Decision 28/2026/QD-TTg order, procedures and competence for grant, and management, of APEC business travel cards

DECISION

Providing the order, procedures and competence for grant, and management, of APEC business travel cards

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government No. 63/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of Local Administration No. 72/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens No. 49/2019/QH14, amended and supplemented under Law No. 23/2023/QH15 and Law No. 118/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through and Residence in Vietnam No. 47/2014/QH13, amended and supplemented under Law No. 51/2019/QH14, Law No. 23/2023/QH15, Law No. 103/2025/QH15 and Law No. 118/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Enterprises No. 59/2020/QH14, amended and supplemented under Law No. 03/2022/QH15 and Law No. 76/2025/QH15;

At the proposal of the Minister of Public Security;

The Prime Minister promulgates the Decision providing the order, procedures, and competence for grant, and management, of APEC business travel cards.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation

This Decision provides the subjects eligible for grant of APEC business travel cards; order, procedures and competence for grant, and management, of APEC business travel cards for Vietnamese businesspersons; review and approval of eligibility and grant of temporary residence certificates for foreign businesspersons using APEC business travel cards; and responsibilities of agencies, organizations, enterprises and individuals in grant, management and use of APEC business travel cards.

Article 2. Interpretation of terms

In this Decision, the terms below shall be construed as follows:

1. APEC business travel card (ABTC) is a type of card granted to businesspersons, permitting its holder to enter APEC member economies without obtaining a visa.

2. Vietnamese businesspersons mean persons who hold Vietnamese citizenship, are working at agencies, enterprises and organizations established in accordance with Vietnam’s law.

3. Foreign businesspersons mean businesspersons of APEC member economies who are considered for approval for grant of entry permission or have ABTCs for entry into Vietnam.

Article 3. Forms of the ABTC

1. The ABTC takes two forms: physical card and virtual card. Physical ABTCs and virtual ABTCs have the same legal validity. Vietnamese businesspersons may choose physical ABTCs and virtual ABTCs, or both forms of the card.

2. Physical ABTC is a rectangular card which is printed on a special material using the same technology among member economies and meets standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

3. Virtual ABTC is a card granted on an electronic interface via the ABTC app installed on Internet-connected smart electronic devices.

Article 4. Information contained on the ABTCs

1. The ABTC contains the following information: the card holder’s portrait; full name (surname, middle name and given name); date of birth; gender and citizenship; the card’s serial number and expiry date; the card holder’s signature and passport number; and the APEC member economies having granted entry permission.

2. The information recorded on the ABTC shall be consistent with the information contained in the passport currently used by the card holder.

Article 5. Validity period of the ABTC granted to Vietnamese businesspersons

An ABTC shall be valid for use for a period not exceeding 05 years from the date on which approval is granted through the APEC member economies’ system, shall not exceed the validity period of the holder’s passport, and shall not be renewable.

Article 6. Responsibilities in the use of the ABTC

1. Vietnamese businesspersons who are granted ABTCs shall have the following responsibilities:

a) To use the card for travel in carrying out the activities of the agency, organization or enterprise, or for attending conferences, seminars or meetings in APEC member economies;

b) To keep and preserve the cards; refrain from erasing, modifying or falsifying the form of and the information written on the cards; and may not use the cards to commit violations of law;

c) To respect and abide by the laws on entry, exit, transit and residence and other regulations relating to their activities in APEC member economies;

d) Where the businessperson no longer works in position specified in a letter of approval for use of the ABTC referred to in Article 9 of this Decision, he or she shall return the ABTC to the agency, organization or enterprise within 05 working days from the date on which he or she no longer works in position.

2. A foreign businessperson using an ABTC shall comply with the laws on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, and residence in, Vietnam.

Article 7. Immigration control for businesspersons holding ABTCs

1. An ABTC shall be valid for entry into and exit from the APEC member economies indicated on the card. Upon each entry, the card holder shall be granted a temporary residence certificate by the concerned APEC member economy for the period specified by that member economy.

2. Vietnamese businesspersons and foreign businesspersons holding ABTCs shall present their ABTCs and valid passports to immigration officers upon entry and exit at border gates of APEC member economies.

3. Businesspersons holding ABTCs shall be given priority to carry out immigration procedures at designated areas at border gates of APEC member economies.

Chapter II

CONDITIONS AND CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION FOR GRANT OF ABTCs TO VIETNAMESE BUSINESSPERSONS

Article 8. Conditions for consideration for grant of an ABTC

1. Conditions with regard to agencies and organizations where businesspersons are working:

Having a need to assign the businessperson to undertake short-term travel to APEC member economies for carrying out the activities of the agency or organization or for attending conferences, seminars or meetings.

2. Conditions with regard to enterprises where businesspersons are working:

a) Having operated consecutively for 24 months or more as of the time of requesting approval for the use of the ABTC and strictly abiding by the laws on trade, tax, customs, labor and social insurance and other relevant laws at the time of the request for the issuance of the ABTC;

b) Having a need to assign the businessperson to undertake short-term travel to APEC member economies for carrying out the activities of the enterprise.

