LAW

ENTRY, EXIT, TRANSIT AND RESIDENCE OF FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM

The Law No. 47/2014/QH13 dated June 16, 2014 of the National Assembly on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from January 01, 2015 is amended by:

1. The Law No. 51/2019/QH14 dated November 25, 2019 of the National Assembly on amendments to a number of Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020;

2. The Law No. 23/2023/QH15 dated June 24, 2023 of the National Assembly on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

Pursuant to the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

The National Assembly promulgates the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam[1].

Chapter I

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Article 1. Scope

This Law provides for rules, conditions, procedures, rights and obligations of foreigners who enter, exit, transit and reside in Vietnam; rights and obligations of Vietnamese authorities and other agencies, organizations and individuals (hereinafter referred to as "entities") to entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

Article 2. Regulated entities

This Law applies to foreigners who enter, exit, transit and reside in Vietnam, Vietnamese authorities, relevant Vietnamese and foreign entities.

Article 3. Definition of terms

In this Law, the terms below are construed as follows:

1. "Foreigner" means a person carrying a paper proving his/her foreign nationality or a person without nationality who enters, exits, transits or resides in Vietnam.

2. "Paper proving foreign nationality" means a paper issued by a foreign authority or the United Nations (UN), including passport or passport substitute (hereinafter referred to as “passport”).

3. "International laissez-passer" means a document issued by a competent authority of a country to a person without nationality who is residing therein, and accepted by a Vietnamese authority.

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5. " Transit" means an activity of a foreigner passing through or staying within an area for transit passengers at a border checkpoint of Vietnam before going to a third country.

6. “Exit” means an activity of a foreigner exiting Vietnam territory via a border checkpoint of Vietnam.

7. "Exit suspension" means a decision made by a competent person of Vietnam to suspend a foreigner residing in Vietnam from exiting Vietnam for a certain period of time.

8. "Forced exit" means a decision made by competent person of Vietnam to compel a foreigner residing in Vietnam to exit Vietnam territory through a Vietnam’s border checkpoint.

9. "Residence" means a foreigner’s permanent or temporary residence in Vietnam.

10. "Border checkpoint" means a place where foreigners are permitted to enter, exit or transit.

11. "Visa" means a document issued by a competent authority of Vietnam to a foreigner to grant entry into Vietnam.

12. "Temporary residence certification" means a certification by a Vietnamese authority of the period over which the foreigner may temporarily reside in Vietnam.

13. "Temporary residence card" means a document issued by an immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a foreigner who is permitted to reside in Vietnam for a certain period of time. This card has the same validity as a visa.

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15. "Immigration authority" means an agency affiliated to the Ministry of Public Security that manages entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

16. "Immigration control unit" means a unit that controls the entry, exit and transit of foreigners in Vietnam at a border checkpoint.

17. "Overseas visa-issuing authorities" of Vietnam include diplomatic missions or other overseas agencies of Vietnam authorized to act as consulates.

18. [2] “Immigration web portal” means a web portal of an immigration authority, capable of publishing information, providing online public services, assisting in search, connection and storage of information, providing instructions on procedures and answering questions related to entry and exit management.

19. [3] “Website for issuance of electronic visas” means a website affiliated to the immigration web portal, capable of receiving, processing and providing information related to issuance of electronic visas.

Article 4. Rules for entry, exit, transit and residence

1. Complying with regulations of this Law, other regulations of relevant Vietnamese laws or international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a signatory.

2. Respecting the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity; maintaining national security, social order, and equality in international relationship.

3. Ensuring openness, transparency and advantages for foreigners; stringency and consolidation in management of entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

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Article 5. Prohibited acts

1. Obstructing foreigners and relevant entities in exercise of their rights or fulfillment of their obligations or responsibilities in accordance with regulations of law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

2. Establishing procedures, requiring documents or generating revenues against this Law and regulations of relevant laws; harassing foreigners when they follow procedures for entry, exit, transit, or residence in Vietnam.

3. Illegally entering, exiting, transiting or residing in Vietnam; preparing or using fake documents to enter, exit, transit, or reside in Vietnam.

4. Providing false information or documents in order to obtain permission for entry, exit, transit, or residence in Vietnam.

5. Taking advantage of entry, exit, transit, or residence in Vietnam to conduct acts against Socialist Republic of Vietnam; infringing upon the lawful rights and interests of other entities.

6. Buying, selling, leasing, lending, borrowing, falsifying immigration or residence documents in order for foreigners to enter, exit, transit, or reside in Vietnam.

Article 6. Revocation and invalidation of immigration or residence documents issued by Vietnamese competent authorities

Any foreigner that commits violations against regulations of Clauses 3, 4, 5, and 6 Article 5, Clause 3 Article 21, Point b Clause 2 Article 44 of this Law shall have his/her immigration or residence document revoked or invalidated.

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VISA

Article 7. Forms and uses of visa [4]

1. Visa shall be issued and attached to passport, issued separately or issued via electronic transaction. The visa issued via electronic transaction is called as electronic visa.

2. Visas shall be issued individually for each person, except for cases bellow:

a) Visas for children under 14 years of age travelling on passports of their parents or guardians shall be issued together with visas thereof;

b) Visas shall be issued according to lists issued by immigration authorities with respect to foreigners visiting and travelling or transiting by sea who wish to enter inland for visiting and tourism purposes according to programs organized by international tourism enterprises in Vietnam; members of foreign military ships travelling under official programs of tours outside of central-affiliated cities and provinces where their ships anchor.

3.[5] Visas can be used once or multiple times; and visas issued under circumstances specified in Point b Clause 2 of this Article may be only used once.

4. A visa of an individual cannot be repurposed, except for cases below:

a) He/she presents document proving to be an investor or a representative for foreign organization investing in Vietnam as per the law of Vietnam;

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c) He/she is invited or sponsored by agencies or organizations and presents work permit or confirmation of eligibility for work permit exemption according to the labor law;

d) He/she makes entry by electronic visa and presents work permit or confirmation of eligibility for work permit exemption according to the labor law.

