Starting August 15, 2023, Vietnam has implemented a new electronic visa (e-visa) system for all nationalities. The sudden ease in travel convenience will bring a major boost to the country’s tourism and allied sectors, which have struggled to find pre-pandemic success in part due to bureaucratic regulations.

Furthermore, citizens of select countries will be granted a privilege of visa exemption, enabling them to explore Vietnam for a prolonged duration of up to 45 days.

Legal basis for expansion of Vietnam e-visa access

The Vietnamese e-visa system has been implemented under Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP, dated August 14, 2023.

This resolution signifies a remarkable expansion in the availability of e-visas to citizens from all countries and territories, a substantial relaxation from the previous list of 80 exempted nations.

The core objective of this strategic move is to bolster tourism and position Vietnam as a more accessible and appealing destination for global travelers.

Extended ‘visa-free’ privileges for select countries

Of noteworthy significance, the implementation of the e-visa entails a standardized 90-day permissible stay, encouraging extended and more immersive business trips.

Travelers from certain Western European countries, as well as Japan and South Korea, are significant contributors to Vietnam’s tourism economy. Presently, these individuals are granted a visa-free entry for a duration of 15 days.

Thus, the extension of the visa-free days to threefold, that is 45 days, is designed to lure in a higher number of visitors from these countries, which will augment lagging tourism revenue and foster greater cultural interchange.

This transformative visa policy reform extends its benefits beyond major aviation hubs, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. With a network of 13 airports, encompassing Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, in addition to 16 land border gates now facilitating e-visas, the journey to Vietnam promises to be streamlined and seamlessly efficient, providing an optimal environment for conducting business activities.

Attracting high quality talents, business travelers, tourism boost

Vietnam has implemented this shift in a strategic move aimed at boosting tourism and attracting international investments.

The extension of the e-visa validity period is important for both business travelers and tourists, offering them an enhanced opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Vietnam’s offerings.

Moreover, this adjustment will facilitate the entry of skilled professionals and experts, making substantial contributions to the growth of Vietnam’s economy.

In addition to the extended e-visa duration, the National Assembly has approved the introduction of multiple-entry visas.

Policymakers anticipate that these decisions will streamline administrative processes, resulting in notable time and cost savings for both the Vietnamese government and visa applicants.

A three-month E-visa will effectively address the requirements of foreign visitors seeking to extend their stay for the purpose of exploring potential investment prospects. – Le Tan Toi, Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee for Defense and Security

At Dezan Shira & Associates, we’re thrilled about this new opportunity for travelers and businesses alike. While this e-visa is perfect for tourism, please note that it does not replace the business visa. If you are planning to engage in any business activities in Vietnam or seeking regular employment, a business visa and legal work permit are still essential.