3. Conditions on businesspersons applying for ABTCs:

a) Being aged full 18 years or older and having full civil act capacity, and having permanent residence registration in Vietnam, except for the case specified in Clause 4 Article 9 of this Decision;

b) Having been employed by the requesting agency, organization or enterprise for at least 12 months as of the time of requesting approval for the use of the ABTC;

c) Having paid social insurance contributions through the requesting agency, organization or enterprise under the position for which the ABTC is requested for at least 06 months, except for persons who are not subject to compulsory social insurance under the laws on social insurance;

d) Not falling within the cases of temporary suspension from exit prescribed by the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens.

Article 9. Subjects to be considered for grant of ABTCs

1. For enterprises in which the State holds more than 50% of the charter capital or the total voting shares:

a) Businesspersons working at credit institutions, except people’s credit funds, who hold the position of Deputy Head of Division or an equivalent position or above, or Chief Accountant;

b) Businesspersons working at enterprises operating in the fields of finance, securities or insurance, who hold the position of Deputy Head of Division or an equivalent position or above, or Chief Accountant;

c) Businesspersons working at economic groups, corporations or companies established by decision of the Prime Minister, and the affiliated units of such economic groups, corporations or companies, who hold the position of Deputy Head of Division or an equivalent position or above, or Chief Accountant, or who serve as Assistant or Secretary to the Chairperson of the Members’ Council, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the President of the Company, or the General Director;

d) Businesspersons working at other enterprises, who hold the position of Deputy Head of Division or an equivalent position or above, or Chief Accountant.

2. For organizations and enterprises in which the State does not hold, or holds less than 50% of the charter capital or the total voting shares:

a) Businesspersons working at credit institutions, who hold the position of Head of Division or an equivalent position or above, or Chief Accountant;

b) Businesspersons working at enterprises operating in the fields of finance, securities or insurance, who hold the position of Head of Division or an equivalent position or above, or Chief Accountant;

c) Businesspersons working at the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who hold the position of Head of Division or an equivalent position or above, or Chief Accountant;

d) Businesspersons working at cooperative or cooperative unions, who hold the position of Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Member of the Board of Directors, General Director, Director or Chief Accountant;

dd) Businesspersons working at other enterprises, who hold the position of Head of Division or an equivalent position or above, or Chief Accountant.

3. Cadres and civil servants who have the duty of attending conferences, seminars, meetings and economic cooperation and development events of the APEC.

4. Chief Representatives and Deputy Chief Representatives of Vietnamese trade representative offices in APEC member economies.

Chapter III

ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF APPROVAL FOR USE OF ABTCs TO VIETNAMESE BUSINESSPERSONS

Article 10. Competence to consider issuance of letters of approval for use of ABTCs

1. Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and heads of central-level socio-political organizations shall consider and issue letters of approval for use of ABTCs for the subjects specified at Point d Clause 1, Clause 3 and Clause 4 Article 9 of this Decision who are working at enterprises under the management of ministries, ministerial-level agencies or central-level socio-political organizations, except for the cases falling within the competence of the Chairpersons of the Members’ Councils of economic groups or corporations, or the Presidents of companies as prescribed in Clause 4 of this Article.

2. The Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam shall consider and issue letters of approval for use of ABTCs for the subjects specified at Point a Clause 1 and Point a Clause 2 Article 9 of this Decision.

3. The Minister of Finance shall consider and issue letters of approval for use of ABTCs for the subjects specified at Point b Clause 1 and Point b Clause 2 Article 9 of this Decision, and for the Chairpersons of the Members’ Councils of economic groups or corporations and the Presidents of companies established by decision of the Prime Minister.

4. The Chairpersons of the Members’ Councils of economic groups or corporations and the Presidents of companies established by decision of the Prime Minister shall consider and issue letters of approval for use of ABTCs for the subjects specified at Point c Clause 1 Article 9 of this Decision, except for the cases falling within the competence of the Minister of Finance as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article.

5. The President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry shall consider and issue letters of approval for use of ABTCs for the subjects specified at Point c Clause 2 Article 9 of this Decision.

6. The Chairperson of the provincial People’s Committee where the enterprise has head office shall consider and issue letters of approval for use of ABTCs in the following cases:

a) The subjects specified at Point d Clause 1 Article 9 of this Decision who are currently working at enterprises under the management of the provincial People’s Committee;

b) The subjects specified at Points d and dd Clause 2 Article 9 of this Decision.

7. In special and necessary circumstances, the Minister of Public Security shall consider and decide on the approval for the use of an ABTC by a businessperson.

8. Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Chairpersons of provincial People’s Committees, heads of central-level socio-political organizations, and the President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry may authorize their deputies to sign letters of approval for use of ABTCs for businesspersons.

Article 11. Procedures for issuance of letters of approval for use of ABTCs for the businesspersons specified in Clause 1, Point c Clause 2, Clause 3 and Clause 4 Article 9 of this Decision

1. The agency, organization or enterprise employing a businessperson specified in Clause 1, Point c Clause 2, Clause 3 or Clause 4 Article 9 of this Decision shall submit 01 set of dossiers of application for a letter of approval for use of ABTCs for the businesspersons, either directly, online or via postal services, to the specialized agency of the relevant ministry, ministerial-level agency, provincial People’s Committee, central-level socio-political organization or the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or to the specialized division of the economic group, corporation or company established by decision of the Prime Minister.

