On the morning of June 24, with the majority of delegates in favor, the National Assembly passed the Law on Amendments and Supplements to a Number of Articles of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

Thus, with this passed law, the visa duration is increased from 30 days to 90 days, valid for multiple entries.

In addition, the temporary residence period at the border gate for people entering under unilateral visa exemption is also increased from 15 days to 45 days.

With the majority of delegates in favor, the National Assembly passed the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

Reporting and receiving opinions from National Assembly deputies at the meeting, Chairman of the National Defense and Security Committee Le Tan Toi said that through discussion, there were opinions suggesting reviewing regulations on e-visa validity to ensure compliance with international treaties and the principle of reciprocity with other countries in order to attract tourists and develop the socio -economy.

The National Assembly Standing Committee believes that the law has increased the duration of e-visas to 90 days, valid for one or multiple entries, to meet the needs of international tourists , creating favorable conditions for foreigners who want to enter Vietnam to research, survey the market, seek and promote investment, especially those who want to travel to many countries in the region and return to Vietnam to evaluate and compare the possibility of expanding investment and business in Vietnam.

In addition, with the increase in temporary residence period at the border gate for people entering under unilateral visa exemption, some opinions suggested clarifying the basis for the 45-day regulation; suggesting increasing it to 60 or 90 days to make it most convenient for our country and foreigners entering Vietnam.

Regarding this issue, the National Assembly Standing Committee said that some countries such as Thailand, Singapore... are applying visa exemption policies with temporary stays of up to 45 days and 90 days.

Therefore, increasing the unilateral visa exemption period to 45 days is at the average level in the region; thereby, it will enhance Vietnam's regional competitiveness in attracting tourists, creating more convenience for international tourists, helping them to proactively plan their time and schedule for sightseeing and long-term vacations in Vietnam.

Regarding the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens, the National Assembly has approved a proposal to add “place of birth” information to ordinary passports.

Also according to the passed law, immigration documents issued to citizens before the effective date of this law are valid until the expiration date stated on the immigration documents.

In case a citizen requests an exit and entry document but has not been granted one when this Law comes into effect, the provisions of the 2019 Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens shall continue to be applied to resolve the matter.

This Law comes into force from August 15, 2023.

NGUYEN THAO