Vietnam will officially reopen its borders and issue e-visas to citizens of 80 countries worldwide, starting from 1st July, 2020. The decision was confirmed by the nation’s 79/NQ-CP resolution, issued on Monday via the government portal in reference to laws on foreigner entry, exit, transit and residence in Vietnam.
The resolution states that citizens from European countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Norway will be eligible for the new visa, while regional neighbours such as China, South Korea and Japan will also be permitted to enter. Travellers from the UAE, India, the USA, Brazil, Canada, Russia and the UK will also be allowed in. The full list of countries eligible for the Vietnam e-visa can be found here.
A total of eight airports, along with 16 land border gates and 13 sea border gates will be opened to all foreigners to enter Vietnam with their new e-visas.
Vietnam had previously suspended entry for all foreign nationals, in an effort to curb and contain the outbreak of COVID-19. Only Vietnamese nationals, foreigners on diplomatic or official business, and highly skilled workers were permitted to enter the country throughout this time; all who did so were required to undergo medical checks and 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
In further positive news for foreign travellers already in Vietnam, all who entered the country after 1st March 2020 on visa exemptions, e-visas or tourism visas will be given automatic stay extensions at no extra charge, valid until 30th June, 2020. Anyone who entered the country before 1st March may also be considered for the extension, provided they can show an official letter from their embassy or consulate stating they were unable to leave the country. Foreign nationals who have undergone quarantine or treatment for COVID-19 in Vietnam are also eligible for the extension. They must bring their certification documents to show immigration officials when leaving Vietnam.
Vietnam has garnered international praise and recognition for its swift and decisive response to COVID-19. By immediately imposing travel bans, closing borders and isolating outbreaks of the virus, it appears the country has saved itself from the more widespread and severe impacts seen elsewhere. This success is best summed up in Vietnam’s number of fatalities attributed to COVID-19, which until today remains at zero.
What is Vietnam’s e-visa?
Vietnam’s e-Visa is one of several visa types offered by the Vietnam Immigration Department to foreigners entering the country. The e-Visa is valid for 30 days, and is single-entry only. The e-Visa costs 25 USD for card payments. It requires three full working days to process.
What are the e-visa requirement?
• A passport with six (6) months’ validity
• A photo in .jpg format of the passenger’s full passport data page
• A passport photo in .jpg format (4×6, white background, without glasses)
• A valid international credit or debit card
• An email address for support purposes
• A temporary address within Vietnam
• Traveller entry and exit dates (and entry and exit points/airports)
How to apply?
1. Open the official website for Vietnam’s e-visa application.
2. Upload .jpg images of your passport data page and passport photo
3. Fill in all required info from your passport data page
4. Fill in all required info regarding your trip
5. Pay the e-Visa fee using any of the payment methods offered
6. Receive your registration code and save the number
Note: Make sure you save your registration number – you will need it to check and download your visa later on.
You’ll need to wait three working days for your visa to be released. After three days, you may search for your visa via the steps outlined below.
How can I check my e-visa result?
To check the progress of your Vietnam e-visa application, follow these steps:
1. Visit the page: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/tra-cuu-ho-so
2. Provide the required information, including registration code, email and date of birth, to check and print your e-visa result.
Note: You must check the results of your application independently, via the steps outlined above. No email notification will be sent regarding e-visa results. Your registration code must be saved in order to check and print e-visa
