Official proposal to issue e-visas to citizens of all countries

The report signed by the Minister of Public Security, authorized by the Prime Minister, proposed many important contents to be included in the joint resolution of the National Assembly at the 5th session (May 2023).

Chính thức đề xuất cấp thị thực điện tử cho công dân tất cả các nước - Ảnh 1. — International visitors to Vietnam are not as expected.

Accordingly, the contents include: Implementing the policy of granting electronic visas to citizens of all countries and territories; assigning the Government to decide on a specific list of countries and territories on the basis of reciprocity; ensuring national defense, security, social order and safety, and socio-economic development of Vietnam.

The duration of e-visas will be increased from no more than 30 days to no more than 3 months, valid for one or multiple entries; the duration of granting temporary residence certificates at border gates for people entering under unilateral visa exemption will be increased from 15 to 45 days.

The Government's proposal stated that allowing foreigners to enter the country unilaterally with a visa exemption for a temporary stay of up to 45 days would create favorable conditions for citizens of other countries to have time to carry out resort tourism programs, seek investment and business opportunities, contributing to promoting tourism, economic and social development.

At the same time, the implementation of these contents will not create additional procedures, costs and resources for the State. The new policies also help reduce costs for agencies, organizations and individuals in implementing procedures related to entry and exit of foreigners...

Previously, according to regulations, from July 1, 2020, Vietnam issued e-visas to citizens of 80 countries through 8 air ports, 16 land ports and 13 sea ports. Of which, 8 air ports allow foreigners to enter and exit with e-visas including airports: Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Cat Bi, Can Tho, Phu Quoc and Phu Bai.

According to the General Statistics Office, international arrivals to Vietnam in March are estimated at more than 895,400, down 4% compared to the previous month, but 21.5 times higher than the same period last year. In the first quarter of 2023, international arrivals to Vietnam are estimated at nearly 2.7 million, 29.7 times higher than the same period last year (when Vietnam first opened its doors to international tourism).

However, the General Statistics Office said that this figure is still only 60% compared to the same period in 2019 - a year before the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2023, Vietnam aims to welcome 8 million international visitors and 102 million domestic visitors, with total expected revenue reaching 650,000 billion VND.

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