The Vietnamese Government will issue e-visa to all foreign passengers entering Vietnam starting today (August 15).

Foreign tourists visit Duong Lam Village in Hanoi. Photo: Cong Hung/The Hanoi Times

On August 14, the Government decided that foreign passengers could enter Vietnam through 13 airports where they will be issued e-visa, namely Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Cat Bi, Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Phu Bai, Van Don, Tho Xuan, Dong Hoi, Phu Cat and Lien Khuong.

E-visa will also be issued at 16 border gates, including Mong Cai in Quang Ninh Province, Huu Nghi in Lang Son Province, Nam Can in Nghe An Province, Cau Treo in Ha Tinh Province, Lao Bao in Quang Tri Province, Moc Bai in Tay Ninh Province and Ha tien in Kien Giang Province.

Thirteen ports covered by the decision include Hon Gai and Cam Pha in Quang Ninh Province, Haiphong City, Vung Ang in Ha Tinh Province, Danang City, Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vung Tau in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

In addition, the Government has decided to increase the length of stay from 15 to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries that enjoy Vietnam's visa-free policy.

The 13 countries include Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus.

Citizens of these nationalities are allowed to stay in Vietnam for a maximum of 45 days, regardless of their passport type and travel purposes.

In June, the National Assembly approved the amended laws on entry and exit for Vietnamese and foreigners, which extended the validity of e-visa from 30 days to 90 days. National lawmakers also extended the stay to a maximum of 45 days for beneficiaries of the visa waiver policy.

Currently, Vietnam only issues e-visa to citizens of 80 countries and territories.

The relaxed visa policy is expected to attract more tourists to the country and boost the national tourism sector in the post-pandemic period.