Update on immigration regulations

As of 15 August 2023, Law No. 23/2023/QH15 amending regulations regarding entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam has come into effect, with some significant changes, facilitating the visa application process, entry and re-entry for many foreign nationals.

   

Visa exemption for now up to 45 days (instead of 15 days) can be issued for citizens of 13 countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus upon arrival at an international border of Vietnam. Foreign nationals can enter and remain in Vietnam for the duration of the visa exemption granted for tourist and business purposes. 

    

As of 15 August 2023, all nationals of all countries and territories are eligible for a Vietnamese e-visa and can apply online for such e-visa to be issued prior to arrival in Vietnam. There is no requirement for such visa to be collected at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. 

   

In addition, the maximum duration of the e-visa has also been increased from 30 days to 90 days with single entry or multiple entry being available options. 

   

Visa exemption and e-visa can now be converted directly into a Temporary Residence Card or TRC  (if duration of stay is one year or longer), or to visa with a longer term (if stay duration is less than one year). Foreigners are not required to leave and re-enter the country for this procedure. In case of e-visa, the new TRC or visa will be the same type with the granted e-visa.

  

All above-mentioned changes shall apply for visa exemptions or e-visas issued after 15 August 2023. Visas and exemptions that have been issued before this date will not be extended automatically and are subject to the old conditions applicable at the time of issuance.