2. The dossier shall comprise:

a) An electronic copy or the original of the request for issuance of a letter of approval for use of ABTCs, signed by the head of the agency or organization or the legal representative of the enterprise, who shall be held responsible for eligibility of the businessperson for whom a letter of approval is applied, made according to Form AP02 in the Appendix;

b) An electronic copy or a copy of the Decision on sending staff members on business trips or papers and documents proving their duty to attend conferences, seminars, meetings, or to carry out the activities of the agency, organization or enterprise in APEC member economies.

3. In case the dossier is valid, the specialized agency of the ministry, ministerial-level agency, provincial People’s Committee, central-level socio-political organization or the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the specialized division of the economic group, corporation or company established by decision of the Prime Minister shall receive and process the dossier. In case the dossier is incomplete or invalid, the specialized agency of the ministry, ministerial-level agency, provincial People’s Committee, central-level socio-political organization or the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the specialized division of the economic group, corporation or company established by decision of the Prime Minister shall provide guidance for completion of the dossier in accordance with Form AP09 in the Appendix.

4. Within 06 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier, the specialized agency of the ministry, ministerial-level agency, provincial People’s Committee, central-level socio-political organization or the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the specialized division of the economic group, corporation or company established by decision of the Prime Minister shall examine the dossier and submit it to the competent authority for issuance of a letter of approval for use of the ABTC in accordance with Form AP01 in the Appendix in respect of eligible businesspersons; or shall return the dossier and issue a written notification clearly stating the reasons for refusing to process the dossier, in accordance with Form AP10 in the Appendix, in respect of ineligible businesspersons.

5. Within 02 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier submitted by the specialized agency or division, the competent authority shall consider and issue a letter of approval for use of the ABTC.

6. The agency, organization or enterprise that apply for letters of approval for use of ABTCs may register to receive the result directly, online, via postal services or through an authorized representative in accordance with law.

7. Where the dossier is submitted directly, the agency, organization or enterprise may appoint other persons to submit dossiers and receive dossier processing results on behalf of concerned businesspersons.

8. With respect to documents forming part of the dossier that are already available in databases accessible to the receiving and processing authority, the agency, organization or enterprise shall not be required to submit such documents.

Article 12. Procedures for issuance of letters of approval for use of ABTCs for the businesspersons specified at Points a and b Clause 2 Article 9 of this Decision

1. An organization or enterprise employing a businessperson specified at Points a and b Clause 2 Article 9 of this Decision shall submit 01 set of dossiers of request for issuance of a letter of approval for use of ABTCs for businessperson, either directly, online or via postal services, to the specialized agency of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Ministry of Finance.

2. The dossier shall comprise:

a) An electronic copy or the original of the request for issuance of a letter of approval for use of ABTCs, signed by the head of the agency or organization or the legal representative of the enterprise, who shall be held responsible for eligibility of the businessperson for whom a letter of approval is applied, made according to Form AP02 in the Appendix;

b) An electronic copy or a copy of the commercial contract entered into by the organization or enterprise, or affiliated units of the organization or enterprise, with a partner from an APEC member economy, which remains valid for no more than 02 years as of the date of submission of the dossier, together with documents evidencing that the contract is being or has been performed. If the documents are in a foreign language, their notarized or certified Vietnamese translations are required. Where no commercial contract has been concluded, documents evidencing the need for cooperation with a partner from an APEC member economy or the need to develop the market in APEC member economies shall be provided;

c) An electronic copy or a copy of the concerned businessperson’s appointment decision;

d) An electronic copy or a copy of the most recent annual financial statements of the organization or enterprise that have been submitted to the tax authority.

3. Where the dossier is valid, the specialized agency of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Ministry of Finance shall receive and process the dossier. Where the dossier is incomplete or invalid, the specialized agency of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Ministry of Finance shall provide guidance for completion of the dossier in accordance with Form AP09 in the Appendix.

4. Within 02 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier, the specialized agency of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Ministry of Finance shall forward the dossier to the tax, social insurance and public security authorities of the locality where the organization or enterprise has head office for verification of information relating to the organization, enterprise and businessperson requesting approval for the use of the ABTC. Where complicated issues arise, the specialized agency of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Ministry of Finance shall request other competent authorities to conduct verification.

5. Within 15 working days from the date of receipt of the request from the specialized agency of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Ministry of Finance, the tax, social insurance and public security authorities shall issue written replies on the verification results. In case it is required to carry out the verification at more than one place, the tax, social insurance and public security authorities shall exchange opinions in writing with the specialized agency of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Ministry of Finance to extend the time limit for providing the verification results, the extension time shall not exceed 10 working days.

6. Based on the verification results provided by the tax, social insurance and public security authorities, and taking into account the production and business capacity, and the capability and cooperation plan of the organization or enterprise with partners from APEC member economies, within 03 working days, the specialized agency of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Ministry of Finance shall examine the dossier and submit it to the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Minister of Finance for issuance of a letter of approval for use of the ABTC in accordance with Form AP01 in the Appendix in respect of eligible cases; or return the dossier and issue a written notification clearly stating the reasons for refusing to process the dossier, in accordance with Form AP10 in the Appendix, in respect of ineligible cases.

7. Within 02 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier submitted by the specialized agency, the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Minister of Finance shall consider and issue a letter of approval for use of the ABTC.

