Vietnam issues e-visas to citizens of all countries

The Vietnamese government has decided to issue electronic visas (e-visas) to citizens of all countries entering Vietnam, starting August 15, 2023.

According to the government’s resolution on August 14, there are 13 airports that allow foreigners to enter and exit with e-visas, including 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, and Lien Khuong.

16 land border gates will also allow e-visa entries, such as Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), 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), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang).

13 sea border gates will also allow e-visa entries like Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, 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).

On the same day, the government decided to temporarily allow stays from 15 to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries that were unilaterally exempted from Vietnamese visas.

Specifically, the countries include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus. Citizens of these countries are now entitled to temporary stays of 45 days from entry date regardless of passport type or entry purpose.

Previously, the National Assembly allowed increasing temporary stay periods for visa-exempt citizens to 45 days, compared to the 2014 Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

In June 2023, the National Assembly passed amendments to increase e-visa validity from 30 to 90 days. The government will decide the list of eligible countries and border gates for e-visa entries.

Expanding e-visas is expected to attract more tourism, investment, business and research. Before this resolution, Vietnam granted e-visas to citizens of 80 countries.