To implement the policy of enhancing exchanges and international relations with countries, and to 'open doors' at the borders to attract international tourists and investment into Vietnam, on August 14, 2023, the Government issued Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP on the application of electronic visas for citizens of countries and territories, and international border gates permitting foreigners to enter and exit using electronic visas ("Resolution 127") and Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP amending Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP dated March 15, 2022, on visa exemptions for citizens of certain countries ("Resolution 128").
In this context, ATA Legal Services provides an update on some notable points as follows:
1. Issuance of electronic visas for citizens of all countries and territories
Previously, Resolution 79/NQ-CP only limited the issuance of electronic visas to citizens of 80 countries (mainly countries with diplomatic and economic relations with Vietnam). However, with Resolution 127, the scope has expanded to include issuing electronic visas to citizens of all countries and territories.
Additionally, the new regulation allows for the issuance of electronic visas at most international entry points by air, land, and sea in Vietnam.
2. Extension of temporary residence for citizens of 13 visa-exempt countries to 45 days
- Under Resolution 32/NQ-CP, citizens of 13 countries (including 11 European countries, Japan, and South Korea) are visa-exempt when entering Vietnam. However, the period of temporary residence after entry into Vietnam was limited to 15 days. With Resolution 128, the Government allows citizens of these countries to stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport type or entry purpose, as long as they meet the entry conditions stipulated. This extension is significantly longer compared to the previous regulation under Resolution 32.
- This unilateral visa exemption policy for citizens of the aforementioned countries when entering Vietnam will be in effect until March 14, 2025. It may be suspended, temporarily suspended, or extended upon the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Overall, the new visa issuance policies for citizens of the mentioned countries are evaluated by industry experts as an effective solution to attract international tourists and direct investment, creating favorable conditions for the recovery and development of the tourism sector. This, in turn, increases foreign exchange revenue, generates more employment opportunities for the people, and enhances Vietnam's competitiveness in the tourism sector compared to other countries in the region and the world.
Resolution 127 and Resolution 128 will be effective from August 15, 2023.
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