8. Where any suspicious indication is detected or any matter requires clarification, in addition to the dossier components prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article, or after receipt of a verification document from the tax, social insurance or public security authority containing matters requiring explanation or clarification, the specialized agency of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Ministry of Finance shall request the organization or enterprise to provide additional relevant documents for consideration, using Form AP09 in the Appendix. If the organization or enterprise fails to provide the requested documents within 01 month, the specialized agency of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Ministry of Finance shall close the dossier.

9. An organization or enterprise that apply for letters of approval for use of ABTCs may register to receive the result directly, online, via postal services or through an authorized representative in accordance with law.

10. Where the dossier is submitted directly, the organization or enterprise may appoint other persons to submit dossiers and receive dossier processing results on behalf of concerned businesspersons.

11. With respect to documents forming part of the dossier that are already available in databases accessible to the receiving and processing authority, the organization or enterprise shall not be required to submit such documents.

Article 13. Procedures for issuance of letters of approval for use of ABTCs for the businesspersons specified at Points d and dd Clause 2 Article 9 of this Decision

1. An enterprise employing a businessperson specified at Points d and dd Clause 2 Article 9 of this Decision shall submit 01 set of dossiers of application for a letter of approval for use of ABTCs for businessperson, either directly, online or via postal services, to the specialized agency of the provincial People’s Committee.

2. The dossier shall comprise:

a) An electronic copy or the original of the request for issuance of a letter of approval for use of ABTCs, signed by the head of the agency or organization or the legal representative of the enterprise, who shall be held responsible for eligibility of the businessperson for whom a letter of approval is applied, made according to Form AP02 in the Appendix;

b) An electronic copy or a copy of the commercial contract entered into by the enterprise, or its affiliated units, with a partner from an APEC member economy, which remains valid for no more than 02 years as of the date of submission of the dossier, together with documents evidencing that the contract is being or has been performed. If the documents are in a foreign language, their notarized or certified Vietnamese translations are required. Where no commercial contract has been concluded, documents evidencing the need for cooperation with a partner from an APEC member economy or the need to develop the market in APEC member economies shall be provided;

c) An electronic copy or a copy of the concerned businessperson’s appointment decision;

d) An electronic copy or a copy of the most recent annual financial statements of the enterprise that have been submitted to the tax authority.

3. Where the dossier is valid, the specialized agency of the provincial People’s Committee shall receive and process the dossier. Where the dossier is incomplete or invalid, the specialized agency of the provincial People’s Committee shall provide guidance for completion of the dossier in accordance with Form AP09 in the Appendix.

4. Within 02 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier, the specialized agency of the provincial People’s Committee shall forward the dossier to the tax, customs, social insurance and public security authorities for verification of information relating to the enterprise and the businessperson requesting approval for the use of the ABTC. Where complicated issues arise, the specialized agency of the provincial People’s Committee shall request other competent authorities to conduct verification.

5. Within 15 working days from the date of receipt of the request from the specialized agency of the provincial People’s Committee, the tax, customs, social insurance and public security authorities shall issue written replies on the verification results. In case it is required to carry out the verification at more than one place, the tax, customs, social insurance and public security authorities shall exchange opinions in writing with the specialized agency of the provincial People’s Committee to extend the time limit for providing the verification results, the extension time shall not exceed 10 working days.

6. Based on the verification results provided by the tax, customs, social insurance and public security authorities, and taking into account the production and business capacity, and the capability and cooperation plan of the enterprise with partners from APEC member economies, within 03 working days, the specialized agency of the provincial People’s Committee shall examine the dossier and submit it to the Chairperson of the provincial People’s Committee for issuance of a letter of approval for use of the ABTC in accordance with Form AP01 in the Appendix in respect of eligible cases; or return the dossier and issue a written notification clearly stating the reasons for refusing to process the dossier, in accordance with Form AP10 in the Appendix, in respect of ineligible cases.

7. Within 02 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier submitted by the specialized agency, the Chairperson of the provincial People’s Committee shall consider and issue a letter of approval for use of the ABTC.

8. Where any suspicious indication is detected or any matter requires clarification, in addition to the dossier components prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article, or after receipt of a verification document from the tax, customs, social insurance or public security authority containing matters requiring explanation or clarification, the specialized agency of the provincial People’s Committee shall request the enterprise to provide additional relevant documents for consideration, using Form AP09 in the Appendix. If the enterprise fails to provide the requested documents within 01 month, the specialized agency of the provincial People’s Committee shall close the dossier.

9. An enterprise that apply for letters of approval for use of ABTCs may register to receive the result directly, online, via postal services or through an authorized representative in accordance with law.

10. Where the dossier is submitted directly, the enterprise may appoint other persons to submit dossiers and receive dossier processing results on behalf of concerned businesspersons.

11. With respect to documents forming part of the dossier that are already available in databases accessible to the receiving and processing authority, the enterprise shall not be required to submit such documents.

Chapter IV

GRANT OF ABTCs TO VIETNAMESE BUSINESSPERSONS

Article 14. Grant of new ABTCs and re-grant of ABTCs

1. Cases of grant of new ABTCs include: First-time grant.

2. Cases of re-grant of ABTCs include:

a) A businessperson who has previously been granted an ABTC, but whose existing card has expired or is about to expire with respect to the approval granted by the APEC member economies;

b) A businessperson whose personal identification information has changed;

c) A businessperson whose position or place of employment has changed;

d) A businessperson who has completed serving a criminal sentence, or whose court-imposed restriction on travel has expired, or who is no longer subject to a wanted notice, or who is no longer prohibited from using an ABTC for reasons of national defence or national security;

dd) An enterprise that has relocated head office to another province or centrally run city.

