Amendments to Vietnam Immigration Law: What Changed for Foreigners
The Law on Foreigners Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence has been amended several times. These are the changes that matter in day-to-day practice.
E-visa opened to all nationalities
The e-visa is no longer limited to a list of countries, and its validity rose to 90 days, single or multiple entry. For many travellers this replaced the approval letter entirely — compare on the route map.
Longer stay for visa-exempt travellers
Unilateral exemption now runs 45 days instead of 15 for the listed nationalities, granted by government resolution: current list.
Category conversion inside Vietnam
Foreigners can change visa category without leaving — for example DN to LD once a work permit is issued, or to TT on marriage — provided a sponsor files the application. This removed the old “fly out and come back” requirement.
Temporary residence card ceiling
Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA raised the ceiling printed on the forms from 5 to 10 years for investors and privileged categories, aligning the paperwork with the amended law — see card validity.
Declaration and filing modernised
Temporary residence declarations moved online, and immigration requests may be filed in person, by public postal service or electronically.
What did not change
- Employment still requires a work permit or a written exemption
- Sponsors remain responsible for the foreigners they invite
- Overstaying is still fined, and repeat breaches still affect future entry
