The Vietnamese National Assembly (NA), the legislative body responsible for creating laws, has granted approval for extending the validity of visitor e-visas for foreigners entering Vietnam from one month to three months.

The e-visa validity extension is among amendments to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners, which was passed by lawmakers with an overwhelming 95.14 percent of votes, out of all 475 NA deputies present, on Saturday morning.

Under the amendments, Vietnam would extend the validity of e-visas granted to foreigners entering the country to 90 days from no more than 30 days for single entry or multiple entries.

The government shall decide on the list of countries and territories whose citizens can enjoy the prolonged duration, as well as the list of international border gates where foreigners can enter and exit using an e-visa.

Currently, the Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security issues single-entry e-visas to foreigners through its electronic system, and the Southeast Asian country is granting e-visas to citizens from 80 countries.

The amended law, which will take effect on August 15, 2023, is expected to make it easier for foreigners to visit and learn about Vietnam, according to chairman of the NA’s Committee for National Defense and Security Le Tan Toi.

Furthermore, foreign visitors hailing from countries and regions eligible for Vietnam’s unilateral visa waiver program would be able to enjoy an extended maximum stay of 45 days, surpassing the current limit of 15 days.

Toi evaluated that the 45-day visa exemption period is on par with the regional average and will help Vietnam enhance its competitive edge in attracting tourists, granting them greater flexibility to plan and enjoy their visits and leisure time in the country.

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