Foreigners 09/11/2023
Vietnam, known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers and expatriates alike. However, before setting foot in this Southeast Asian gem, it is essential to understand the entry conditions that foreign visitors must adhere to. Please feel free to contact Apolo Lawyers Law Firm via email contact@apolo.com.vn or hotline - 0903.419.479 for legal advice and support.
1. Who are foreigners entering Vietnam?
According to Clause 1, Article 3 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 ( amended 2019 ), a foreigner is a person who carries a document identifying foreign nationality and a stateless person. entry, exit, transit and residence in Vietnam.
In which, entry is the entry of foreigners into Vietnamese territory through Vietnam border gates. (Clause 4, Article 3 of the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014 ( amended 2019 ))
Conditions For Foreigners To Enter Vietnam
2. Conditions for foreigners to enter Vietnam
Foreigners enter Vietnam when they fully meet the conditions specified in Article 20 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 ( amended 2019 ), specifically as follows: :
- Having a passport or valid international travel document and a visa, except for cases exempted from visas in accordance with the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.
For foreigners entering the country under unilateral visa exemption, their passports must be valid for at least 06 months;
- Not falling into the case of not allowing entry specified in Article 21 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 ( amended 2019 ), including:
+ Failing to meet the conditions specified in Clause 1, Article 20 of the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014 ( amended 2019 ).
+ Children under 14 years old who are not accompanied by their father, mother, guardian or authorized person.
+ Forging papers, making false declarations in order to be granted valid papers on entry, exit and residence.
+ Persons suffering from mental illnesses or infectious diseases that pose a danger to public health.
+ Being expelled from Vietnam for less than 3 years from the effective date of the decision on expulsion.
+ Being forced to leave Vietnam within 06 months from the effective date of the decision on forced exit.
For reasons of disease prevention and control.
+ Due to natural disaster.
For reasons of national defense, security, social order and safety.
Foreigners using electronic visas to enter must meet the conditions specified above and enter through international border gates decided by the Government.
Conditions For Foreigners To Enter Vietnam
3. Rights and obligations of foreigners entering Vietnam
3.1. Rights of foreigners to enter Vietnam
Foreigners entering Vietnam have the following rights:
- To have life, honor, property and legitimate rights and interests protected under Vietnamese law during their stay in the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;
- Temporary residence card holders may sponsor their grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, wife, husband and children to visit Vietnam; may sponsor their spouse and children under 18 years of age to stay with them during the duration of their temporary residence card if the agency or organization that invites or guarantees such person agrees;
- Permanent residence card holders may sponsor their grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, wife, husband and children to visit Vietnam;
- Persons who are lawfully residing in Vietnam may travel within Vietnam territory, combine tourism, visit relatives, and receive medical treatment without having to ask permission; in case of entering prohibited areas or restricted areas for travel and residence, comply with the provisions of law;
- Crew members on ships and boats entering Vietnam may go ashore within provinces and centrally run cities where ships and boats anchor; in case of going outside of the above range or exiting Vietnam territory through other border gates, a visa will be considered;
- Spouses, spouses and children accompanying the members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations under the United Nations, and representative offices of intergovernmental organizations may work for the same period of time. work if they have a work permit, unless they are not subject to a work permit; be able to study if there is a written acceptance from the school or educational institution;
- Persons studying at schools or educational institutions under international treaties or agreements may combine labor with the written permission of the school or educational institution;
- Stateless persons permanently residing abroad may enter Vietnam to travel or visit relatives;
- Stateless people residing in Vietnam wishing to exit are considered for issuance of papers valid for international travel by the Ministry of Public Security.
(Clause 1, Article 44 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 ( amended 2019 ))
2.2. Obligations of foreigners entering Vietnam
According to Clause 2, Article 44 of the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014 ( amended 2019 ), foreigners entering Vietnam have the following obligations:
- Comply with Vietnamese laws; respect the cultural traditions, customs and practices of Vietnam;
- Activities in Vietnam must be suitable for the purpose of entry;
- When traveling, they must carry their passports or papers with international travel value, papers related to their residence in Vietnam and must present them at the request of competent authorities;
- Foreigners permanently residing in foreign countries must return their permanent residence cards to the immigration control unit at the border gate.
Before embarking on a journey to Vietnam, thorough research and preparation are essential to ensure a smooth entry process. Visa requirements can vary based on nationality, purpose of visit, and prevailing global conditions. To make the most of your time in this captivating country, familiarize yourself with the visa types, application procedures, and any special entry conditions that might be in place. For more detail, please contact Apolo Lawyers Law Firm via email contact@apolo.com.vn or hotline: (+84) 903.419.479
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