This is part of a plan to reduce and simplify administrative procedures related to production and business activities under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' management in 2025.

In addition to shortening the processing time, the prime minister has requested adding the option of submitting applications via postal service for visa issuance procedures for foreigners at Vietnamese competent authorities abroad.

Foreign visitors complete entry procedures at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi on 8/3/2022. Photo: Giang Huy

Foreign visitors complete entry procedures at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi on 8/3/2022. Photo: Giang Huy

A visa exemption certificate is a document that allows entry and exit from Vietnam. It is issued to overseas Vietnamese or foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese. This certificate replaces a visa for entering Vietnam for family visits or personal matters. Each person is issued a separate certificate; children sharing a passport with their parents will be issued one along with their parents.

There are currently two types of visa exemption certificates: one is affixed to the foreign passport of overseas Vietnamese and foreigners entering Vietnam; and the other is a booklet, for overseas Vietnamese who only have a permanent residence card issued by a foreign country, or those using passports from countries or territories with which Vietnam does not have diplomatic relations.

According to regulations, a visa exemption certificate is valid for a maximum of 5 years and must be valid for at least 6 months less than the passport or other international travel document.

Vu Tuan