On June 24, 2023, Vietnam’s National Assembly passed important amendments to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners. These changes, effective from August 15, 2023, impact how foreigners apply for visas, declare residence, and stay in Vietnam.
This article summarizes the most relevant updates from Article 2 of the law in a way that travelers and expats can easily understand.
1. Visa Validity and Types
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Visas can now be single-entry or multiple-entry.
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Different categories of visas have updated validity periods:
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SQ visa: up to 30 days
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HN, DL, EV visas: up to 90 days
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VR visa: up to 180 days
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NG, LV, DT, DN, NN, DH, PV, TT visas: up to 1 year
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👉 This means that tourists, business travelers, and other foreign nationals now have more flexible options for their stay in Vietnam.
2. Expansion of E-Visa Policy
A new provision (Article 19a) clarifies that:
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E-Visas are issued based on Vietnam’s foreign policy, security, and socio-economic goals.
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The Government decides which nationalities are eligible and at which international airports, land borders, and seaports e-Visas are accepted.
👉 For travelers, this means Vietnam can expand the list of eligible countries and entry checkpoints over time — making it easier for more nationalities to enter via e-Visa.
3. Changes to Visa-Free Entry and Temporary Residence
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Nationals benefiting from unilateral visa exemption are now granted 45 days of temporary residence (previously 15 days).
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Foreigners entering border economic zones or coastal economic areas may be granted 15–30 days of temporary residence.
👉 This is a big boost for short-term travelers, especially from countries that already have visa-free arrangements with Vietnam.
4. Declaration of Temporary Residence
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All foreigners staying in Vietnam must declare temporary residence through their hotel, homestay, or host.
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Declarations can be made electronically or on paper.
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Accommodation providers must submit declarations within 12 hours (24 hours for remote areas).
👉 For tourists, this means your hotel will normally handle the paperwork, but you’ll need to present your passport or e-Visa.
5. Restrictions and Responsibilities
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Foreigners cannot reside in prohibited or restricted areas (especially in border regions).
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Entities (businesses, tour operators, landlords) may only provide services if foreigners are legally residing in Vietnam.
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They must notify authorities if they detect violations.
👉 For travelers, this ensures more security and transparency, but it also means you should always stay at licensed hotels/accommodation.
6. Digital Transformation in Immigration
The amendments also promote digitalization:
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Guidance on visa issuance and residence declarations will gradually move to electronic systems.
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This aligns with Vietnam’s E-Government and e-Transaction Law.
👉 In practice, travelers can expect faster online visa applications and simpler digital procedures in the near future.
Vietnam’s immigration law updates provide clearer, longer, and more flexible visa options while strengthening management of foreign visitors.
For tourists and business travelers, the most important changes are:
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Longer stays for visa-free entries (45 days).
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More flexible e-Visa policies (30–90 days, multiple entries).
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Hotels handling residence declarations electronically.
📌 Apply for your Vietnam e-Visa today → Apply Online
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