As Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for foreign visitors, the Vietnamese government has implemented an efficient and streamlined system for obtaining electronic visas, also known as e-visas. This online system simplifies the process of obtaining a visa for tourism, business, or transit purposes. However, it is important for foreign visitors to know and understand the procedures for issuance of e-visas in Vietnam, as they differ from country to country. In this article, we will take a closer look at the procedures for issuance of e-visas for foreigners traveling to Vietnam, including the required documents and processing times.
What is Vietnam E-visa?
As of February 2017, the Vietnam Immigration Department has been issuing electronic visas, commonly known as e-visas, through online channels. These visas are exclusively intended for foreigners who wish to enter Vietnam for tourism purposes and are valid for a single-entry lasting up to 30 days. It is essential to note that e-visas cannot be used for commercial or business-related activities.
Who can apply for an e-visa to Vietnam?
At present, Vietnam offers e-visa or visa-on-arrival services to citizens of 80 nations coming to Vietnam, irrespective of their motives, be it tourism, commercial investments, visiting family members, employed, or for marriage-related purposes. The duration of stay must not exceed 30 days. For individuals willing to extend their stay or obtain a Vietnamese commercial visa, it is advisable to familiarize themselves with the visas granted at Vietnam’s airports.
Legal basis on E-visa
According to the revised Clause 5 in Article 10 of the Vietnamese Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners, which was amended and supplemented in 2019, foreigners are eligible to apply for e-visas provided they possess a valid passport and are not eligible to obtain other types of visas like NG1, NG2, NG3, and NG4.
Foreigners who intend to enter Vietnam while being outside the country have two options to apply for an e-visa: either directly through the government portal or through an inviting or guaranteeing agency/organization. To be granted an e-visa, applicants must meet certain conditions, which generally include possessing a valid passport, not being in the list of restricted nationalities, and not falling under the categories eligible for other visa types. It is important to note that specific requirements may vary based on the country of the applicant’s nationality and the purpose of their visit to Vietnam.
The process of issuing electronic visas upon the request of foreigners.
The regulations under Article 16a of the combined documentation of the Law concerning the Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Aliens in Vietnam, insist that individuals who wish to obtain an E-visa in Vietnam must comply with the following procedure.
Dossier:
– In case you qualify for a Vietnam e-visa, please review the guidelines regarding e-visa acquisition, including the following requirements:
– Information about applying for an electronic visa (Form NA1) is posted on the electronic visa information page of the Immigration Portal.
– A passport that stays valid for a minimum of 6 months from the entry date into Vietnam, with at least 2 blank pages
– One passport photo
– A soft copy of your passport personal information page and photo
– An online bank card to pay for e-visa fees (Please note that American Express cards are not acceptable).
– Upon receipt of comprehensive information and visa fee payment for an electronic visa application, the processing time shall not exceed three working days.
– Whenever applicable, the prerequisites and terms for executing administrative formalities:
+ Individuals from nations mentioned in the E-visa granting list pursuant to the Vietnam Government’s Resolution are eligible.
+ Non-domestic passport holders who do not fall into the prohibited entry categories set forth in Article 21 of the Vietnamese Law on Foreigners’ Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence are also qualified.
The order of execution
Step 1: Declare information to apply for an E-visa, download a photo and passport ID page at the e-visa information page.
Foreigners can access the electronic visa information page of the Immigration Portal (the Engligh domain is https://immigration.gov.vn/web/guest/home ) to enter information to apply for an e-visa, download a portrait phot and passport ID page.
Step 2: After obtaining the electronic file code from the immigration authority, the next step is to make the payment for the visa fee to the account specified on the electronic visa information page
Step 3: Get the result
Applicants for an e-visa who are foreigners can use the electronic file code to verify the settlement status on the electronic visa information page. If foreigner grant an e-visa, it is necessary to use the electronic application code for the purpose of printing the electronic visa.
The process of issuing electronic visas upon the request of agencies and organizations
As per Article 16b of the Consolidated Document of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, any agency or organization that seeks to obtain an e-visa on behalf of a foreigner must fulfill the following criteria:
– Having an electronic account that meets the criteria stated in Clause 2 of this article as issued by the immigration authority.
– Having an electronic signature as per the guidelines mentioned in the Law on Electronic Transactions.
Dossier:
– Fill in the application form for an electronic visa according to Form NA1a issued together with Circular No.57/2020/TT-BCA of the Ministry of Public Security posted on the website e-visa information.
– Requirements and conditions for carrying out administrative procedures:
+ Agencies and organizations in Vietnam have electronic accounts as prescribed in Clause 2 Article 16b of the Consolidation Document No. 27/VBHN-VPQH consolidating the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of foreigners issued by the Office of the National Assembly and has an electronic signature in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Electronic Transactions.
+ Foreigners possessing passports and not falling into the categories of restricted foreigners mentioned in Article 21 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of foreigners in Vietnam are allowed to enter the country.
Procedures
Step 1: Declare information to apply for an E-visa, download a photo and passport ID page at the e-visa information page.
Agencies and organizations can access the electronic visa information page of the Immigration Portal (the Engligh domain is https://immigration.gov.vn/web/guest/home ) to enter information to apply for an e-visa, download a portrait phot and passport ID page.
Step 2: After obtaining the electronic file code from the immigration authority, the next step is use an electronic signature to confirm the requested information. And finally, agencies and organizations make the payment for the visa fee to the account specified on the electronic visa information page
Step 3: Get the result
In regards to e-visa applicants who are agencies and organizations, they have the ability to utilize the electronic file code in order to verify the settlement status on the electronic visa information page. Additionally, if you grant an e-visa, you must use the electronic application code to print the electronic visa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the E-visa system has made it much easier for foreigners to visit Vietnam, without the need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate to obtain a traditional visa. By following the simple steps outlined by the Vietnamese government, foreign e-visa applicants can acquire their e-visa within a matter of days and enter Vietnam with ease. It is important to note that e-visa holders must comply with all Vietnamese immigration laws and regulations during their stay, failure to do so may result in fines, detention, or even deportation. Overall, the E-visa system has been a successful initiative in boosting Vietnam’s tourism industry, while providing a convenient and streamlined visa application process for visitors.
HMLF is always available to offer assistance in understanding the procedures or liaising with authorities.
Harley Miller Law Firm “HMLF”
Head office: 14th floor, HM Town building, 412 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 05, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Phone number: +84 937215585
Website: hmlf.vn Email: miller@hmlf.vn
