From February 1, electronic visas will be issued to foreigners entering the country.

The government will pilot an electronic visa for 2 years, applicable to citizens of 40 countries, starting from February 1.

The Government has just issued Decree No. 07/2017/ND-CP stipulating the procedures for piloting the issuance of electronic visas for foreigners entering Vietnam.

Accordingly, from February 1, foreigners who want to apply for an electronic visa will follow these steps:

1. Access the e-visa information page to fill in the e-visa application form, upload photos and passport personal information page according to the form.

2. Receive the electronic application code and pay the visa fee to the account specified on the Electronic Visa Information Page.

Within 3 working days from the date of receiving complete information on the application for an electronic visa and visa fee, the Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) shall consider, resolve and respond to the applicant for an electronic visa at the Electronic Visa Information Page.

Foreigners applying for an e-visa use the electronic file code to check the processing results of the Immigration Department at the e-visa issuance information page. In case an e-visa is granted, the electronic file code is used to print the visa.

Issuing electronic visas upon request of inviting or sponsoring agencies and organizations

Before applying for an electronic visa for foreigners, agencies and organizations in Vietnam must register an electronic account as prescribed and have an electronic signature as prescribed by the Law on Electronic Transactions and guiding documents.

Agencies and organizations requesting the issuance of electronic visas to foreigners use electronic accounts to access the Electronic Visa Issuance Information Page to request the issuance of electronic visas to foreigners according to regulations.

The Immigration Department shall consider, resolve and respond to agencies and organizations at the Electronic Visa Information Page within 3 working days from the date of receipt of complete application information and visa issuance fee.

Agencies and organizations requesting the issuance of electronic visas to foreigners use the electronic file code to receive a response from the Immigration Department at the Electronic Visa Issuance Information Page and notification of the processing results.

Foreigners granted electronic visas use the electronic file code announced by the agency or organization to print the electronic visa.

The Decree lists 40 countries whose citizens are eligible for pilot e-visas and 28 border gates that allow foreigners to enter and exit with e-visas.

Decree No. 07/2017/ND-CP consists of 4 chapters and 12 articles, regulating the pilot issuance of electronic visas for foreigners entering Vietnam to be implemented within 2 years from February 1.

According to Vietnamnet