Hanoi (VNA) – The entire process for granting e-visas, from applying for, processing requests to issuing visas andpaying fees, is now carried out online, said the Vietnam Immigration Department ofthe Ministry of Public Security.

On August 14, the Government issued Resolution127/NQ-CP, deciding to grant e-visas to citizens of all countries andterritories.

According to the department, foreigners whoplan to enter Vietnam to travel, conduct market surveys, or explore investmentchances, among others, can apply for e-visas by themselves without the need for invitationsor guarantees from Vietnamese agencies, organisations, or individuals.

All the procedures from applying for, processing requests to providing e-visasand paying fees are carried out online. Foreigners can print visas bythemselves and don’t have to handle visa reception procedures at visa grantingagencies of Vietnam abroad, at international ports of entry, or viaintermediaries, it said.

The department added that it will consider,process, and reply to e-visa applicants via the public service portal of theMinistry of Public Security within three working days since the day it receivessufficient e-visa application information and fees.

According to the Government’s decision, foreigners using e-visas are permittedto enter or exit Vietnam via 13 air border gates, 16 land border gates, and 13sea border gates.

The 13 air border gates consist of NoiBai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa province), DaNang (Da Nang city), Cat Bi (Hai Phong city), Can Tho (Can Tho city), Phu Quoc(Kien Giang province), Phu Bai (Thua Thien-Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh province),Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa province), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh province), Phu Cat (BinhDinh province), and Lien Khuong (Lam Dong province).

The 16 land border gates are Tay Trang(Dien Bien province), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh province), Huu Nghi (Lang Sonprovince), Lao Cai (Lao Cai province), Na Meo (Thanh Hoa province), Nam Can (NgheAn province), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh province), Cha Lo (Quang Binh province), La Layand Lao Bao (Quang Tri province), Bo Y (Kon Tum province), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (TayNinh province), Vinh Xuong (An Giang province), and Ha Tien (Kien Giangprovince).

The 13 sea border gates comprise Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh province), HaiPhong (Hai Phong city), Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa province), Vung Ang (Ha Tinhprovince), Chan May (Thua Thien-Hue province), Da Nang (Da Nang city), NhaTrang (Khanh Hoa province), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh province), Dung Quat (QuangNgai province), Vung Tau (Ba Ria - Vung Tau province), Ho Chi Minh City, and DuongDong (Kien Giang province).

The National Assembly approved the law amending and supplementing some articles of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through and Residence in Vietnam in late June.

Under this law, coming into force on August 15, the e-visa validity period is extended to 90 days from 30 days. Within 90 days after the e-visa is granted, foreigners can enter and exit Vietnam for unlimited times and without having to apply for new visas. The law also permits citizens of the countries entitled to Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption to be granted a temporary residence period of 45 days, instead of 15 days in the past, and have visa granting and temporary residence extension considered in line with regulations.

The moves are expected to provide favourable conditions for Vietnam to attract international tourists and improve its tourism competitiveness compared to regional rivals.

The expansion of the coverage and extension of the validity period of e-visas for foreigners will help modernise administrative procedures and save time for applicants, the Immigration Department said./.