Q&A with EuroCham Chairman Gabor Fluit on the recent visa developments and travelling to Vietnam

Starting August 15, 2023, Vietnam has implemented a new electronic visa (e-visa) system for all nationalities. The implementation of the e-visa entails a standardised 90-day permissible stay, encouraging extended and more immersive business trips. The sudden ease in travel convenience is expected to boost the country’s tourism and allied sectors. On the other hand, citizens of selected states were granted a visa exemption of 45 days – an improvement from the earlier 15 days. In July, a letter sent by EuroCham and signed by all European Delegations and Business Associations requested that all EU Member States be added to this visa exemption list. This request has, for the moment, not been granted. 

Gabor, can you briefly describe the efforts of EuroCham regarding the visa?

“EuroCham, the European embassies in Vietnam and European Business Associations have presented themselves as ‘Team Europe’ in this matter, which is quite unique. As a collective, we have requested the Vietnamese authorities to expand the list of visa-exempted countries, currently at 7 EU member states, to all member states.”

“There is clear European alignment on this topic. All European Ambassadors and affiliated business chambers have signed the letter we sent in July. For the Vietnamese authorities, working like this is much more effective than working with the individual member states. Due to the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, Vietnam perceives the EU as one market.”

"There is clear European alignment on this topic. All European Ambassadors and affiliated business chambers have signed the letter we sent in July."

The current result is not what “Team Europe” requested in the recently sent letter.

“The authorities of Vietnam have chosen not to stick with just 80 countries to give e-visas to but to expand to all countries. This happened in a relatively late stage of the process, and EuroCham is much in favour of it. EuroCham has always advocated for all countries to be able to travel to Vietnam to help Vietnam boost its economy by making immigration a low barrier. The current result is a huge step in the right direction.”

“I am still hopeful that within a reasonable time frame, the Vietnamese government will reconsider its policy and could grant visa exemptions up to 45 days for all EU Member States. We are still fully conversing and working with the relevant Vietnamese authorities. In Vietnam, several ministries have a say in this. We’ve got several supportive verbal comments, but as always, we only have it when it's signed and stamped.”

"I am still hopeful that within a reasonable time frame, the Vietnamese government will reconsider its policy and could grant visa exemptions up to 45 days for all EU Member States."

What are the essential arguments EuroCham uses to convince the Vietnamese authorities?

“A visa exemption for all EU Member States would boost the Vietnamese economy, as it will make it easier for both tourists and people considering Vietnam as their next investment destination to visit. Of course, the 90 day multiple entry e-visa is already a big step in the right direction.”

“Together with the Vietnamese authorities, we will measure very carefully what the immigration numbers are in the coming weeks and months. We hope and assume that travelling to Vietnam will improve and will use that number to encourage the authorities to take further steps towards visa exemption for all EU Member States.”

Interested to learn more about EuroCham's perspective on the new visa situation? Then read this interview Gabor recently had with Vietnam Investment Review. 

The new Visa Situation in Vietnam Explained (not a part of the Q&A) 

Much is still unclear about the new e-visa visa situation for when entering Vietnam and the The relevant government websites still need updating, but we have put the most essential information here.

The information we provide comes from reliable online sources, such as government websites, or through our network of trusted agents.

• Find more information on the Procedure to obtain issue electronic visa here.
• Apply for Evisa here (at the time of writing, it is still not possible to request for a 90-day visa on the website):.
• Once applied, you can check your visa application status here.

For all citizens of the world, it is now possible to obtain an e-visa, but it can not be utilized to work in Vietnam. For working purpose, short-term immigrants still need to apply for a business visa, with a company sponsor. 

After 90 days, when the e-visa expires, it is possible to obtain a new multiple entry e-visa, for 90 days. Make the request well in advance, through the website, and obtain the document at one of the 33 checkpoints (e.g. Tan Son Nhat Airport HCMC, Noi Bai Airport Hanoi, or Moc Bai Border (visa run)). After the second time, it is at the moment still unclear if it is possible to get a third time multiple entry e-visa.