3. The dossier shall comprise:

a) An electronic copy or the original of the application form for the grant of an ABTC, using Form AP05 in the Appendix, bearing a seal affixed across the photograph and certified by the head of the agency or organization, the legal representative of the enterprise, a person authorized by the legal representative of the enterprise, or the head of the personnel department of the economic sector or the specialized state management authority responsible for the activities of enterprises;

b) 02 photographs taken within the preceding 06 months, measuring 3 cm × 4 cm, in bare head, straight face, no glasses on a white background;

c) An electronic copy or the original of the request for the grant of an ABTC, signed by the head of the agency or organization, the legal representative of the enterprise, or a person authorized by the legal representative of the enterprise, using Form AP03 in the Appendix;

d) The original of the document issued by the competent authority approving the use of the ABTC. Where the dossier is submitted online, the agency, organization or enterprise shall submit an electronic copy of a letter of approval for use of the ABTC issued by the competent authority.

4. Within 06 months from the date on which approval for the use of the ABTC is granted by the competent authority, the agency, organization or enterprise shall submit 01 set of dossiers for the grant of new ABTC or re-grant of the ABTC, either directly, online or via postal services, to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security.

5. With respect to documents forming part of the dossier that are already available in databases accessible to the receiving and processing authority, the agency, organization or enterprise shall not be required to submit such documents.

6. Where the dossier is valid, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall receive and process the dossier. Where the dossier is incomplete or invalid, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall provide guidance for completion of the dossier in accordance with Form AP09 in the Appendix.

7. The agency, organization or enterprise requesting the grant of new ABTCs or re-grant of ABTCs for a businessperson shall pay the fee according to regulations.

8. Within 03 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier and after the agency, organization or enterprise has paid the fee according to regulations, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall exchange the applicant’s personal data with the competent authorities of the APEC member economies in respect of eligible businesspersons, or return the dossier and issue a written notification clearly stating the reasons for refusing to process the dossier, in accordance with Form AP10 in the Appendix, in respect of ineligible businesspersons.

Upon receipt of the applicant’s personal data, where requested by the businessperson, the APEC system shall issue an electronic ABTC to the businessperson and notify the businessperson by email.

Within 17 working days from the date of the exchange of the applicant’s personal data, the APEC member economies shall consider applicants’ eligibility in respect of the applicant.

After approval has been granted by the APEC member economies, where the businessperson has a need for a physical ABTC, the agency, organization or enterprise shall submit a written request to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, using Form AP04 in the Appendix. Within 03 working days from the date of receipt of the request, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall issue the physical ABTC to the businessperson.

9. Where any suspicious indication is detected or any matter requires clarification, in addition to the documents prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall conduct verification or request the agency, organization or enterprise to provide additional relevant documents and materials for consideration, using Form AP09 in the Appendix. If the agency, organization or enterprise fails to provide the requested documents or materials within 01 month, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall close the dossier.

10. The agency, organization or enterprise requesting the grant of new ABTCs or re-grant of ABTCs for a businessperson may register to receive the result directly, via postal services or through an authorized representative in accordance with law.

11. Where the dossier is submitted directly, the agency, organization or enterprise may appoint other persons to submit dossiers and receive dossier processing results on behalf of concerned businesspersons.

12. Where a businessperson has been granted with an ABTC that remains valid but the agency, organization or enterprise has changed organizational form or name, the agency, organization or enterprise shall notify the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security in writing and request permission for such businessperson to continue using the ABTC until expiry. Upon expiry of the ABTC, the agency, organization or enterprise shall carry out the procedures for the re-grant of the ABTC in accordance with this Article.

Article 15. Replacement of ABTCs

1. The following cases shall be eligible for the replacement of an ABTC that remains valid, provided that there is no change in the holder’s position or the agency, organization or enterprise compared with those at the time of the previous issuance:

a) The businessperson has been issued a new passport;

b) The businessperson requests the addition of an APEC member economy to the physical ABTC;

c) The physical ABTC has been lost;

d) The physical ABTC has been damaged;

dd) The businessperson is included in a list notified by the competent authority of at least one APEC member economy indicating that the businessperson’s ABTC is no longer valid.

2. The dossier shall comprise:

In addition to the documents prescribed at Points a and b Clause 3 Article 14 of this Decision, the agency, organization or enterprise shall submit:

a) The physical ABTC, where available, in the cases specified at Points a, b, d and dd Clause 1 of this Article;

b) A declaration of the loss of the physical ABTC, using Form AP06 in the Appendix, in the case specified at Point c Clause 1 of this Article. Where the businessperson has received a notification of the settlement of the declaration of the loss of the physical ABTC in accordance with Form AP08 in the Appendix, such notification shall not be required to be resubmitted.

3. The agency, organization or enterprise requesting the replacement of an ABTC for a businessperson who is present in Vietnam shall submit 01 set of dossiers, either directly, online or via postal services, to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security.

4. Where the dossier is valid, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall receive and process the dossier. Where the dossier is incomplete or invalid, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall provide guidance for completion of the dossier in accordance with Form AP09 in the Appendix.