5. In case a person repurposes visa as specified in Clause 4 of this Article, he/she shall be issued with a new visa with number and time limit suitable with the new purpose. Procedures for issuance of new visas shall comply with Article 19 of this Law.

Article 8. Visa symbols

1. NG1 - issued to members of delegations invited by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the President of Vietnam, the President of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister.

2. NG2 - issued to members of delegations invited by the Permanent Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's Secretariat, Deputy President of Vietnam, Deputy President of the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister, President of Vietnamese Fatherland Front, Executive Judge of the Supreme People's Court, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, State Auditor General; members of delegations at the same levels of Ministers and equivalent titles, Secretary Generals of Provincial Communist Authorities, Presidents of Provincial People's Councils, Presidents of Provincial People’s Committees.

3. NG3 - issued to members of diplomatic missions, consular missions, representative offices of international organizations affiliated to the UN, representative offices of intergovernmental organizations and their spouses, children under 18 years of age, and housemaids during their term of office.

4.[6] NG4 - issued to persons who come to work with diplomatic missions, consular missions, representative offices of international organizations affiliated to the UN, representative offices of intergovernmental organizations and accompanying spouses, children under 18 years of age; visitors of diplomatic missions, consular missions, representative offices of international organizations affiliated to the UN and representative offices of intergovernmental organizations.

5. LV1 - issued to persons who come to work with departments, agencies and units affiliated to Vietnam’s Communist Party; the National Assembly, the Government, Central Committee of Vietnamese Fatherland Front, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, State Audit Agency, Ministries, ministerial agencies, Governmental agencies, provincial Communist Authorities, provincial People’s Councils, provincial People’s Committees.

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7.[7] LS - issued to foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam.

7a.[8] DT1 - issued to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam and contributing capital of VND 100 billion or more or investing in business lines benefitting from investment incentives, in administrative divisions benefitting from investment incentives decided by the Government.

7b.[9] DT2 - issued to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam and contributing capital of VND 50 billion to less than VND 100 billion or investing in business lines benefitting from investment incentives treatment decided by the Government

7c.[10] DT3 - issued to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam and contributing capital of VND 3 billion to less than VND 50 billion.

7d.[11] DT4 - issued to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam and contributing capital of less than VND 3 billion.

8.[12] DN1 - issued to foreigners working with other enterprises and organizations that are juridical persons as per the law of Vietnam.

8a.[13] DN2 - issued to foreigners making entry to promote services, establish commercial presence or conducting other activities according to international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory.

9. NN1 - issued to Managers of representative offices or projects of international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations in Vietnam.

10. NN2 - issued to heads of representative offices, branches of foreign traders, representative offices of other foreign economic, cultural, professional organizations in Vietnam.

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12. DH - issued to persons who come to study or serve internship.

13. HN - issued to persons who come to attend conventions or conferences.

14. PV1 - issued to journalists who permanently reside in Vietnam.

15. PV2 - issued to journalists who come to work for a short period of time in Vietnam.

16.[14] LD1 - issued to foreigners working in Vietnam and obtaining certification of eligibility for work permit exemption, unless otherwise specified by international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory.”;

16a.[15] LD2 – issued to foreigners working in Vietnam and required to obtain work permits.

17. DL - issued to tourists.

18.[16] TT – issued to foreigners that are spouses or children under 18 years of age of foreigners issued with LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1 or LD2 visas or foreigners that are parents, spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens.

19. VR - issued to persons who come to visit their relatives or for other purposes.

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21.[17] EV - Electronic visas.

Article 9. Time limit of visa

1.[18] Time limit of SQ visa does not exceed 30 days.

2.[19] Time limits of HN, DL and EV visas do not exceed 90 days.

3.[20] Time limit of VR visa does not exceed 180 days.

4.[21] Time limits of NG1, NG2, NG3, NG4, LV1, LV2, DT4, DN1, DN2, NN1, NN2, NN3, DH, PV1, PV2 and TT visas do not exceed one year.

5.[22] Time limits of LD1 and LD2 visas do not exceed 2 years.

5a.[23] Time limit of DT3 visa does not exceed 3 years.

6.[24] Time limits of LS, DT1 and DT2 visas do not exceed 5 years.

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8. The time limit of a visa shall be at least 30 days shorter than that of a passport or international laissez-passer.

9.[25] International agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory shall prevail in case such international agreements specify otherwise.

Article 10. Conditions for visa issuance

A person shall be issued with a visa when he/she:

1. has a passport or international laissez-passer.

2.[26] is invited or sponsored by agencies, organizations or individuals in Vietnam, except for cases specified in Article 16a, Article 16b and Clause 3 Article 17 of this Law.

3. is not suspended from entry in the cases mentioned in Article 21 of this Law.

4. Proof of entry purposes shall be provided upon application for a visa in the following cases:

a) Any foreigner who comes to make investment shall have papers proving the investment in Vietnam in accordance with the Law on Investment;

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c) Any foreigner who comes to work in Vietnam shall have a work permit in accordance with the Labor Code;

d) Any foreigner who comes to study shall have written acceptance of a school or an Education Institution in Vietnam.

5.[27] Electronic visas shall be issued to foreigners possessing passports and not falling into categories specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 Article 8 of this Law.

Article 11. Cases in which visas are issued separately

1. The passport has no more blank pages to issue visa.

2. The passport is issued by a government that has not had a diplomatic relation with Vietnam.

3. International laissez-passer.

4. The visa is separately issued for reasons for diplomacy, or national defense and security.

5.[28] Visas shall be issued as specified in Point b Clause 2 Article 7 of this Law

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1. Cases are prescribed in international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory.

2. Permanent residence cards and temporary residence cards are used in accordance this Law.

3. Entering checkpoint economic zones, special administrative - economic units.

3a.[29] Entering coastal economic zones decided by the Government if fully satisfying following conditions: having international airports; having private space; having geographical border defined and separate from inland; in conformity with socio-economic development policies and not harming national defense and security, social safety and order of Vietnam.

4. Under regulations in Article 13 of this Law.

5. Vietnamese people residing overseas who have passports or international laissez-passers issued by foreign authorities, foreigners who are their spouses or children; foreigners who are spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens shall be granted visa-free entry as prescribed by the government.

