Vietnam to simplify e-passport issuance
The draft bill aims to provide legal bases to issuing, managing, and using of electronic passports.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has initiated a draft law on entry and exit of Vietnamese citizens with an aim to simplify procedures for issuance of passports, including e-passports, amid rising demand for overseas study, work, and travelling. 
A Vietnamese passport
|
Papers required
Entering and exiting Vietnam will required passports including diplomatic passport, official passport, ordinary passports, temporary passports, and travel documents.
Diplomatic and official passports have a five-year validity with one maximum extension of three years, ordinary passports have a 10-year validity without extension while temporary passports are valid for one year without extension. Travel documents are valid for one year without extension.
Diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports will be equipped with an electronic chip to store information of personal biometrics and identity and authorities’ e-signatures.
New documents valid for entry and exit required under draft law
Another identification document provided in the draft law includes temporary passports which will be used to replace travel documents issued for Vietnamese citizens in cases of (a) loss of or expired passport while the bearer is abroad and has to return home immediately, (b) bearer of expired passports and without permission to remain in a foreign country and voluntarily returning home, (c) being denied residence permission and deported by foreign authorities, (d) returning home country under international treaties, (e) for defense or security purposes following the MPS’s decisions.
The issuance of temporary passports by Vietnamese authorities abroad is part of the efforts to protect people citizens.
Another kind of paper is travel documents which will be issued for citizens to enter neighboring countries for tourism or nations which share international membership with Vietnam.
There were 9.2 million Vietnamese going abroad in 2017 versus 7.7 million in 2016.
22:15, 2025/01/09
Vietnam news in brief - January 9
Read The Hanoi Times news in brief to get the latest updates on the country.
21:53, 2025/01/08
Promoting Vietnam-India tourism cooperation: new opportunities and challenges
The event aims to strengthen tourism cooperation between Vietnam and India.
20:49, 2025/01/08
Vietnam news in brief - January 8
Check out The Hanoi Times for today's latest news about Vietnam.
21:35, 2025/01/07
Vietnam news in brief - January 7
Read The Hanoi Times to find out what is happening in the country.
22:08, 2025/01/06
Vietnam urges UN’s support in technology governance
The UN official highlighted Vietnam as a leading example in digital technology with the engagement of Vietnamese tech firms in driving domestic growth while helping tackle global challenges.
21:16, 2025/01/06
Vietnam news in brief - January 6
Stay up to date with the latest news from The Hanoi Times.