5. The agency, organization or enterprise requesting the replacement of an ABTC for a businessperson shall pay the fee according to regulations.

6. Within 04 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier and after the agency, organization or enterprise has paid the fee according to regulations, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall issue the result to the requesting agency, organization or enterprise in respect of eligible businesspersons, or return the dossier and issue a written notification clearly stating the reasons for refusing to process the dossier, in accordance with Form AP10 in the Appendix, in respect of ineligible businesspersons.

7. Where any suspicious indication is detected or any matter requires clarification, in addition to the documents prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall conduct verification or request the agency, organization or enterprise to provide additional relevant documents and materials for consideration, using Form AP09 in the Appendix. If the agency, organization or enterprise fails to provide the requested documents or materials within 01 month, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall close the dossier and require the agency, organization or enterprise to reapply for a document approving the use of the ABTC from the competent authority prescribed in Article 10 of this Decision.

8. The agency, organization or enterprise requesting the replacement of an ABTC for a businessperson may register to receive the result directly, via postal services or through an authorized representative in accordance with law.

9. Where the dossier is submitted directly, the agency, organization or enterprise may appoint other persons to submit dossiers and receive dossier processing results on behalf of concerned businesspersons.

Chapter V

INVALIDATION OF ABTCs OF VIETNAMESE BUSINESSPERSONS

Article 16. Invalidation of ABTCs

An ABTC granted to a businessperson shall be invalidated in the following cases:

1. The physical ABTC is lost.

2. The existing ABTC remains valid in a case where the businessperson applies for the re-grant or replacement of the ABTC.

3. The businessperson no longer holds, or has changed from, the position specified in a letter of approval for use of the ABTC.

4. The businessperson’s personal identification information has changed.

5. The enterprise has relocated head office to another province or centrally run city.

6. The enterprise has been dissolved, declared bankrupt or ceased operations.

7. The dossier for grant of the ABTC is forged.

8. The businessperson no longer holds Vietnamese citizenship in accordance with the laws on citizenship.

9. The businessperson is serving a criminal sentence, is subject to a wanted notice, or is subject to a court decision imposing restrictions on travel.

10. The businessperson uses the ABTC for purposes other than those for which it was issued.

11. For reasons of national defence or national security.

Article 17. Responsibility for proposing the invalidation of ABTCs

1. For the case specified in Clause 1 Article 16 of this Decision:

a) Within 02 working days from the date on which the loss of the physical ABTC is discovered, the businessperson shall submit, either directly, online or via postal services, a declaration of the loss of the physical ABTC, using Form AP06 in the Appendix, to the Immigration Authority, the provincial-level Public Security Department or the commune-level Public Security Authority to request the invalidation of the physical ABTC. Where the declaration cannot be submitted within the prescribed time limit due to force majeure, the time limit may be extended, provided that the declaration clearly explains the reason constituting force majeure;

b) Within 01 working day from the date of receipt of the declaration of the loss of the physical ABTC, the receiving authority shall send a written notification to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security and to the declarant confirming receipt of the declaration, using Form AP07 in the Appendix.

2. In the cases specified in Clauses 3, 4 and 5 Article 16 of this Decision, within 10 working days, the agency, organization or enterprise shall revoke the ABTC and send a written request together with the physical ABTC, where applicable, to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security for invalidation of the ABTC, and simultaneously notify the specialized agency of the relevant ministry, ministerial-level agency, provincial People’s Committee, central-level socio-political organization, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the relevant economic group, corporation or company established by decision of the Prime Minister.

3. In the case specified in Clause 6 Article 16 of this Decision, within 05 working days from the date on which the enterprise is dissolved, declared bankrupt or ceases operations, the specialized agency of the relevant ministry, ministerial-level agency, provincial People’s Committee, central-level socio-political organization, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the relevant economic group, corporation or company established by decision of the Prime Minister shall send a written request to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security for invalidation of the ABTC.

4. In the case specified in Clause 7 Article 16 of this Decision, the competent authority, the Investigation Authority or the Court shall send a written request to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security for invalidation of the ABTC.

5. In the case specified in Clause 8 Article 16 of this Decision, the Ministry of Justice shall send a written request to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security for invalidation of the ABTC.

6. In the case specified in Clause 9 Article 16 of this Decision, the Court, the Judgment Enforcement Authority, the People’s Procuracy or the Public Security Authority shall send a written request to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security for invalidation of the ABTC.

7. In the case specified in Clause 11 Article 16 of this Decision, the Minister of National Defence or the Minister of Public Security shall have the authority to sign the document invalidating the ABTC and shall send document to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security for implementation of the invalidation of the ABTC.

Article 18. Responsibility for the invalidation of ABTCs

1. In the case specified in Clause 1 Article 16 of this Decision, within 02 working days from the date of receipt of the notification forwarding the declaration of the loss of the physical ABTC, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall notify the competent authorities of the APEC member economies of the invalidation of the physical ABTC and shall send a written notification to the businessperson using Form AP08 in the Appendix.

2. Within 03 working days from the date of receipt of the written request from the authorities specified in Article 17 of this Decision, or upon obtaining documents establishing that the businessperson no longer satisfies the conditions for the grant of an ABTC in the cases specified in Clauses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11 Article 16 of this Decision, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall notify the competent authorities of the APEC member economies that the ABTC issued to the Vietnamese businessperson is no longer valid.