Article 13. Unilateral visa-free entry

1. A decision to unilaterally grant visa-free entry to a citizen of a country shall satisfy the following conditions. To be specific:

a) The country has a diplomatic relation with Vietnam;

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c) The decision does not threaten national defense, national security, social safety and social order of Vietnam.

2. The validity period of a decision to unilaterally grant visa-free entry shall not exceed 05 years and may be extended. A decision to unilaterally grant visa-free entry shall be invalidated if one of the conditions in Clause 1 of this Article is not satisfied.

3. According to regulations of this Article, the Government shall decide to unilaterally grant visa-free entry with a defined term for each country.

Article 14. Entities that invite or sponsor foreigners

1. Entities that invite or sponsor foreigners to enter Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as “inviting entities”) according to Clause 2 Article 10 of this Law include:

a) General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the President of Vietnam, the President of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister;

b) Permanent Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's Secretariat, Deputy President of Vietnam, Deputy President of the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister, President of Vietnamese Fatherland Front, Executive Judge of the Supreme People's Court, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, State Auditor General; Ministers and equivalent titles, Secretary Generals of Provincial Communist Authorities, Presidents of Provincial People's Councils, Presidents of Provincial People’s Committees;

c) Departments, agencies and units affiliated to Vietnam’s Communist Party; agencies of the National Assembly, agencies affiliated to Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Vietnamese Fatherland Front, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, State Audit Agency, Ministries, ministerial agencies, Governmental agencies;

d) Provincial Communist Authorities, provincial People’s Councils, provincial People’s Committees;

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e) Enterprises established within Vietnam’s Law;

g) Diplomatic missions, consular missions, representative offices of international organizations affiliated to the UN, intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam;

h) Representative offices, branches of foreign traders; representative offices of other foreign economic, cultural, and professional organizations in Vietnam;

i) Other organizations that have juridical person as prescribed by Vietnam’s law;

k) Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam, foreigners possessing temporary residence cards or permanent residence cards.

2. The aforementioned entities shall invite or sponsor foreigners within the functions, tasks, and powers prescribed by law or by the operating licenses issued. Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam, foreigners possessing temporary residence cards or permanent residence cards may invite or sponsor foreigners to visit Vietnam, and must present papers proving their relationship with the persons invited or sponsored.

Article 15. Procedures for inviting or sponsoring foreigners to enter Vietnam at competent authorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. Each of the foreigners mentioned in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 Article 8 of this Law shall send an application for visa to a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the inviting entity.

2. Any entity that invites or sponsors a foreigner as prescribed in Clause 1 and Clause 2 Article 8 of this Law shall send a written notification to a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to direct an overseas agency of Vietnam competent to issue visas to issue a visa (if a visa is required), and notify the immigration authority.

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4. If the application for visa is submitted at an international border checkpoint, it is required to specify the border checkpoint, entry time, and reasons for applying for the visa at the border checkpoint.

5. After receiving the written response from the competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the inviting entity shall request the foreigner to follow the procedures for receiving the visa at overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam.

6. The entity that applies for the issuance of a visa to a foreigner at an overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam shall pay the fee for notification of visa issuance to the competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 16. Procedures for inviting or sponsoring foreigners to enter Vietnam at immigration authorities

1. Foreigners other than those mentioned in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 Article 8 of this Law must follow the procedures at the immigration authority via the inviting entities. The inviting entity shall directly submit the application for visa at the immigration authority.

2. Before following the procedures for inviting or sponsoring a foreigner to enter Vietnam, the social organization, enterprise, or another organization having a juridical person as prescribed by Vietnam’s law, the branch of a foreign trader, the representative office of a foreign economic, cultural, and professional organization in Vietnam must send a written notification to the immigration authority enclose with an application that consists of:

a) A certified true copy of the license or decision of the competent authority on establishment of the organization;

b) A document introducing the seal and signature of a competent person of the organization.

The notification shall only be sent once. If the contents of the application are changed, an additional notification shall be sent.

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4. After receiving the written response from the immigration authority, the inviting entity shall notify the foreigner to follow the procedures for receiving the visa at the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam.

5. In case the visa is applied for at an international border checkpoint, the immigration authority shall consider processing the application within 03 working days from the receipt of sufficient documents in the cases mentioned in Points a, b, c, and d Clause 1 Article 18 of this Law; and within 12 working hours from the receipt of sufficient documents in the cases mentioned in Point dd and Point e Clause 1 Article 18 of this Law.

6. Any entity that applies for a visa for a foreigner at an overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam shall pay the fee for notification of visa issuance to the immigration authority.

7. [30] The inviting entities may choose to send applications for issuance of visas to foreigners and receive responses via electronic transaction at the immigration web portal if conditions specified in Clause 1 Article 16b of this Law are fully satisfied.

Article 16a. Procedures for issuance of electronic visas at request of foreigners [31]

1. A foreigner applying for issuance of an electronic visa shall follow the instructions below:

a) Declaring information serving issuance of electronic visa and uploading photo and passport data page to the website for issuance of electronic visas;

b) Paying fee for visa issuance to the account specified in the website for issuance of electronic visas after the code of electronic profile of the immigration authority is provided.

2. The immigration authority shall make consideration and respond to the applicant at the website for issuance of electronic visas within 03 working days from the date on which all information and fee for visa issuance have been received.

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Article 16b. Procedures for issuance of electronic visas at request of agencies and organizations [32]

1. Agencies and organizations specified in Clause 2 Article 16 of this Law may apply for issuance of electronic visas to foreigners when all following conditions are satisfied:

a) Owning electronic accounts granted by immigration authorities as specified in Clause 2 of this Article;

b) Owning electronic signatures according to Law on E-Transactions.

2. Electronic accounts are registered as follows:

a) Agencies and organizations shall send applications for issuance of electronic accounts to immigration authorities The application for issuance of electronic accounts can only performed once, except for cases of changes to contents or termination of accounts as specified in Clause 7 of this Article;

b) Immigration authorities shall respond in writing and grant electronic accounts within 03 working days from the date on which applications of agencies and organizations are received. In case of rejection, reasons shall be clearly specified in writing.

