Officially exempting visas for foreigners entering coastal economic zones in Vietnam

According to Clause 7 Article 1 of the Law on amendments to a number of Articles of Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam supplementing Clause 3a after Clause 3 Article 12 of the Law on Entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014, foreigners entering coastal economic zones decided by the Government shall be entitled to visa-free entry if the following conditions are met: having international airports; having private space; having defined geographical border and separate from inland; in conformity with socio-economic development policies and not harming national defense and security, social safety and order of Vietnam. There are currently 18 zones in the country, including two island districts of Phu Quoc and Van Don.

Thus, it can be seen that the addition of the above regulations is necessary, both to create favorable conditions for foreigners to invest and operate in coastal economic zones that are eligible to develop this area, and to ensure strict state management and national defense and security.

This new law stipulates that foreigners entering coastal economic zones without a valid permanent residence card or temporary residence card will be granted a temporary residence certificate at the border gate with a temporary residence period of 30 days.

On the other hand, the Government shall regulate foreigners making entry into economic zones of border checkpoint areas, special administrative - economic zones and coastal economic zones specified in Clause 3 and Clause 3a Article 12 of this Law wishing to visit other destinations of Vietnam; issuance of visas for foreigners making entry into Vietnam according to international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory without commercial presence or partners in Vietnam; form of issuance of temporary residence certification for foreigners making entry into Vietnam; foreigners making entry and exit via automatic security barriers.

View full text at the Law on amendments to a number of Articles of Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, effective from July 01, 2020.

Thu Ba

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