Is Using Two Passports a Violation of the Law?

Currently, there are many Vietnamese citizens who carry Vietnamese nationality but live and work abroad, and are recognized and permitted by those countries to hold their nationality and be issued passports. Therefore, Vietnamese citizens holding dual citizenships and using two passports is not against legal regulations.

According to Clause 4, Article 4 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, it stipulates as follows:

- Principles of entry, exit, transit, and residence:

Foreigners with multiple passports can only use one passport for entry, exit, transit, and residence in Vietnam.

Additionally, Clause 5, Article 12 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 also stipulates:

- Cases exempted from visas:

Vietnamese residing abroad holding a passport or international travel document issued by a competent foreign authority, and foreigners who are their spouses, children; foreigners who are spouses, children of Vietnamese citizens are exempted from visas as stipulated by the Government of Vietnam.

Moreover, Decree 136/2007/ND-CP on exit and entry of Vietnamese citizens also does not prohibit the case where a person holds both a Vietnamese passport and a British passport (provided that these passports are issued in conformity with the law).

Therefore, holding dual nationality and using two passports is not against the law. When you exit/enter Vietnam using a Vietnamese passport, you must use the Vietnamese passport for both entry and exit. Conversely, when you exit/enter Vietnam using a foreign passport, you must use the foreign passport for both entry and exit.

The editorial board responds with the information.