Vietnam government proposes e-visas for all nationals

The Vietnamese government has submitted a report to the National Assembly proposing many new policies in the management of immigration and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, including content on removing obstacles to visas.

The report, signed by the Minister of Public Security and authorized by the Prime Minister, proposed many important contents for a National Assembly resolution to be issued at the legislative body's working session in May.

The contents include granting e-visas to all nationals; assigning the government to decide on a specific list of countries and territories on the basis of reciprocity; ensuring national defense, security, social order and safety, as well as economic and social development of Vietnam.

The e-visas will be extended from no more than 30 days to no more than three months, valid once or multiple times; increase the time limit for granting temporary residence certificates at border gates; unilateral visa exemption from 15 days to 45 days.

The government report said that allowing foreigners to enter unilaterally visa-free for up to 45 days will create favorable conditions for citizens of other countries to have time to implement resort tourism programs, and seek business opportunities that contribute to promoting tourism, economic and social development.

Besides, implementation of these contents will not generate additional procedures or costs. The new policies would also help reduce costs for agencies, organizations and individuals in carrying out procedures related to the entry and exit of foreigners.

Starting on July 1, 2020, Vietnam issues e-visas to citizens of 80 countries through eight air border gates, 16 land border gates and 13 sea border gates.