3. Agencies and organizations specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall use electronic accounts to access the website for issuance of electronic visas in order to apply for issuance of electronic visas to foreigners; submit fees for issuance of electronic visas to accounts specified in the website for issuance of electronic visas after receiving code of electronic profiles of immigration authorities.

4. Immigration authorities shall make consideration and respond to agencies and organizations at the website for issuance of electronic visas within 03 working days from the date on which all information and fees for visa issuance have been received.

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6. Foreigners issued with electronic visas shall use code of electronic profiles informed by agencies and organizations to check and print results of issuance of electronic visas at the website for issuance of electronic visas.

7. Electronic accounts shall be terminated at request of agencies and organizations possessing them; agencies and organizations which are possessing accounts and reorganized, dissolved, going bankrupt or violating regulations and law on electronic transactions or immigration management. Immigration authorities shall terminate electronic accounts and respond in writing to inform agencies and organizations owning accounts.

Article 17. Issuance of visa at an overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam

1. Within 01 working days from the receipt of a directive from a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the passport and the application for visa with pictures in the cases mentioned in Clause 2 Article 15 of this Law, the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam shall issue the visa.

2. In cases other than those mentioned in Clause 1 of this Article, after receiving the notification from the inviting entity, the foreigner shall submit the passport, the application for via and his/her pictures to the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam (if a visa is required). Every child under 14 years of age who is issued with a visa in the same passport of his/her parent or guardian is not required to apply for a visa in case he/she uses the same visa as his/her parent or guardian.

Within 03 working days from the receipt of the notification from the immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam shall issue the visa.

3. The head of the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam shall issue a visa that is valid for not more than 30 days to each of the following foreigners who comes to Vietnam for the purpose of market survey, tourism, visiting relatives, or medical treatment:

a) Any person who does business with an overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam, his/her spouse and children; any person that presents a written request by a competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country;

b) Any person who presents a diplomatic note of sponsorship by a foreign diplomatic mission or consular mission at the host country.

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Article 18. Visa issuance at international border checkpoints

1. A foreigner shall be issued with a visa at an international border checkpoint in the following cases:

a) The foreigner departs from a country that does not have any visa-issuing authority of Vietnam;

b) The foreigner has to stop by multiple countries before arriving at Vietnam;

c) The foreigner comes to Vietnam to take a tour organized by an international tourism company in Vietnam;

d) Foreign crewmember of a ship anchoring at a Vietnam’s port wishes to exit Vietnam through another border checkpoint;

dd) The foreigner comes to Vietnam to attend a funeral of his/her relative, or to visit a gravely ill relative;

e) The foreigner comes to Vietnam to participate in dealing with an emergency, rescue, prevention of natural disasters, epidemics, or for another purpose at the request of a competent authority of Vietnam.

2. Any foreigner issued with a visa at an international border checkpoint shall submit his/her passport or international laissez-passer, fill the application for the visa, and append his/her picture at the immigration control unit. A child under 14 years of age shall be mentioned in the same application filled by his/her parent or guardian in case the child uses the same passport of his/her parent or guardian.

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Article 19. Visa issuance at an immigration authority or competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. Any foreigner who has a temporary residence in Vietnam and wishes to obtain a new visa shall request the inviting entity to follow the procedures at an immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. The inviting entity mentioned in Clause 1 of this Article shall directly send an application for the visa enclosed with a passport or international laissez-passer of the invited foreigner to the immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Within 05 working days from the receipt of sufficient documents, the immigration authority or competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall consider issuing the visa.

Article 19a. Nationals and territories eligible for issuance of electronic visas and international border checkpoints for entry and exit of foreigners on electronic visas [33]

1. Electronic visas shall be issued in such a way to ensure national defense and security, social order and safety, and conform to Vietnam's foreign policy and socio-economic development.

2. The Government shall decide list of nationals and territories eligible for issuance of electronic visas and list of international border checkpoints for entry and exit of foreigners on electronic visas.

Chapter III

ENTRY

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1. A foreigner shall be granted permission for entry if:

a) He/she possesses a passport or international laissez-passer and visa, except for cases of visa-free entry as specified in this Law.

Passport of a foreigner wishing to make unilateral visa-free entry shall be valid at least for another 06 months; and

b) He/she does not fall into cases of entry suspension specified in Article 21 of this Law.

2. A foreigner using electronic visa to enter shall fully satisfy all conditions specified in Clause 1 of this Article and make entry via international border checkpoints decided by the Government.

Article 21. Cases of suspension from entry

1. Any of the conditions in Clause 1 Article 20 of this Law is not satisfied.

2. Children under 14 years of age do not accompany their parents, guardians or authorized custodians.

3. Documents are forged and false information is provided to obtain entry/exit/residence permits.

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5. Any person has been deported from Vietnam within the last 03 years from the effective date of the deportation decision.

6. Any person has been compelled to exit Vietnam within the last 06 months from the effective date of decision to compel exit.

7. For reasons of epidemic prevention.

8. For reasons of natural disasters.

9. For reasons of national defense and security, social order and safety.

Article 22. Authority to decide suspension from entry

1. The head of the immigration control unit shall decide suspension from entry in the cases mentioned in Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Article 21 of this Law.

2. The Minister of Health shall decide suspension from entry in the case mentioned in Clause 7 Article 21 of this Law.

3. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development shall decide suspension from entry in the case mentioned in Clause 8 Article 21 of this Law.

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5. Persons having authority to decide suspension from entry also have authority to lift such suspension and take responsibilities to the law for their decision.

Chapter IV

TRANSIT

Article 23. Transit conditions

A foreigner shall be granted permission for transit if:

1. He/she possesses a passport or international laissez-passer;

2. His/her ticket is consistent with the route to the third country;

3. He/she possesses a visa issued by the third country, except for the case where the visa-free entry is granted.

Article 24. Transit passenger area

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2. The transit passenger area shall be decided by the authority managing the international border checkpoint.