3. In the cases specified in Clauses 2 and 10 Article 16 of this Decision, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall invalidate the previously issued ABTC that remains valid on the APEC system.

4. An ABTC that has been invalidated shall not be revalidated. Where a Vietnamese businessperson has a need to continue using an ABTC, he or she shall carry out the procedures for the re-grant or replacement of the ABTC.

Chapter VI

CONSIDERATION OF APPLICANTS’ ELIGIBILITY, GRANT OF TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CERTIFICATES, AND NOTIFICATION OF FOREIGN BUSINESSPERSONS’ ABTCs’ INVALIDITY FOR ENTRY INTO VIETNAM

Article 19. Consideration of eligibility of applicants being foreign businesspersons

1. The Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall consider and notify the results of consideration and approval of the applicant’s eligibility within 15 working days from the date of receipt of complete information exchanged by the competent authorities of the APEC member economies concerning the personal data of businesspersons from those member economies who apply for the issuance of an ABTC for entry into Vietnam.

Even in case of requesting the authority of such APEC member economy to supplement data on the applicant, the time limit for the Vietnam Immigration Department, the Ministry of Public Security, to consider the applicant’ eligibility and notify the consideration results to the APEC member economy’s authority must not exceed 21 working days from the date of receiving the initial data on the businessperson.

2. No fee shall be charged for consideration and approval of eligibility of businesspersons of APEC member economies participating in the APEC business travel card program where the competent authorities of those member economies request Vietnam to consider for the purpose of permitting their businesspersons to enter Vietnam using an ABTC.

3. After a businessperson of an APEC member economy is granted by the authority of that APEC member economy an ABTC listing Vietnam among APEC member economies having granted entry permission, when the businessperson enters Vietnam on such ABTC, he/she will not have to pay any other fees concerning procedures for entry into, exit from, and residence in the country.

4. Businesspersons from APEC member economies participating in the APEC business travel card program shall not be considered for grant of permission for entry into Vietnam on ABTCs by the Vietnam Immigration Department, the Ministry of Public Security, if falling into the cases not yet permitted for entry into Vietnam in accordance with the law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through, and residence in, Vietnam.

Article 20. Competence to consider eligibility of foreign businesspersons

The Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall have the competence to consider and exchange results of approval of businesspersons’ eligibility with the competent authorities of the APEC member economies participating in the APEC business travel card program where businesspersons of those member economies apply for the issuance of an ABTC for entry into Vietnam.

Article 21. Grant of temporary residence certificates to foreign businesspersons holding ABTCs

1. Upon each time of entry into Vietnam with an ABTC, a foreign businessperson shall be granted by the border-gate immigration control unit a temporary residence certificate of a validity duration which is 90 days per entry, and 30 days shorter than the remaining validity duration of his/her passport.

2. In case the remaining validity duration of a foreign businessperson’s ABTC is shorter than 90 days, the validity duration of the temporary residence certificate granted to such businessperson will be equal to that of his/her ABTC.

Article 22. Notification of foreign businesspersons’ ABTCs’ invalidity for entry into Vietnam

1. A foreign businessperson’s ABTC shall be invalid for entry into Vietnam in the following cases:

a) The businessperson has forged the dossier for being granted the ABTC;

b) The businessperson violates Vietnam’s law and is being handled;

c) The businessperson is refused when using the ABTC for entry into Vietnam as falling into the cases not yet permitted for entry into Vietnam in accordance with the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence, in Vietnam.

2. Investigation Authorities, People’s Procuracies, People’s Courts and Judgment Enforcement Authorities at all levels shall notify the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security of the cases specified at Points a and b Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Immigration control units shall notify the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security of the case specified at Point c Clause 1 of this Article.

4. The Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall notify the competent authorities of the APEC member economies that the ABTC issued to the relevant businessperson is no longer valid for entry into Vietnam.

Chapter VII

ORGANIZATION OF IMPLEMENTATION

Article 23. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Security

1. To take the lead and coordinate with ministries, sectors, provincial People’s Committees and relevant agencies and organizations in drafting and promulgating, or submitting to the competent authorities for promulgation, legal normative documents on the issuance, management and use of ABTCs; and to provide guidance on procedures for the issuance of ABTCs to Vietnamese businesspersons through electronic means.

2. To take the lead and coordinate with ministries, sectors and provincial People’s Committees in developing and connecting databases relating to the personal data of applicants for ABTCs; the list of Vietnamese businesspersons who have been issued with ABTCs; the list of Vietnamese businesspersons who have not been issued with ABTCs; the list of Vietnamese businesspersons whose ABTCs have been invalidated; updating information in the National Immigration Database; and providing online public services.

3. To organize the verification consideration and approval of eligibility of applicants being Vietnamese businesspersons, grant of ABTCs, invalidation of ABTCs, the grant of temporary residence certificates; consideration of eligibility of applicants being foreign businesspersons; and immigration control in respect of businesspersons holding ABTCs.

4. To exchange the following information with the competent authorities of the APEC member economies:

a) The personal data of Vietnamese businesspersons applying for the grant of an ABTC;

b) Vietnamese businesspersons and businesspersons of APEC member economies participating in the APEC business travel card program whose ABTCs have been notified as no longer valid;

c) The results of consideration for grant of ABTCs for businesspersons from the member economies participating in the APEC business travel card program.

