International travellers queue at Nội Bài International Airport for processing. — VNA/VNS Photos

In a recent interview with the Government News online newspaper, Nguyễn Thị Bình Phương, Head of the Department of Immigration Management under the Ministry of Public Security, highlighted that Việt Nam’s visa procedures are now more streamlined than in many other countries, offering a competitive edge in attracting international tourists.

Could you highlight the recent key visa policies for foreign nationals entering and residing in Việt Nam?

During the 5th session of the 15th National Assembly in June 2023, a new law was passed amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on exit and entry of Vietnamese citizens and the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Việt Nam.

This legislation introduced several key changes to visa policies, aimed at making it easier for foreign nationals to enter the country. These updates represent a significant step forward in the management of entry, exit, transit and residence for foreigners in Việt Nam.

Among the major changes is the introduction of e-visas with a validity of up to 90 days, allowing for multiple entries and exits. These e-visas will be available to citizens of countries and territories as determined by the government.

Additionally, foreign nationals entering Việt Nam under the unilateral visa exemption will now receive a temporary residence certificate valid for up to 45 days.

Currently, Việt Nam offers visa exemptions to citizens of 26 countries. This includes bilateral visa exemption agreements with 13 countries and unilateral exemptions for citizens of another 13 countries. Việt Nam is also in the process of negotiating bilateral visa exemption agreements with several other countries.

On 14th August 2023, the government issued Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP, which expanded the e-visa programme to citizens of all countries and territories entering Việt Nam. This resolution also permits foreign nationals to enter and exit the country using e-visas through 42 international border gates, including 13 airports, 16 land border gates and 13 seaports.

How have Việt Nam’s visa policies for foreign nationals, specifically benefited individuals, organisations and businesses? What tangible outcomes have been realised?

Between 2015 and 2019, the number of foreign nationals entering Việt Nam saw a consistent annual increase, with an average yearly growth rate of 10 per cent. Chinese nationals played a significant role in this rise, contributing over 30 per cent to the total number of foreign arrivals.

The introduction of Law No. 23/2023/QH15, which introduced more liberal visa policies, led to a substantial increase in foreign arrivals to Việt Nam. Notable increases were observed among citizens of South Korea, China, Taiwan (China), the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, India and Germany.

Compared to the same period in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor numbers from some regions have not only recovered but also shown substantial growth, 119 per cent from Australia, 106 per cent from Asia, 103 per cent from the Americas and nearly 92 per cent from Europe. In South Asia, Indian nationals entering Việt Nam saw a remarkable 312 per cent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, while Cambodian nationals saw an increase of 396 per cent.

There has also been a nearly 400 per cent increase in entries from citizens of countries newly eligible for e-visas.

The easing of visa policies has clearly resulted in a significant surge in international arrivals to Việt Nam, with visitors coming for a diverse range of purposes and from a variety of countries.

In the first six months of 2024 alone, 8.8 million foreign nationals entered the country, reflecting a 58.4 per cent increase compared to the same period last year and a 4.1 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2019.

These favourable visa policies have provided a major boost to tourism, investment, business cooperation and scientific research. The streamlined e-visa process, in particular, has greatly facilitated the entry of foreign nationals, organisations and businesses.

One key advantage is that foreign nationals can now apply for an e-visa without the need for an invitation or sponsorship from a domestic agency, organisation or individual. This is especially beneficial for those who wish to visit Việt Nam for tourism, market research, or investment purposes but have not yet established contacts within the country.

The entire e-visa application process, including submission, processing, issuance, and printing, is conducted online, with visa fees paid electronically. This streamlines administrative procedures and reduces applicants' effort.

Foreign nationals can print their e-visas directly online, avoiding the need to collect them from a Vietnamese consulate or at an international border gate and eliminating the need for intermediaries.

E-visas are processed quickly, typically within three working days after receiving the complete application and fee.

Holders can enter Việt Nam for legally permitted purposes and may change their visa status in certain cases, such as for investors, family members of the sponsoring individual, or those with work permits or exemptions.

Under Decision No. 430/QĐ-BCA dated January 26 2023, by the Minister of Public Security, 15 out of 17 administrative procedures for foreigners managed by the Immigration Department are now conducted online, with six of these fully digitised. This shift allows foreign nationals and organisations to handle immigration and residency matters entirely online, eliminating the need for in-person visits to the Immigration Department.

Overall, Việt Nam's visa procedures are notably liberal compared to other countries, a policy that many agencies believe will boost the country's competitiveness in attracting international tourists, enhancing its standing in the regional tourism sector.

Visitors enjoy exploring Bình Tây Market in HCM City.

Việt Nam's adoption of e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories has attracted a significant number of foreign arrivals, providing a boost to the tourism industry. For foreign nationals, what should they keep in mind when applying for an e-visa to enter Việt Nam?

The e-visa policy has delivered many positive outcomes and is praised both locally and globally for its simplicity. Foreign nationals can complete the entire e-visa application online, from entering details and paying fees to receiving the visa, without needing intermediaries. Foreign applicants should be aware of the following:

Firstly, they should access the official Vietnamese e-visa portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn to input their details, upload photos and pay the application fee. Avoid unofficial sites to prevent incorrect fees.

Secondly, they must carefully review and accurately fill out the e-visa application form, ensuring all information and photos are correct. Providing false information can lead to legal consequences.

Lastly, applicants should familiarise themselves with Vietnamese laws on entry, exit and residence. This includes registering their temporary stay with their accommodation and presenting their passport for registration to comply with their visa’s purpose.

In early 2024, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính issued two directives to boost the tourism industry, including plans to expand unilateral visa exemptions for ordinary passport holders. Could you provide an update on how these directives are being implemented?

The unilateral visa exemption policy has streamlined entry for foreigners into Việt Nam for tourism, investment and business, boosting budget revenue and enhancing the country's international image. It has also contributed to socio-economic development and strengthened Việt Nam's relations with other nations.

Việt Nam's e-visa system is now convenient and efficient, receiving high praise and widespread use from citizens of many countries.

The Ministry of Public Security, working with other ministries, has reported to the Government, which has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create a visa exemption plan. This plan will focus on advancing reciprocal bilateral visa exemptions and promoting the e-visa system and tourism. — VNS