Article 25. Transit by air

1. Any foreigner that transits by air is not required to obtain a visa and must stay within the transit passenger area of the international airport pending the connecting flight.

2. During the transit, any foreigner that wishes to enter Vietnam for the purpose of tourism according to a program organized by an international tourism enterprise in Vietnam, such foreign shall be considered to be issued with a visa that matches the transit duration.

Article 26. Transit by sea

Any foreigner that transits by sea is not required to obtain a visa and must stay within the transit passenger area of the seaport while the ship is anchoring; any of them who wishes to enter Vietnam for the purpose of tourism according to a program organized by an international tourism enterprise in Vietnam shall be considered to be issued with a visa that matches the transit duration; any of them who wishes to exit Vietnam through another border checkpoint shall be considered to be issued with a VR visa.

Chapter V

EXIT

Article 27. Exit conditions [35]

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a) He/she possesses a passport or international laissez-passer;

b) He/she possesses temporary residence certificate, temporary residence card or permanent residence card that is still valid;

c) He/she does not fall into cases of exit suspension specified in Article 28 of this Law.

2. A foreigner using electronic visa to exit shall fully satisfy all conditions specified in Clause 1 of this Article and make exit via international border checkpoints decided by the Government.

Article 28. Cases of suspension from exit and suspension duration

1. A foreigner may be suspended from exit in one of the following cases:

a) He/she is currently the suspect, the accused, or the person having relevant obligations in a criminal case; a defendant or a person having relevant obligations in a civil case pertaining to business, employment, administration, marriage and family affairs;

b) He/she has to implement a judgment or decision of the Court or a Competition Settlement Council;

c) His/her tax obligation is not fulfilled;

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dd) For reasons for national defense and security.

2. Clause 1 of this Article is not applied to any person who is serving a prison sentence and taken abroad to provide evidence as prescribed by Article 25 of the Law on Judicial Assistance.

3. The duration of suspension from exit shall not exceed 03 years and may be extended.

Article 29. Authority to decide to suspend exit, extend duration of exit suspension, and lift exit suspension

1. Heads of investigation agencies, Heads of Procuracies, Executive Judges of Courts, Chiefs of Judgment Enforcement Agencies, Presidents of Competition Settlement Councils, within the ambit of their tasks and powers, shall decide exit suspension in the cases mentioned in Point a and Point b Clause 1 Article 28 of this Law.

2. Heads of tax authorities shall decide exit suspension in the cases mentioned in Point c Clause 1 Article 28 of this Law.

3. The Minister of Public Security shall suspend any foreigner mentioned in Point d Clause 1 Article 28 of this Law from exit in the following cases:

a) He/she is obliged to abide by a decision on penalties for administrative violations imposed by a police authority;

b) At the request of the Executive Judge of the People’s Supreme Court, Ministers, Heads of ministerial agencies, Presidents of provincial People’s Committees.

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5. Any person having authority to decide exit suspension is also entitled to extend the suspension duration and lift such suspension, and shall take responsibility to the law for his/her decision.

Any person that decides suspension from exit shall be responsible for lifting such suspension after the suspension conditions no longer exist.

6. The decision to suspend exit, extend duration of exit suspension, and lift exit suspension shall be promptly sent to the immigration authority and the person subject to exit suspension.

7. After receiving the decision to suspend exit, extend duration of exit suspension, and lift exit suspension, the immigration authority shall be responsible for organize the execution of this decision.

Article 30. Forced exit

1. A foreigner may be forced to exit Vietnam in one of the following cases:

a) He/she fails to exit Vietnam after the expiration of the temporary residence period;

b) For reasons for national defense and security, social order and safety.

2. Authority to decide forced exit:

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b) The Minister of Public Security, the Minister of National Defense shall decide forced exit in the cases mentioned in Point b Clause 1 of this Article.

Chapter VI

RESIDENCE

Section 1. TEMPORARY RESIDENCE

Article 31. Temporary residence certificate

1. [36] A foreigner making entry without having a valid temporary residence card or permanent residence card shall be issued with a temporary residence certificate at the border checkpoint valid within definite period as follows:

a) Period of temporary residence granted shall equal his/her visa validity; in case his/her visa is encoded as DL and valid for more than 30 days, he/she shall be granted temporary residence for 30 days and shall be considered for extension of the temporary residence period as specified in Article 35 of this Law;

b) If he/she is benefitting from visa-free entry according to international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory, period of temporary residence shall be granted according to the international agreements or for 30 days in case where the international agreements do not specify period of temporary residence;

c) [37] A national benefitting from unilateral visa-free entry treatment of Vietnam shall be granted temporary residence for 45 days and considered for issuance of visa and extension of the temporary residence period according to regulations of this Law;

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2. The foreigner may temporarily reside in Vietnam throughout the duration on which the temporary residence certificate is issued.

3. The period of temporary residence may be shortened or invalidated by the immigration authority when the foreigner violates Vietnam’s law.

Article 32. Accommodation establishments

Accommodation establishments are places where foreigners temporarily reside within Vietnam’s territory, including accommodation establishments for tourists, guest houses, housing areas for foreigners who work, study, or serve their internship in Vietnam, medical facilities, private houses, and other accommodation establishments defined by law.

Article 33. Declaration of temporary residence [39]

1. Any foreigner that temporarily resides in Vietnam shall, via the person directly managing and operating the operation of the accommodation establishment, declare his/her temporary residence to the police of the commune, ward, and township or at the local police authority/station where the accommodation establishment is located. The accommodation establishment shall be responsible for requesting the foreigner to present his/her passport or international laissez-passer, and documents related to residence in Vietnam to register temporary residence before admitting him/her. If the border guard post/station receives the declaration of temporary residence of the foreigner under regulations of an international treaty to which Vietnam is a signatory, the border guard post/station shall immediately notify the police of the commune, ward, township or the police authority/station where the foreigner temporarily resides.

2. The declaration of temporary residence of the foreigner can be sent to the police in either electronic or paper form

In case of applying for temporary residence in the paper form, the person directly managing and operating the operation of the accommodation establishment shall be responsible for filling in all information about the foreigner on the temporary residence declaration form and sending it to the police of the commune, ward, township or the police authority/station where the accommodation establishment is located within 12 hours (24 hours for remote areas) from the time the foreigner arrives at the accommodation establishment. 

