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The Vietnam Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security has confirmed that the entire procedure for granting e-visa, including application submission, request processing, visa issuance, and fee payment, is now conducted online.
Last week, the government issued Resolution 127/NQ-CP, which allows for the provision of e-visas to citizens from all nations and territories. As per information from the department, foreigners who plan to visit Vietnam to travel, conduct market research, or explore investment opportunities, are now able to independently apply for e-visas. The process no longer requires them to obtain invitations or guarantees from Vietnamese entities, organisations, or individuals.
Individuals can print visas by themselves and do not have to undergo visa reception procedures at visa-issuing agencies of Vietnam abroad and international entry points. The department added that it will consider, process, and reply to e-visa applicants through the Ministry of Public Security’s public service portal within three working days after receiving complete e-visa application details and the required fees. Following the government’s decision, foreigners using e-visas are permitted to enter or exit the country via 13 air border gates, 16 land border gates, and 13 sea border gates.
Among the 13 air border gates are Noi Bai (Hanoi City), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa Province), Da Nang (Da Nang City), Cat Bi (Hai Phong City), Can Tho (Can Tho City), and Phu Quoc (Kien Giang Province). Some of the land border gates include Tay Trang (Dien Bien Province), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh Province), Huu Nghi (Lang Son Province), Lao Cai (Lao Cai Province), and Na Meo (Thanh Hoa Province). Meanwhile, sea border gates comprise Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh Province), Hai Phong (Hai Phong City), Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa Province), and Vung Ang (Ha Tinh Province), among others.
In late June, the National Assembly granted approval for the amendments and additions to certain sections of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens, as well as the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam. Under the law, which came into force last week, the validity period of e-visas has been increased from 30 days to 90 days.
Within 90 days after the e-visa is granted, foreigners can enter and exit Vietnam unlimited times without having to apply for new visas. The law also allows citizens of the countries entitled to Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption to be granted a temporary residence period of 45 days, instead of 15 days in the past, and have visa granting and temporary residence extension considered in line with regulations.
The moves are anticipated to create favourable circumstances for Vietnam to attract global tourists and enhance its competitiveness in the tourism industry. According to the Immigration Department, broadening the coverage and extending the validity duration of e-visas for foreigners will contribute to the modernisation of administrative processes and save time for applicants.
Recently, as part of Vietnam’s digitalisation efforts, the Da Nang International Airport launched self-check-in kiosks. Passengers on Korean Air arriving at Da Nang International Airport can now select their seats and complete the flight check-in process in just two minutes. To ensure that all passengers can easily use the system, a Passenger Assistant Team (PAT) has been arranged at the airport to help.
There are also plans to integrate the software data, allowing all airlines operating flights to and from the airport to use the self-check-in kiosk system. Furthermore, the airport might implement automated boarding gates and self-baggage drop systems to enhance the overall travel experience.
