New regulations have been introduced for foreigners applying for tourist visas to Vietnam

According to the amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, effective from August 15, 2023, Vietnam has introduced several new policies and regulations regarding tourist visas and entry-exit procedures for foreign tourists. Key updates include extending the validity of tourist visas (DL) and E-Visas to 3 months, and increasing the visa-free period for tourism purposes to 45 days for certain countries.

New Policies for Foreign Tourists Entering Vietnam

A tourist visa is a type of visa issued to foreigners entering Vietnam for the purpose of holidays with a specific period of stay. After this period, if foreigners wish to continue their tour, they can extend their stay in Vietnam according to regulations. Foreigners can apply for a tourist visa either independently or through travel agencies or visa service companies (https://dichvuvisa.vn/).

1. New Regulations on Vietnam Tourist Visa

• E-Visa: Issued to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide, regardless of nationality.
• Extended E-Visa Duration: From 30 days to 3 months (up to 90 days), valid for single or multiple entries.
• Extended Visa-Free Entry: From 15 days to 45 days for certain countries.

2. Types of Tourist Visas for Foreigners

• E-Visa (EV): Valid for 30 to 90 days.
• Tourist Visa (DL): Issued for organized tours by Vietnamese travel companies, valid for 30 to 90 days.
• Visa-Free Entry: Applicable to foreigners eligible for unilateral or bilateral visa exemption, varying by country and territory, typically from 30 to 45 days.

3. Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Vietnam

Visa Application Procedures for Foreign Tourists Entering Vietnam

Conditions for Entry to Vietnam for Tourism Purposes:

• Passport validity of at least 6 months.
• Not subject to entry ban or restrictions in Vietnam.

Visa-Free Entry Procedure:

• No need to apply for a tourist visa before entering Vietnam.
• At the border (international airport, land, or sea border gate), immigration officers will stamp the temporary residence permit upon arrival.

E-Visa Application Procedure:

• Access the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website to complete the online visa application form and pay the required fee.
• The result will be sent online, which can be printed or saved on a phone. At the border, present the passport and visa file for entry permission.

Visa Application by Travel Companies:

• Travel companies must have appropriate travel licenses and submit the application for tourists, either at border gates or Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad (embassies, consulates).

Visa Extension Procedure:

• Conditions:
  • The sponsoring organization must be a travel company as per the Tourism Law.
  • Foreigners must stay at registered tourist accommodation.
• Required Documents:
  • Application form NA5.
  • Original passport.
  • Travel itinerary.
  • Travel company’s license.
  • Legal documents of the travel company (if submitted for the first time).
  • Company’s authorization letter for the representative handling the procedure.

Submission of Visa Application:

• Foreigners and travel companies can submit visa applications directly or online at the Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Steps for Visa Service Providers:

1. Contact the visa service offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Thu Duc for guidance on document preparation.
2. Sign a consulting and service agreement (online or in-person).
3. Submit the application to the visa service office for processing.
4. Receive the passport and pay the service fee upon result delivery, either directly or via mail.

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