National Assembly passes 2 immigration laws, increasing e-visa validity to 90 days

On the morning of June 24, 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 with 95.14% of delegates voting in favor.

Quốc hội thông qua 2 luật xuất nhập cảnh, nâng thời hạn thị thực điện tử lên đến 90 ngày

National Assembly deputies voted to pass two immigration laws, increasing the duration of electronic visas to 90 days.

The new law takes effect from August 15, 2023; it stipulates that immigration documents issued to citizens before the effective date of this law are valid until the expiration date stated in 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 issue.

Notably, the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (amended) will increase the duration of e-visas from 30 days to 3 months, valid for single or multiple entries.

The Law increases the temporary residence period from 15 days to 45 days for citizens of countries that Vietnam unilaterally exempts from visas and is considered for visa issuance and temporary residence extension according to other provisions of the Law.

The Law also supplements the responsibilities of accommodation establishments; the obligations of foreigners in presenting their passports and valid papers of residence in Vietnam to accommodation establishments to make temporary residence declarations according to regulations... to manage the residence of foreigners in Vietnam, contributing to protecting national security and ensuring social order and safety.

Reporting and receiving delegates' opinions before the National Assembly voted, Chairman of the National Assembly's Defense and Security Committee Le Tan Toi said that 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 Standing Committee of the National Assembly 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.

Regarding the extension of the 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.

According to the National Assembly Standing Committee, countries such as Thailand, Singapore... are applying visa exemption policies with temporary stays of up to 45 days and 90 days.

The unilateral increase in visa exemption period to 45 days is at the regional average level, thereby enhancing 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 stays in Vietnam.

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