3. In case where the foreigner changes his/her address of temporary residence stated in his/her permanent residence card or when there is any change in information in his/her passport, the declaration of temporary residence shall be remade as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article.

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1. Foreigners may reside in accommodation establishments in industrial parks, export-processing zones, checkpoint economic zones, and coastal economic zones, and shall declare their temporary residence in accordance with Article 33 of this Law.

2. [40] Foreigners must not temporarily reside in prohibited areas, areas in border areas on land where activities are suspended; prohibited zones, and restricted areas in border areas at sea. In case foreigners temporarily reside in accommodation establishments in border areas or townships, district-level towns, cities, tourist service zones, special administrative - economic units and other economic zones related to border areas, they shall declare their temporary residence in accordance with Article 33 of this Law. Agencies receiving declarations of temporary residence from foreigners shall notify the border guard posts/stations where the accommodation establishments are located.

Article 35. Extension of temporary residence status

1. Any foreigner who is temporarily residing in Vietnam and wishes to have the temporary residence status extended shall request the inviting entity to follow the procedures at an immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. The inviting entity mentioned in Clause 1 of this Article shall directly send an application for extension of the temporary residence status enclosed with a passport or an international laissez-passer of the foreigner to the competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the cases mentioned in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 Article 8 of this Law, or to the immigration authority in the cases mentioned in Clause 1 Article 16 of this Law.

3. Within 05 working days from the receipt of sufficient documents, the immigration authority or the competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall consider extending temporary residence status.

Article 36. Cases of issuance of temporary residence cards and symbols thereof [41]

1. Temporary residence cards shall be issued to:

a) Foreigners who are members of diplomatic missions, consular missions, representative offices of international organizations affiliated to the UN, intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam and their spouses, children under 18 years of age and helpers accompanying on missions;

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2. Temporary residence cards shall bear symbols as follows:

a) Temporary residence cards issued to individuals specified in Point a Clause 1 of this Article shall bear NG3 symbol;

b) Temporary residence cards issued to individuals specified in Point b Clause 1 of this Article shall bear symbols similar to visa symbols.

Article 37. Procedures for issuance of temporary residence card

1. An application for a temporary residence card consists of:

a) An application form from the inviting entity;

b) A declaration bearing a picture;

c) Passport;

d) [42] Documents proving eligibility specified in Clause 1 Article 36 of this Law.

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a) The diplomatic mission, consular mission, or another agency authorized by the foreigner in Vietnam shall send the application for the NG3 temporary residence card to a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

b)[43] The inviting entity shall submit the application for issuance of the temporary resident card to the foreigner specified in Point b Clause 1 Article 36 of this law to the immigration authority where the inviting entity is headquartered (in case the inviting entity is an agency or organization) or where the inviting entity resides (in case the inviting entity is an individual).

c) Within 05 working days from the receipt of sufficient documents, the immigration authority or the competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall consider issuing the temporary residence card.

Article 38. Validity of temporary residence card [44]

1. Validity of a temporary residence card issued shall be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of a passport.

2. Validity of a DT1 temporary residence card does not exceed 10 years.

3. Validity of NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, DT2 or DH temporary residence card does not exceed 5 years.

4. Validity of NN1, NN2, DT3 or TT temporary residence card does not exceed 3 years.

5. Validity of LD1, LD2 or PV1 temporary residence card does not exceed 2 years.

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Section 2. PERMANENT RESIDENCE

Article 39. Persons eligible for permanent residence

1. Foreigners who have contributed to the development and protection of Vietnam and are awarded medals or titles by Vietnam’s Government.

2. Foreigners who are scientists or experts temporarily residing in Vietnam.

3. Any foreigner sponsored by his/her parent, spouse, or child who is a Vietnamese citizen and is permanently residing in Vietnam.

4. Any person without nationality who has temporarily resided in Vietnam from 2000 or earlier.

Article 40. Conditions for granting permanent residence status

1. Any of the foreigners mentioned in Article 39 of this Law may be granted permanent residence status if he/she has a legitimate residence place and steady income in Vietnam.

2. Foreigners mentioned in Clause 2 Article 39 of this Law shall be proposed by the Ministers, Heads of ministerial agencies or Governmental agencies in corresponding fields.

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Article 41. Procedures for granting permanent residence status

1. Any foreigner applying for permanent residence status (hereinafter referred to as "applicant") shall follow the procedures at an immigration authority. An application consists of:

a) An application form for permanent residence status;

b) A criminal record issued by a competent authority of the country of which the applicant holds citizenship;

c) A diplomatic note from a diplomatic mission of the country of which the applicant holds citizenship requesting Vietnam to grant permanent residence status to the applicant;

d) Certified true copy of the passport;

dd) Documents proving satisfaction of conditions under Article 40 of the Law on Vietnamese Guest Workers:

e) A note of sponsorship (applied to the foreigner mentioned in Clause 3 Article 39 of this Law).

2. Within 04 months from the receipt of sufficient documents, the Minister of Public Security shall consider granting the permanent residence status; if further investigation is required, the deadline may be extended for up to 02 months.

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4. Within 05 working days from the receipt of the notification from the immigration authority, the police authority of the province where the foreigner wishes to have a permanent residence place shall notify the foreigner.

5. Within 03 months from the receipt of the notification, the foreigner may receive the permanent residence card at the immigration authority affiliated to the provincial police authority.

Article 42. Procedures for granting permanent residence status to person without nationality

1. Any person without nationality mentioned in Clause 4 Article 39 of this Law shall submit an application to the immigration authority affiliated to the police authority of the province where he/she has a temporary residence place. An application consists of:

a) An application form for permanent residence status;

b) Documents proving that he/she has had a temporary residence place in Vietnam before 2000 and satisfies all conditions in Clause 1 Article 40 of this Law.

2. Procedures for granting permanent residence status to any person without nationality shall comply with Clauses 2, 3, 4, and 5 Article 41 of this Law.

