Vietnam's New Visa Policy

I. NEW POLICY ON VIETNAM VISA FOR FOREIGNERS EFFECTIVE FROM AUGUST 15, 2023

On June 24, 2023, the Vietnamese National Assembly passed the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the "Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam", marking an important step forward in attracting tourism and promoting foreign relations.

Along with that, many Resolutions were also issued by the Government to expand visa policies for foreigners. According to the new regulations from August 15, 2023, the following new visa policies will officially take effect.

1. Issuing electronic visas (E-Visa) to citizens of all countries and territories

Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP of the Government of Vietnam issued on August 14, 2023 stipulates the issuance of e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories entering Vietnam through 16 land border gates, 13 sea border gates and 13 air border gates. The Resolution takes effect from August 15, 2023.

List of international border gates that allow foreigners to enter and exit with electronic visas, including

LIST OF AIRPORT GATEWAYS

1. Noi Bai Airport Gate.
2. Tan Son Nhat Airport Gate.
3. Cam Ranh Airport Gate.
4. Danang Airport Gate.
5. Cat Bi Airport Gate.
6. Can Tho Airport Gate.
7. Phu Quoc Airport Gate.
8. Phu Bai Airport Gate.
9. Van Don Airport Gate.
10. Tho Xuan Airport Gate.
11. Dong Hoi Airport Gate.
12. Phu Cat Airport Gate.
13. Lien Khuong Airport Gate.

LIST OF ROAD BORDER GATES

1. Tay Trang international border gate, Dien Bien province.
2. Mong Cai international border gate, Quang Ninh province.
3. Huu Nghi international border gate, Lang Son province.
4. Lao Cai international border gate, Lao Cai province.
5. Na Meo international border gate, Thanh Hoa province.
6. Nam Can international border gate, Nghe An province.
7. Cau Treo international border gate, Ha Tinh province.
8. Cha Lo international border gate, Quang Binh province.
9. La Lay international border gate, Quang Tri province.
10. Lao Bao international border gate, Quang Tri province.
11. Bo Y international border gate, Kon Tum province.
12. Moc Bai international border gate, Tay Ninh province.
13. Xa Mat international border gate, Tay Ninh province.
14. Tinh Bien international border gate, An Giang province.
15. Vinh Xuong international road and waterway border gate, An Giang province.
16. Ha Tien International Border Gate, Kien Giang Province,

LIST OF SEA BORDER GATES

1. Hon Gai Port Border Gate, Quang Ninh Province.
2. Cam Pha Port Border Gate, Quang Ninh Province.
3. Hai Phong Port Border Gate, Hai Phong City.
4. Nghi Son Port Border Gate, Thanh Hoa Province.
5. Vung Ang Port Border Gate, Ha Tinh Province.
6. Chan May Port Border Gate, Thua Thien Hue Province.
7. Danang Port Border Gate, Danang City.
8. Nha Trang Port Gate, Khanh Hoa Province.
9. Quy Nhon Port Border Gate, Binh Dinh Province.
10. Dung Quat Port Border Gate, Quang Ngai Province.
11. Vung Tau Port Border Gate, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.
12. Ho Chi Minh City Port Gate, Ho Chi Minh City.
13. Duong Dong Port Border Gate, Kien Giang Province.
14. Extend and change the validity period of electronic visas

According to Law No. 23/2023/QH15 amending a number of articles of the Law on Exit and Entry; the validity period of electronic visa (E-Visa; symbol EV) is officially increased to a maximum of 90 days (3 months) for foreigners. The visa is valid for single or multiple entries.

Previously, electronic visas (E-Visas) in Vietnam were only issued for a maximum period of 1 month (30 days). However, with the new changes in policy, foreigners can rest assured to plan longer trips or work in Vietnam without worrying about short-term visa extensions.

3. Extending temporary stay for visa-free entrants

According to Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP issued by the Government of Vietnam on August 14, 2023; the temporary residence period for citizens of 13 countries: Federal Republic of Germany, French Republic, Italian Republic, Kingdom of Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Russian Federation, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Denmark, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Norway, Republic of Finland and Republic of Belarus has been increased by 3 times (15 days to 45 days) from the date of entry, regardless of passport type, purpose of entry, on the basis of meeting all entry conditions as prescribed by Vietnamese law.

The Resolution comes into force from August 15, 2023.

II. VISA EXEMPTION POLICY FOR TOURISTS TO PHU QUOC

According to Resolution No. 80/NQ-CP of the Government, Phu Quoc Economic Zone, Kien Giang Province is a coastal economic zone that applies a visa exemption policy for foreigners entering and staying for 30 days .

This Resolution has come into force since July 1, 2020.

Vu Tung