HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is making notable progress in digitizing its immigration processes, with the Immigration Department reporting that 99 percent of documents for foreign entrants are now handled electronically.
Recent updates to migration, transit, and residence laws have been essential in this transformation. These changes have improved the legal framework for migration, making processes more efficient.
A significant update is the extension of e-visa validity from 30 to 90 days, which allows tourists and business travelers to stay longer. Additionally, multiple-entry e-visas are now available, offering more flexibility for frequent visitors.
Lawmakers have also expanded the list of countries eligible for e-visas. This initiative aims to boost tourism, attract investment, and simplify entry procedures.
Đặng Tuấn Việt, Deputy Director of the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, praised the advancements in Việt Nam’s e-visa system. He noted that the application process can now be completed online without intermediaries, significantly speeding up processing times.
Việt also mentioned that the department has expanded its online services, with 40 immigration-related services now available online.
To enhance security and ensure smooth operations, the department has revamped internal procedures and invested in advanced IT systems.
“The days of long lines and paperwork at immigration offices are over,” said Việt. “Citizens can now easily submit documents, track their progress, and receive updates without leaving home.”
However, the shift to online services has faced challenges. Many people still prefer to handle paperwork in person, and some have concerns about online security. Technical issues, such as system glitches and limitations in data sharing, have also caused delays.
Việt outlined plans to tackle these challenges, which include upgrading IT systems, improving software integration, and expanding online services. The department will collaborate closely with other government agencies to streamline processes and enhance user experience. Additionally, training will be provided to local police units to improve online service coverage.
To encourage citizens and businesses to adopt these new digital systems, the department plans to reduce fees for online services.
In the first half of 2024, Việt Nam welcomed about 8.9 million foreign visitors, a 60 percent increase from the previous year. The department processed visa applications for 1.7 million foreigners, issuing nearly 1.5 million e-visas.
Meanwhile, over 5.7 million Vietnamese citizens traveled abroad during this period, an increase of around 40 percent year-on-year. The department issued 1.3 million passports, with 97 percent of applications submitted online.
