Decision 52/2025/QD-TTg subjects, competence, order and procedures for granting AB stamp for exit to Cuba, Laos, China

DECISION

Providing for subjects, competence, order and procedures for granting the “AB” stamp for exit to the Republic of Cuba, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the People’s Republic of China

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

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

Pursuant to the Law on Treaties No. 108/2016/QH13 as amended and supplemented under Law No. 137/2025/QH15;

At the proposal of the Minister of Public Security;

The Prime Minister promulgates this Decision providing for subjects, competence, order and procedures for granting the “AB” stamp for exit to the Republic of Cuba, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the People’s Republic of China.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation

This Decision provides for the subjects, competence, order and procedures for granting the “AB” stamp affixed to ordinary passports of Vietnamese citizens to travel to the Republic of Cuba, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the People’s Republic of China; and the responsibilities of relevant agencies, organizations, enterprises, and individuals in the issuance, management, and use of the “AB” stamp.

Article 2. Interpretation of terms

In this Decision, the terms below are construed as follows:

1. The “AB” stamp is a document issued by a competent Vietnamese state authority and affixed to the ordinary passport of a person who is sent by a competent agency, organization, or enterprise to the Republic of Cuba, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, or the People’s Republic of China, enabling such person to enjoy visa exemption status in accordance with treaties between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the governments of the aforementioned countries.

2. “Official duty travel” means the travel of Vietnamese citizens to the Republic of Cuba, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, or the People’s Republic of China to perform tasks assigned by state agencies, organizations, or enterprises.

Article 3. Validity duration of the “AB” stamp

The validity duration of the “AB” stamp shall correspond to the duration of the assignment stated in the decision on overseas assignment, but must not exceed 12 months and must not exceed the validity of the passport.

Article 4. Form of the “AB” stamp

The “AB” stamp shall be issued in accordance with the form prescribed in Appendix I to this Decision.

Article 5. Responsibilities of persons granted the “AB” stamp

1. Taking responsibility before the law for the information provided to competent authorities for the issuance of the “AB” stamp.

2. Exiting, entering, and conducting activities abroad in accordance with the purposes and duration stated in the decision on overseas assignment.

3. Strictly complying with the laws of Vietnam and the laws of the host country.

Article 6. Responsibilities of agencies requesting the issuance of the “AB” stamp

1. Requesting the issuance of the “AB” stamp in accordance with proper subjects, purposes, and duration of assignment; and taking responsibility before the law for such requests for persons sent abroad.

2. Agencies and organizations specified at Point a, Clause 2, Article 9 of this Decision that authorize or permit subordinate agencies or organizations to issue decisions on overseas assignment, or cease such authorization or permission, must promptly notify the Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security and the Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in writing.

3. Promptly notifying the authority that issued the “AB” stamp if the person granted the “AB” stamp fails to return to Vietnam on time, conducts activities abroad inconsistent with the purposes stated in the decision on overseas assignment, or no longer falls within the eligible subjects for the “AB” stamp.

Article 7. Responsibilities of the authority issuing the “AB” stamp

1. Facilitating agencies, organizations, enterprises, and citizens in carrying out procedures for requesting the issuance of the “AB” stamp in accordance with regulations.

2. Processing dossiers and returning results of the issuance of the “AB” stamp within the prescribed time limits.

3. Verifying and clarifying any suspicious signs of improper subjects or purposes in requests for the issuance of the “AB” stamp.

Chapter II

SUBJECTS, CONDITIONS, AND COMPETENT FOR CONSIDERATION OF ISSUANCE OF THE “AB” STAMP

Article 8. Subjects eligible for consideration for issuance of the “AB” stamp

1 Subjects eligible for consideration for issuance of the “AB” stamp in accordance with treaties between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Cuba, the People’s Republic of China:

Vietnamese citizens assigned to the Republic of Cuba or the People’s Republic of China to perform official duties.

2. Subjects eligible for consideration for issuance of the “AB” stamp in accordance with treaties between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic:  

a) Vietnamese citizens assigned to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to perform official duties;

b) Employees and workers of enterprises or organizations having legal status who exit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to implement commercial, labor, investment contracts and cooperative projects;

c) Pupils, students, and trainees who exit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for study under cooperation programs between the two Governments.

Article 9. Conditions for consideration for issuance of the “AB” stamp

Vietnamese citizens falling under the subjects specified in Article 8 of this Decision shall be considered for issuance of the “AB” stamp when fully satisfying the following conditions:

1. Not falling into cases where exit and entry documents have not yet been granted in accordance with the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens.

