Legal Basic

Legal Basis for Vietnam Visa at International Airports

The legal framework (Legal Basis for Vietnam Visa) for obtaining a Vietnam visa on arrival at the country’s international airports is outlined through several key regulations:

A. Ordinance on Entry, Exit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (No. 24/2000/PL-UBTVQH10, April 28, 2000)
This ordinance, approved by Mr. Nong Duc Manh, Chairman of the Vietnam National Assembly, establishes that:

  1. Vietnamese agencies, organizations, and foreign entities based in Vietnam, as well as international organizations, may invite foreigners into the country.
  2. Entities inviting foreigners are responsible for ensuring compliance with visa regulations, providing financial support, and cooperating with government bodies to resolve any issues for the guests.

B. Decree No. 21/2001/ND-CP (May 28, 2001)
This decree, signed by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, provides further details on the implementation of the above ordinance. Key points include:

  1. Agencies and organizations inviting foreign guests on behalf of senior government bodies (such as the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, or the State President) must notify the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will then inform relevant Vietnamese diplomatic missions and consular offices to issue visas.
  2. For foreigners working with diplomatic missions or international organizations in Vietnam, similar procedures apply, with necessary notices sent to the Consular Department.
  3. Other entities wishing to invite foreign visitors must submit written requests to the Exit and Entry Management Department of the Ministry of Public Security.
  4. Requests for visa issuance at Vietnam’s international border gates must be submitted at least 12 hours in advance.

C. Joint Circular No. 04/2002/TTLT/BCA-BNG (January 29, 2002)
This circular, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security, guides the implementation of Decree No. 21/2001/ND-CP. It specifies that:

  1. Entities wishing to invite foreigners to Vietnam (who are not already covered under specific rules) must submit written requests to the Exit and Entry Management Department. For visa issuance at border gates, the request must include details about the entry point, arrival time, and reasons for needing a visa on arrival.
  2. Certain organizations must provide legal documentation to verify their status before inviting foreigners.

In summary, these regulations highlight the legal framework under which foreigners can obtain a visa on arrival in Vietnam. The process involves submitting various documents and requests to the relevant authorities, such as the Vietnam Immigration Department, to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Service Fee Explanation
To facilitate the approval process for a visa on arrival at Vietnam’s international airports, we charge a service fee. This fee covers the preparation of necessary paperwork, submission of applications, courier services, and queuing for visa approval. It ensures that your visa process runs smoothly upon your arrival in Vietnam.

If you prefer not to pay this service fee, you can contact the Vietnam embassy or consulate in your country or deal directly with the Vietnam Immigration Department to obtain a visa through alternative methods.

For more details on the legal basis for the Vietnam visa on arrival at international airports, please refer to the following documents:

  • Ordinance on Entry, Exit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam
  • Decree No. 21/2001/ND-CP of May 28, 2001
  • Joint Circular No. 04/2002/TTLT/BCA-BNG of January 29, 2002
  • Circular 190/2012/TT-BTC – Amending Circular No. 66/2009/TT-BTC