5. To conduct inspections, examinations, settlement of complaints and denunciations, and handling of violations of law relating to the issuance, management and use of ABTCs by businesspersons; and to provide guidance, conduct inspections and examinations in respect of the issuance of documents approving the use of ABTCs by ministries, ministerial-level agencies, provincial People’s Committees, central-level socio-political organizations, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and economic groups, corporations and companies established by decision of the Prime Minister.

6. To carry out international cooperation relating to the APEC business travel card program.

7. To conduct state statistical activities relating to ABTCs.

Article 24. Responsibilities of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, provincial People’s Committees, central-level socio-political organizations, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and economic groups, corporations and companies established by decision of the Prime Minister

1. To organize the receipt and processing of dossiers requesting the issuance of letters of approval for use of ABTCs in accordance with law.

2. To coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security in exchanging information, searching and compiling statistics on the personal data of applicants for ABTCs and the list of businesspersons who have been granted with ABTCs within management competence.

3. Before January 15 each year, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, provincial People’s Committees, central-level socio-political organizations, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and economic groups, corporations and companies established by decision of the Prime Minister shall send a written report to the Ministry of Public Security on the use of ABTCs by businesspersons under their management.

4. To implement the connection of databases between the specialized agencies of provincial People’s Committees and the enterprise registration authorities, tax authorities, customs authorities and social insurance authorities in the locality to facilitate the issuance of letters of approval for use of ABTCs.

5. To settle complaints and denunciations and handle violations of law relating to the issuance of letters of approval for use of ABTCs by businesspersons.

6. The Ministry of Finance shall be responsible for implementing the provisions of Clauses 1 to 5 of this Article in accordance with its functions and powers and shall promulgate, within its competence, regulations on the fee rates for the issuance of ABTCs.

Article 25. Responsibilities of relevant agencies, organizations, enterprises and individuals

1. To provide complete and accurate information and documents relating to the enterprise; to be responsible for the accuracy of the information declared in reports; and to undertake to strictly comply with the laws of Vietnam and the regulations of the APEC member economies applicable to ABTC holders.

2. Agencies, organizations and enterprises shall coordinate with the competent authorities in managing the activities of foreign businesspersons using ABTCs to enter Vietnam in accordance with the declared purpose of entry and shall coordinate with accommodation establishments in carrying out temporary residence declarations for businesspersons in accordance with law.

3. Vietnamese agencies, organizations and enterprises shall coordinate with the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security in providing information on the personal data of businesspersons to APEC member economies where those economies request Vietnam to consider the applicant’ eligibility for the purpose of granting ABTCs.

4. Agencies, organizations and enterprises shall strictly comply with the provisions of this Decision, any violations committed in the process of requesting the grant of an ABTC shall be handled in accordance with law. The Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security shall not consider issuing ABTCs to businesspersons of agencies, organizations or enterprises that have committed violations.

5. Agencies, organizations, enterprises and individuals using ABTCs shall submit an annual report on the use of ABTCs within their respective units to the specialized agency of the relevant ministry, ministerial-level agency, provincial People’s Committee, central-level socio-political organization, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the relevant economic group, corporation or company established by decision of the Prime Minister before December 31 each year. The report shall specify the number of ABTCs granted and the management and use of ABTCs within the agency, organization or enterprise.

Where an agency, organization or enterprise fails to comply with the annual reporting obligation, the specialized agency of the relevant ministry, ministerial-level agency, provincial People’s Committee, central-level socio-political organization, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the relevant economic group, corporation or company established by decision of the Prime Minister shall consider discontinuing approval for businesspersons of such agency, organization or enterprise to use ABTCs or refusing to consider any subsequent request submitted by that agency, organization or enterprise for the grant of a letter of approval to use an ABTC.

6. During the use of an ABTC, where any issue arises, it shall be promptly reported to the specialized agency of the relevant ministry, ministerial-level agency, provincial People’s Committee, central-level socio-political organization, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the relevant economic group, corporation or company established by decision of the Prime Minister.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 26. Effect

1. This Decision takes effect on July 01, 2026.

2. This Decision replaces the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 09/2023/QD-TTg dated April 12, 2023 providing the order, procedures, competence, for grant, and management, of APEC business travel cards.

Article 27. Transitional provisions

1. Businesspersons who were granted an ABTC before the effective date of this Decision may continue to use ABTC until its expiry, except in the cases specified in Article 16 of this Decision.

2. Where, before the effective date of this Decision, a businessperson has submitted a dossier requesting the issuance of letters of approval for use of an ABTC, or a dossier requesting the grant of new ABTC or re-grant of an ABTC, and such dossier is still under consideration or processing, the provisions of the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 09/2023/QD-TTg dated April 12, 2023 providing the order, procedures, competence, for grant, and management, of APEC business travel cards shall continue to apply for the purpose of processing dossier.

Article 28. Implementation responsibilities

1. The Ministry of Public Security shall assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, provincial People’s Committees, central-level socio-political organizations, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and economic groups, corporations and companies established by decision of the Prime Minister in, organizing the implementation of this Decision.

2. Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Chairpersons of provincial People’s Committees, heads of central-level socio-political organizations, the President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairpersons of the Members’ Councils of economic groups, corporations and companies established by decision of the Prime Minister, and relevant organizations, enterprises and individuals shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.