2. Possessing a decision or document issued by one of the following state agencies, organizations, or enterprises assigning them to go abroad:

a) Central-level and provincial-level agencies of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front;

b) Agencies or organizations authorized or permitted by those specified at Point a, Clause 2 of this Article to issue decisions on overseas assignment;

c) Vietnamese agencies, organizations, or enterprises having cooperation or investment activities in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

3. Holding a valid ordinary passport.

Article 10. Agencies requesting issuance of the “AB” stamp

1. Agencies and organizations under the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front may request issuance of the “AB” stamp for cadres, civil servants, public employees, staff, and citizens exiting the country for official duties.

2. Organizations and enterprises may request issuance of the “AB” stamp for persons under their direct management.

Article 11. Authorities issuing the “AB” stamp

1. The Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security shall issue the “AB” stamp to Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam.

2. Overseas Vietnamese representative missions shall issue the “AB” stamp to Vietnamese citizens residing overseas.

Chapter III

ORDER AND PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE OF THE “AB” STAMP AND INVALIDATION OF THE “AB” STAMP

Article 12. Dossier components and fees

1. Dossier components for persons exiting to the Republic of Cuba and the People’s Republic of China:

a) The original decision or document issued by a competent authority assigning or permitting overseas travel for official duties;

b) An official request for issuance of the “AB” stamp by the agency specified in Article 10, made according to the form in Appendix II to this Decision;

c) A valid ordinary passport;

d) For agencies or organizations specified at Point b, Clause 2, Article 9 of this Decision submitting dossiers for the first time, a copy of documents proving their authority to issue decisions on overseas assignment for official duties. 

2. Dossier components for persons exiting to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic:

a) Documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) One certified copy of the enterprise establishment decision or enterprise registration certificate; in case of submitting a copy, the original must be presented for verification and comparison;

c) Documents evidencing cooperation programs or projects between enterprises or organizations of the two countries, in cases where the “AB” stamp is requested for employees or workers of enterprises or organizations with legal status traveling to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to implement commercial, labor, investment contracts, or cooperative projects;

d) Documents evidencing cooperation programs between the two Governments.

3. In case of online submission, agencies, organizations, or enterprises shall upload electronic copies of the documents specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article.

4. Where databases of relevant authorities are connected and interoperable with the authority issuing the “AB” stamp, agencies, organizations, or enterprises are not required to submit documents that can be extracted from such databases as specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article.

5. Where the dossier is valid, the authority issuing the “AB” stamp shall receive and process it. Where the dossier is invalid, the authority issuing the “AB” stamp shall guide the applicant to complete the dossier according to the form in Appendix III to this Decision.

6. Agencies, organizations, or enterprises requesting issuance of the “AB” stamp must pay fees in accordance with the law.

Article 13. Place of submission of dossiers

1. At the Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security or the Immigration Authority of the Department of Public Security of the province or centrally run city where the applicant is headquartered or locate its representative office, in cases where the applicant for the “AB” stamp is residing in Vietnam.

2. At an overseas Vietnamese representative mission at a convenient location, in cases where the applicant for the “AB” stamp is residing overseas.

Article 14. Forms of dossier submission

The dossiers requesting issuance of the “AB” stamp may be submitted in one of the following two forms:

1. Direct submission.

2. Online submission. In this case, the passport of the applicant for the “AB” stamp shall be submitted directly to the issuing authority or via postal services.

Article 15. Time limits for settlement

1. Within 05 working days from the date of receipt of a valid dossier, the Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security or overseas Vietnamese representative missions shall return the result to the applicant.

2. Within 08 working days from the date of receipt of a valid dossier, the Immigration Authority of the provincial-level Public Security shall return the result to the applicant.

Article 16. Return and receipt of results

1. Agencies, organizations, or enterprises may register to receive results directly at the authority issuing the “AB” stamp or via postal services.

2. In cases of refusal to issue “AB” stamp, the issuing authority shall respond in writing, clearly stating the reasons.

Article 17. Re-issuance of the “AB” stamp in case of lost or damaged passport

1. A person who has been granted an “AB” stamp but loses their ordinary passport within Vietnam must carry out procedures for re-issuance of the passport and the “AB” stamp at the Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security or the Immigration Authority of the provincial-level Department of Public Security, as follows:

a) The citizen shall submit an application form for issuance of an ordinary passport within Vietnam in accordance with the form prescribed by the Ministry of Public Security, clearly stating the request for issuance of both passport and “AB” stamp, together with a report of passport loss or a confirmation of receipt of such report by a competent authority;

b) Within 05 working days from the date of receipt of a valid dossier, the Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security shall return the result to the applicant; within 08 working days from the date of receipt of a valid dossier, the Immigration Authority of the provincial-level Department of Public Security shall return the result to the applicant. In cases where the passport and “AB” stamp are not granted, the Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security shall respond in writing, clearly stating the reasons.

