The information was released at a press conference held by the Immigration Department, under the Ministry of Public Security, in Hanoi, on December 12, to evaluate the results of a nine-month trial period of granting e-visas for foreigners, as well as to announce that more countries have been added to the e-visa programme.
According to Major General Le Xuan Vien, Director of the Immigration Department, over the past nine months, the programme of granting e-visas for foreigners has been appreciated by both domestic and international travellers, as well as attracting the interest of citizens from the US and Europe.
He also noted that the issuance of e-visas has attracted a larger number of foreigners to visit Vietnam, to survey the market and seek investment opportunities, further contributing to the country’s socio-economic development, particularly in tourism.
The application has also enhanced administrative reform in the management of the exit and entry of foreigners, ensuring that the process is convenient and transparent, added the Major General.
The inspection and control of foreigners entering Vietnam through e-visas at border gates and airports has ensured safety and created favourable conditions for foreigners, as well as avoiding the admittance of those who are not allowed to enter Vietnam, ensuring national sovereignty and security.
The coordination between the Immigration Department and the relevant agencies has been strictly promoted; meanwhile the connection of the transmission line for information on e-visas to border gates has been implemented quickly and smoothly.
In order to help individuals and organisations easily find the information related to e-visas, the Immigration Department has set up an e-mail and ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ column in English, France and Spanish at the websites http://www.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn or http://www.immigration.gov.vn .
As of December 4, the department received and answered 4,592 e-mails from foreigners on issues related to the issuance of e-visas.
In addition to granting e-visas, the department also received and processed the proposals of approving and examining personnel of foreigners entering Vietnam from agencies and organisations in Vietnam through the electronic transaction system.
PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued Resolution 124/NQ-CP to add more six countries, alongside the 40 others, which are applicable for e-visas when entering Vietnam. They include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, India and the Netherlands.
