I. Dossier for Visa Exemption Certificate Application

Applicants for a visa exemption certificate must prepare and submit a complete dossier according to the regulations for review and approval by the relevant authorities. Accurate preparation of the dossier and full compliance with legal requirements are essential conditions for a smooth review process.

1. Application for Visa Exemption Certificate at the Immigration Department

For applications submitted to the Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam), the dossier for a visa exemption certificate must include:

• Application form for visa exemption certificate: This form must be fully completed according to the immigration agency’s prescribed format, including the applicant’s personal information, purpose of entry, and other required information.
• Passport or passport substitute document: The original passport or substitute document must be valid for at least six months from the anticipated entry date.
• Portrait photo: Two photos, 4×6 cm in size, with a white background, clear, accurately reflecting the applicant’s appearance, taken within the past six months.
• Documents proving family relations or purpose of entry: These may include a marriage certificate, birth certificate (in case of visa exemption based on family relations), or other documents proving the purpose of entry, such as a business invitation or conference attendance invitation.
• Other required documents: In certain special cases, the immigration agency may require additional documents to ensure transparency and authenticity of the dossier. Applicants must submit their dossier directly to the Immigration Department or via online channels provided by the department.

2. Application for Visa Exemption Certificate at Vietnamese Visa-Issuing Authorities Abroad

If the applicant is abroad, the visa exemption certificate dossier can be submitted to Vietnamese diplomatic or consular agencies in that country. The dossier includes:

• Application form for visa exemption certificate: Fully completed and signed according to the prescribed format.
• Passport or passport substitute document: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended entry date. This document may be a certified copy along with the original for verification.
• Portrait photo: Two photos, 4×6 cm in size, taken within the last six months, white background, clear.
• Documents proving purpose of entry or family relations: These documents need to be translated into Vietnamese or English and may require notarization or consular legalization depending on the regulations of each country.
• Additional documents: Depending on the specific requirements of each diplomatic or consular agency, applicants may need to provide other documents, such as a business invitation, confirmation of travel, study, or research purpose. The Vietnamese diplomatic mission will receive, review, and process the dossier following current legal regulations. The review period is generally five to seven working days but may vary depending on the number of applications and each case’s specifics.

II. Regulations on Issuing Visa Exemption Certificates

Vietnam, as a developing nation with an increasing need for international integration, has established various regulations on visa exemption certificates to facilitate foreign nationals’ entry. Visa exemption not only promotes tourism and business but is also an essential part of Vietnam’s foreign policy. Based on legal grounds, the issuance of visa exemption certificates for foreigners in Vietnam is governed by multiple laws and specific legal regulations.

The regulations on issuing visa exemption certificates in Vietnam are primarily based on the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (Law No. 47/2014/QH13). This law, passed by the National Assembly in 2014, clearly stipulates cases where foreigners are exempt from visas when entering Vietnam. Article 14 of this law specifies cases eligible for visa exemption, including those outlined in international treaties to which Vietnam is a member. This reflects Vietnam’s commitment to implementing international agreements and facilitates foreign nationals’ entry into Vietnam for business, tourism, or study purposes.

Additionally, Government Decree No. 82/2015/ND-CP, issued on September 24, 2015, details the provisions of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam. This decree elaborates on the visa exemption certificate issuance process and necessary conditions. Accordingly, visa exemption applies to citizens of certain countries with strategic partnerships with Vietnam or those with which Vietnam has signed bilateral or multilateral visa exemption agreements.

Moreover, another crucial factor in issuing visa exemption certificates in Vietnam is the bilateral and multilateral agreements Vietnam has signed with many countries worldwide. These agreements are not only the legal basis for visa exemption but also evidence of international cooperation, goodwill, and openness in Vietnam’s foreign policy. Currently, Vietnam has signed multiple visa exemption agreements with ASEAN member countries and other nations such as Japan, South Korea, Russia, and many European countries. These agreements specify the duration of visa exemption, eligible individuals, and any accompanying conditions.

III. Process and Conditions for Issuing Visa Exemption Certificates

To obtain a visa exemption certificate, foreigners must follow the process stipulated by state authorities. Typically, this process begins with determining eligibility based on the list of countries with which Vietnam has signed visa exemption agreements. Foreigners must prepare a complete dossier, including a passport, photos, and other relevant documents as required by the competent authorities. This dossier is then submitted to the immigration management agency or a Vietnamese diplomatic representative abroad.

After receiving the dossier, the competent authority will review it based on the current legal conditions and regulations. If the dossier meets all requirements, the visa exemption certificate will be issued. Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA from the Ministry of Public Security provides further guidance on the procedure and necessary documents for applying for a visa exemption certificate. These guidelines ensure transparency and fairness in the review process, while also minimizing complex procedures, making it easier for foreigners to enter Vietnam.

IV. Importance of Issuing Visa Exemption Certificates

Issuing visa exemption certificates brings not only economic benefits but also cultural and social values. For the tourism sector, visa exemption policies have helped increase international visitors to Vietnam, contributing significantly to national income. At the same time, visa exemption allows Vietnam to demonstrate goodwill and friendliness towards partner countries, laying the groundwork for economic, cultural, educational, and scientific cooperation activities.

Flexible and transparent application of visa exemption regulations helps Vietnam enhance its position on the international stage. It also strengthens understanding and unity among nations, contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development.

V. Challenges and Proposals for Improvement

Despite achieving many positive results, implementing visa exemption certificate regulations in Vietnam faces some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring national security and social order. In the context of globalization and the increasing threat of transnational risks such as terrorism and cross-border crime, visa exemption issuance must be carefully carried out to protect national interests.

For improvement, Vietnam should continue refining its legal system and applying information technology in the dossier review process to enhance efficiency and processing speed. Strengthening international cooperation and sharing information on security and immigration with other countries is also a useful suggestion to ensure that issuing visa exemption certificates not only facilitates foreigners but also safeguards national security.

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