2. A person who has been granted an “AB” stamp but loses their ordinary passport abroad must carry out procedures for re-issuance of the passport and the “AB” stamp at a overseas Vietnamese representative mission at a convenient location, as follows:

a) The citizen shall submit an application form for issuance of an ordinary passport abroad in accordance with the form prescribed by the Ministry of Public Security, clearly stating the request for issuance of both passport and “AB” stamp, together with a report of passport loss or a confirmation of receipt of such report by a competent authority;

b) Within 02 working days, the overseas Vietnamese representative mission shall request the Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security to verify and provide opinions for re-issuance of the passport and the “AB” stamp;

c) Within 02 working days, the Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security shall respond to the overseas Vietnamese representative mission;

d) Within 01 working day from the date of receipt of the response from the Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security, the overseas Vietnamese representative mission shall issue the passport and the “AB” stamp to the applicant; in cases where the passport and the “AB” stamp are not granted, the mission shall respond in writing, clearly stating the reasons;

dd) The form of communication between the overseas Vietnamese representative mission and the Immigration Authority under the Ministry of Public Security shall comply with the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens.

Article 18. Invalidation of the “AB” stamp

1. Cases of invalidation of the “AB” stamp include:

a) The agency, organization, or enterprise requesting issuance of the “AB” stamp submits a written request for invalidation;

b) Detection of false information in the decision assigning overseas travel for official duties;

c) The holder of an ordinary passport with an “AB” stamp exits for purposes inconsistent with those stated in the decision on overseas assignment;

d) The ordinary passport bearing the “AB” stamp is invalidated;

dd) For reasons of national defense and security.

2. The authority issuing the “AB” stamp shall have the competence to invalidate an issued “AB” stamp within 01 working day from the date of receipt of the written request or upon detection of cases specified at Points b, c, d, and dd, Clause 1 of this Article, and shall simultaneously notify the requesting agency, organization, or enterprise and update the National Immigration Database.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 19. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Security

1. Assuming the prime responsibility for, and coordinating with relevant ministries and sectors in proposing competent authorities to promulgate, amend, and supplement legal normative documents on the “AB” stamp; carrying out state statistical work related to the issuance, management, use, and exit-entry control of the “AB” stamp; and organizing the issuance of the “AB” stamp within the country.

2. Directing immigration control units under the Ministry of Public Security to coordinate with immigration control units under the Ministry of National Defense in facilitating exit and entry procedures for holders of ordinary passports bearing the “AB” stamp; printing, managing, and supplying blank “AB” stamp forms for issuance to citizens; and conducting inspection and examination of the issuance, management, use, and exit-entry control of ordinary passports bearing the “AB” stamp within the scope of its state management in accordance with the law.

3. Coordinating with the Ministry of National Defence in guiding and directing exit-entry control and facilitating exit and entry procedures for holders of ordinary passports bearing the “AB” stamp at border gates managed by the Ministry of National Defense.

4. Coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in notifying the specimen of the “AB” stamp to competent authorities of relevant countries.

Article 20. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. Guiding and inspecting overseas Vietnamese representative missions in the issuance of the “AB” stamp; and organizing the issuance of the “AB” stamp abroad.

2. Estimating demand, receiving, and managing blank “AB” stamp forms at overseas Vietnamese representative missions.

3. Taking the lead and coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security in notifying the specimen of the “AB” stamp to competent authorities of relevant countries.

4. Coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security in conducting state statistical work related to the issuance and management of the “AB” stamp at overseas Vietnamese representative missions.

Article 21. Responsibilities of the Ministry of National Defence

1. Directing the Border Guard to control exit and entry and facilitate exit and entry procedures for holders of ordinary passports bearing the “AB” stamp.

2. Coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security in conducting state statistical work related to exit-entry control of persons using the “AB” stamp at border gates managed by the Ministry of National Defence.

Article 22. Effect

This Decision takes effect from February 14, 2026.

Article 23. Implementation responsibilities

Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of Government-attached agencies, Chairpersons of People’s Committees of provinces and centrally run cities, and relevant agencies, organizations, enterprises, and individuals shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision./.