On June 24, 2023, the 15th National Assembly of Vietnam approved a new law regulating entry and exit procedures for both Vietnamese citizens and foreign travelers.
This law officially took effect on August 15, 2023, marking an important step in simplifying Vietnam’s visa process and expanding e-Visa policies.
Key Provisions of Article 3 – Implementation
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Validity of existing documents:
Passports, visas, and other entry/exit documents issued before August 15, 2023 remain valid until their stated expiry date. -
Pending applications before effective date:
If citizens applied for passports or travel documents but had not received them before August 15, 2023, the older Law No. 49/2019/QH14 will continue to apply until issuance. -
Foreigners with visas or exemptions before August 15, 2023:
Travelers who already had an e-Visa or were granted unilateral visa-free entry before the new law took effect are still covered under Law No. 47/2014/QH13 (amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14). -
New framework after August 15, 2023:
From this date, the updated regulations apply to all new visa applications, including the expanded Vietnam e-Visa system.
What This Means for Foreign Travelers
The updated law brings several benefits for international tourists and business visitors:
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Expanded e-Visa program: More nationalities can now apply for a Vietnam e-Visa online.
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Longer validity: The law allows 30-day and 90-day e-Visas, with both single and multiple-entry options.
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Greater accessibility: E-Visas are valid at more airports, land borders, and seaports across Vietnam.
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Urgent services remain available: Same-day and 1-day urgent e-Visa options help travelers with last-minute trips.
Why This Update Matters
Vietnam aims to boost tourism and business travel by making visa access faster, easier, and more transparent. For foreigners, this means:
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No need to visit embassies or consulates in most cases.
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A streamlined online application process.
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Confidence that older documents remain valid during the transition period.
The new Vietnam Entry & Exit Law, effective August 15, 2023, modernizes and expands Vietnam’s visa system. It ensures a smooth transition for existing documents while improving access for future travelers.
📌 Start your Vietnam e-Visa application today → Apply Online