Article 43. Replacement and reissuance of permanent residence cards

1. Permanent residence cards shall be issued by provincial police authorities Every 10 years, every foreigner who has a permanent residence status shall replace his/her permanent residence card at a provincial police authority The application consists of:

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b) Permanent residence card;

c) A certified true copy of the passport, except for any person without nationality.

2. If the permanent residence card is lost or, damaged, or its contents are changed, its holder shall follow the procedures for reissuance of the card at the police authority of the province where he/she permanently resides. The application consists of:

a) An application form for reissuance of the permanent residence card;

b) The permanent residence card (or a report on the loss of the card);

c) A certified true copy of the passport, except for any person without nationality;

d) Documents proving changes to the contents of the permanent residence card.

3. Within 20 days from the date on which sufficient documents are received, the police authority of the province shall reissue the card.

Chapter VII

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Article 44. Rights and obligations of foreigners

1. Any foreigner that enters, exits, transits, or resides in Vietnam has the following rights. To be specific:

a) Having the life, dignity, property, the lawful rights and interests protected in accordance with Vietnam’s Law while he/she is residing within the territory of Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b) Every holder of a temporary residence card may sponsor his/her grandparents, parents, spouse, and children to visit Vietnam; his/her spouse and children under 18 years of age to stay in Vietnam during the validity period of the temporary residence card if agreed by the agency or organization that invites or sponsors the card holder.

c) Every holder of a permanent residence card may sponsor his/her parents, grandparents, spouse, and children to visit Vietnam;

d) People residing lawfully in Vietnam may travel around the territory of Vietnam for purposes of tourism, visiting, or medical treatment and they are not required to ask for permission; the access to prohibited or restricted areas shall be dealt with in accordance with law;

dd) Crewmembers of ships that enter Vietnam may go onshore within provinces where these ships are anchored. The issuance of a visa shall be considered if a crewmember goes beyond the province or exits Vietnam through another border checkpoint;

e) The spouse and children that accompany a member of a diplomatic mission, consular mission, representative office of an international organization of the UN, or an intergovernmental organization in Vietnam may go to work if they have work permits unless they are not eligible for work permits; and may go to school if they are accepted in writing by a school or a educational institution;

g) Any person studying at a school or an educational institution under an international treaty or agreement may go to work if he/she is permitted in writing to work by the school or educational institution;

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i) The Ministry of Public Security shall consider issuing an international laissez-passer to any person without nationality that is residing in Vietnam and wishes to exit Vietnam.

2. Any foreigner that enters, exits, transits, or resides in Vietnam has the following obligations. To be specific:

a) Complying with Vietnam’s law; respecting Vietnam’s traditions and customs;

b) Being engaged in activities in Vietnam in accordance with the intended purpose of entry;

c) While travelling, carrying his/her passport, international laissez-passer, and documents related to residence in Vietnam and presenting them to the competent authority upon request;

d) When a foreigner who permanently resides in Vietnam exits Vietnam to permanently reside in another country, he/she must return the permanent residence card to the immigration control unit at the border checkpoint.

dd)[46] Presenting his/her passport or international laissez-passer, and documents related to residence in Vietnam to an accommodation establishment to declare his/her temporary residence according to regulations.

Article 45. Rights and obligations of inviting entities

1. Inviting entities have the following rights. To be specific:

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b) Vietnamese citizens permanently reside in Vietnam may invite or sponsor their grandparents, parents of their spouses, spouses, children, and siblings who are foreigners to Vietnam;

c) Vietnamese citizens permanently reside in Vietnam may invite or sponsor their parents, spouses, and children that are foreigners who apply for permanent residence status or temporary residence cards

2. Inviting entities have the following responsibilities. To be specific:

a) Follow procedures for inviting, sponsoring foreigners to enter, exit Vietnam, or reside in Vietnam in accordance with this Law;

b) Instruct foreigners to comply with law, respect the traditions and customs of Vietnam

c) Fulfill the responsibilities of sponsors as prescribed by law; cooperate with competent authorities of Vietnam in resolving issues related to the invited or sponsored foreigners;

d) Cooperate with competent authorities in monitoring foreigners’ activities in accordance with their entry purposes while they are temporarily residing in Vietnam; cooperate with accommodation establishments in declaring temporary residence of foreigners;

dd) Cooperate with regulatory bodies in completing the procedures for inviting/sponsoring foreigners to enter Vietnam to do activities subject to approval by the said regulatory bodies before making the invitation or sponsorship.

e) Notify immigration authorities in writing of the cases in which foreigners granted entry/exit/residence permits no longer wish to be sponsored during their temporary residence period in Vietnam, and cooperate with competent authorities in requesting such foreigners to exit Vietnam.

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1. Entities may only employ foreign workers, organize tourism programs for foreigners or allow foreigners to temporarily reside in Vietnam when they lawfully reside in Vietnam.

2. If entities detect signs of violations against regulations on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, they shall immediately notify the nearest police authorities; if entities detect signs of violations which occur in border areas, they shall immediately notify the nearest police authorities or border guard posts/stations.

Chapter VIII

RESPONSIBILITIES OF AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS IN CHARGE OF ENTRY, EXIT, TRANSIT AND RESIDENCE OF FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM

Article 46. Responsibilities of the Government

1. Perform state management of entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam in a uniform manner.

2. [48] Issue regulations on construction, update, connection, access and sharing of information in database on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam; cooperation mechanism among ministries, ministerial agencies, People’s Committees of provinces and central-affiliated cities in management of entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

3. [49] Regulate foreigners making visa-free entry into economic zones of border checkpoint areas, special administrative - economic zones and coastal economic zones specified in Clause 3 and Clause 3a Article 12 of this Law and wishing to visit other destinations of Vietnam; issuance of visas for foreigners making entry into Vietnam according to international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory without commercial presence or partners in Vietnam; form of issuance of temporary residence certificates to foreigners making entry into Vietnam; foreigners making entry and exit via automatic security barriers.

