year, 11,000 of 24, 269 visas were granted for tourists, an increase of 28.7 per cent over a year earlier.

Visa-granting formalities will remain unchanged for all other cases. Visa-application documents will be submitted through appointments via the French embassy and consulate general. — VNS