Relaxed visa rules and imminent launch of Vietnam Airlines' new B787-9 Dreamliners make visiting Vietnam cheaper, easier and more comfortable than ever before

The Government of Vietnam has announced that it is waiving visas for UK passport holders for single-entry stays of up to 15 days, effective from 1 July 2015. The new policy (Resolution No 46/NQ-CP), which also applies to French, German, Spanish and Italian nationals, will remain in place until 30 June 2016.

Reducing both the cost and the bureaucracy associated with a planning a trip to Vietnam, the waiving of visas is great news for Brits wishing to visit the popular Southeast Asian destination... and the good news for UK travellers continues, as the changes will come into effect just in time for the launch of brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on Vietnam Airlines' nonstop services from Heathrow.

The B787-9 Dreamliner is the latest extension to Boeing's super-efficient 787 family. The new aircraft can fly farther, and with more passengers and more cargo, than the B787-8 - but with the same exceptional environmental performance: 20 per cent less fuel usage and 20 per cent fewer emissions than the aircraft it will replace. Vietnam Airlines' new Dreamliners will feature in-flight WiFi and fully flat beds in Business Class, and passengers will also benefit from larger windows and stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity and cleaner air, lower cabin pressure and a smoother, quieter ride.

SkyTeam member Vietnam Airlines will be the first airline to operate the new B787-9 Dreamliner nonstop between Southeast Asia and Europe, with Heathrow becoming the first international destination on the Vietnam Airlines network to be served by the new aircraft. Frequencies will rise from four flights to five or six flights per week between Heathrow and Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City following the deployment of the Dreamliners, before increasing to a daily service for Summer 2016.

Return fares from Heathrow to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi currently start from £461 or £505 per person respectively, inclusive of taxes. For further information and reservations visit www.vietnamairlines.com.

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Notes to editors

As the national flag carrier of Vietnam, headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam Airlines operates 94 routes to 21 domestic and 29 international destinations with more than 300 daily flights. Operating a young fleet of 81 modern aircraft mainly comprising Boeing 777s, Airbus A330s and Airbus A321s, the airline will expand its fleet with new and modern aircraft including Airbus A350XWBs and Boeing 787s. Vietnam Airlines officially joined the SkyTeam Alliance on 10 June 2010, becoming the first representative of the alliance in the South East Asia region. Website: www.vietnamairlines.com.

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