Article 47. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Security

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2. Formulate and promulgate, within its jurisdiction or request competent authorities to promulgate legislative documents on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

3. Organize the execution of legislative documents on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

4. Issue entry, exit, and residence permits to foreigners in Vietnam.

5.[50] Control entry, exit and transit at border checkpoints under management of Ministry of Public Security as per the law

6. Carry out inspections, settle complaints and denunciations, and impose penalties for violations against regulations of law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

7. Provide templates of documents on entry, exit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

8. Produce statistics on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam

9. Make international cooperation, within its jurisdiction, request competent authorities to enter into international treaties on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

10.[51] Develop and manage the website for issuance of electronic visas, publicize name of the Immigration web portal.

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Article 48. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. Cooperate with the Ministry of Public Security in management of entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

2. Issue, amend, invalidate visas; issue, invalidate temporary residence cards; extend temporary residence status of foreigners in accordance with this Law.

3. Instruct overseas visa-issuing authorities of Vietnam to adhere to regulations of law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

4. Request competent authorities to enter into international treaties on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

Article 49. Responsibilities of the Ministry of National Defense

1. Cooperate with the Ministry of Public Security in management of entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

2.[53] Control entry, exit and transit at border checkpoints under management of Ministry of National Defense as per the law; issue, amend and invalidate visas, issue temporary residence certificate as specified in this Law

3. Carry out inspections and impose penalties for violations against regulations of law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam at border checkpoints under the management of the Ministry of National Defense.

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Ministries and ministerial agencies other than those mentioned in Article 48 and Article 49 of this Law, within their tasks and powers, shall cooperate with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense in management of entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam

Article 51. Responsibilities of People’s Committees at all levels

1. Organize the compliance with regulations of law on entry, exit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

2. Instruct specialized agencies affiliated to People’s Committees to manage the residence of local foreigners in accordance with this Law.

3. Disseminate and educate on the law on entry, exit, and residence of foreigners in their local areas.

4. Carry out inspections, settle complaints and denunciations, and impose penalties for violations against regulations of law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in their local areas.

5. Apart from the regulations in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this Article, People’s Committees of communes, wards, and towns shall grasp the operations of local accommodation establishments and manage the residence and activities of local foreigners

Article 52. Responsibilities of Vietnamese Fatherland Front and member organizations thereof

1. Cooperate with competent state authorities in disseminating and educating on this Law and encouraging persons to comply with it.

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Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTATION [54]

Article 53. Transitional regulations

Unexpired entry/exit/residence permits issued before the effective date of this Law may be used until their expiration dates.

Article 54. Entry into force

1. This Law comes into force from January 01, 2015.

2. The Ordinance No. 24/1999/PL-UBTVQH10 on entry, exit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam is annulled as from the effective date of this Law.

Article 55. Guidelines

The Government shall provide guidelines for the Articles and Clauses assigned thereto./.

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CERTIFIED BY

CHAIRMAN




Bui Van Cuong

[1] The Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam is promulgated pursuant to:

 “The Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

The National Assembly promulgates the Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.”.

The Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam is promulgated pursuant to:

 “The Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

The National Assembly promulgates the Law on amendments to some Articles of Law No. 49/2019/QH14 on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of foreigners in Vietnam amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14.”.

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[3] This Clause is added by Clause 1 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[4] This Article is amended by Clause 2 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[5] This Clause is amended by Clause 1 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[6] This Clause is amended by point a Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[7] This Clause is amended by point b Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[8] This Clause is added by point c Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[9] This Clause is added by point c Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[10] This Clause is added by point c Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[11] This Clause is added by point c Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

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[13] This Clause is added by point dd Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[14] This Clause is amended by point e Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[15] This Clause is added by point g Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[16] This Clause is amended by point h Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[17] This Clause is added by point i Clause 3 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[18] This Clause is amended for the first time by point a Clause 4 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

This Clause is amended for the second time by Clause 2 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[19] This Clause is amended by Clause 2 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[20] This Clause is amended by Clause 2 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

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This Clause is amended for the second time by Clause 2 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[22] This Clause is amended by point c Clause 4 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[23] This Clause is added by point d Clause 4 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[24] This Clause is amended by point dd Clause 4 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[25] This Clause is added by point e Clause 4 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[26] This Clause is amended by point a Clause 5 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[27] This Clause is added by point b Clause 5 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[28] This Clause is added by Clause 6 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[29] This Clause is added by Clause 7 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

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[31] This Article is added by Clause 9 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[32] This Article is added by Clause 9 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[33] This Article is added for the first time by Clause 10 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

This Article is amended for the second time by Clause 3 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[34] This Article is amended by Clause 11 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[35] This Article is amended by Clause 12 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[36] This Clause is amended by Clause 13 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[37] This Point is amended by Clause 4 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[38] This Point is amended by Clause 4 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

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[40] This Clause is amended by Clause 6 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[41] This Article is amended by Clause 14 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[42] This Point is amended by point a Clause 15 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020;

[43] This Point is amended by point b Clause 15 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[44] This Article is amended by Clause 16 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[45] The name of this Chapter is amended by Clause 7 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[46] This Point is added by Clause 8 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[47] This Article is added by Clause 9 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[48] This Clause is amended by Clause 17 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

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[50] This Clause is amended by point a Clause 18 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[51] This Clause is added by point b Clause 18 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[52] This Clause is added by Clause 10 Article 2 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023.

[53] This Clause is amended by Clause 19 Article 1 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020.

[54] Article 2 of the Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from July 01, 2020 stipulates that:

 “Article 2. Entry into force

This Law comes into force from July 01, 2020.”.

Article 3 of the Law No. 23/2023/QH15 on amendments to some Articles of the Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which comes into force from August 15, 2023 stipulates that:

 “Article 3. Implementation

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2. Entry and exit documents issued before the effective date of this Law shall be valid until the expiry date specified in such entry and exit documents.

3. In case citizens apply for issuance of entry and exit documents but they have not been issued with such documents when this Law takes effect, the regulations of the Law No. 49/2019/QH14 on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens will continue to be applied.

4. In case a foreigner has been issued with an electronic visa or entered Vietnam under a unilateral visa-free entry regime or applied for an electronic visa but has not yet been issued with an electronic visa when this Law takes effect, the Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14 shall continue to be applied.”.