The entire e-visa issuance process is done electronically.

According to information from the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security , expanding the scope of issuance and extending the duration of electronic visas (e-visas) for foreigners entering Vietnam contributes to modernizing administrative procedures and shortening the time and reducing the number of operations for applicants.

International passengers check in at Noi Bai airport. Photo: Huy Hung/VNA

This policy is assessed by many agencies and organizations as creating favorable conditions to attract international tourists to enter Vietnam, an opportunity for Vietnamese tourism to increase its competitiveness and compete fairly with other countries in the region. The 5th session of the 15th 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.

Accordingly, the duration of e-visas will be increased from 30 to 90 days. The Government has decided on the list of countries and territories whose citizens are granted e-visas; the list of international border gates that allow foreigners to enter and exit with e-visas. The law allows citizens of countries that Vietnam unilaterally exempts from visas to be granted temporary residence for 45 days (previously 15 days) and to be considered for visa issuance and temporary residence extension according to regulations. Regarding the procedures for requesting e-visas, the Immigration Department said: foreigners who want to enter for tourism, market research, investment... and do not have the conditions to contact domestic agencies and organizations can apply for e-visas themselves without having to be invited or sponsored by domestic agencies, organizations or individuals. "The entire process from applying for an electronic visa to processing, issuing and receiving, and printing an electronic visa is done electronically. Visa fees are paid electronically. Foreigners can print their own visas through the electronic transaction system, without having to go through procedures to receive visas at the competent visa-issuing authority of Vietnam abroad or at international border gates, without having to go through an intermediary" - the Immigration Department said. Regarding the time limit for processing electronic visas, the Immigration Department will consider, process, and respond to applicants for electronic visas at the Ministry of Public Security's Public Service Portal within 3 working days from the date of receiving complete information on the application for an electronic visa and visa fees. Foreigners granted e-visas may enter Vietnam for purposes in accordance with Vietnamese law and are allowed to change their purpose in certain cases such as: having documents proving that they are investors or representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam in accordance with Vietnamese law; having documents proving their relationship as parents, spouses, children with the inviting or sponsoring individual; having a work permit or confirmation that they are not subject to a work permit under the provisions of labor law. Foreigners temporarily residing in Vietnam must, through the person directly managing and operating the accommodation facility, declare their temporary residence to the police of the commune, ward, town or police station where the accommodation facility is located. Foreigners' e-visa applications will be rejected if they provide incorrect information and fall into cases where they are not allowed to enter as prescribed in Article 21 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam. Issuing electronic visas to citizens of all countries and territories Recently, on August 14, 2023, the Government issued Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP, accordingly, the Government decided to issue electronic visas (e-visas) to citizens of all countries and territories. According to the provisions of 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 (Law No. 23) effective from August 15, 2023, electronic visas are valid for up to 90 days, valid for one or multiple entries, applicable to citizens of countries and territories on the basis of ensuring national defense, security, social order and safety, in accordance with Vietnam's foreign policy and socio -economic development. Foreigners are allowed to enter and exit the country with e-visas through 13 air ports, 16 land ports and 13 sea ports. Specifically, 13 air ports include: Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Cat Bi, Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Phu Bai, Van Don, Tho Xuan, Dong Hoi, Phu Cat, Lien Khuong airports. 16 land ports include: Tay Trang international port (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai (Lao Cai), Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Vinh Xuong (An Giang) and Ha Tien (Kien Giang) land and river ports. 13 sea border gates, including: Hon Gai Port and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong (Hai Phong city), Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang (Da Nang city), Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau (Ba Ria - Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang).

baotintuc.vn