Decree 262/2026/ND-CP prescribing press activities of foreign press agencies, representative missions, and organizations in Vietnam

DECREE

Prescribing press activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam

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

Pursuant to the Law No. 126/2025/QH15 on Press;

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

Pursuant to the Law No. 05/2022/QH15 on Cinematography;

Pursuant to the Law No. 68/2020/QH14 on Residence;

Pursuant to the Law No. 19/2012/QH13 on Publication;

Pursuant to the Ordinance No. 25-L/CTN on the privileges and immunities relating to diplomatic mission, consular posts and representative offices of international organizations in Vietnam;

At the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs;

The Government hereby promulgates the Decree prescribing press activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation

This Decree details Clause 1, Article 47 of the Law No. 126/2025/QH15 on Press (hereinafter referred to as Law No. 126/2025) regarding press activities and activities related to the press of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam.

Article 2. Subjects of application

This Decree applies to foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam.

Article 3. Interpretation of terms

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

1. Foreign press agency means a foreign news agency, radio, television, printed newspaper, online newspaper, and other forms of foreign press established and headquartered overseas, and recognized by foreign laws.

2. Resident foreign press office means the representative office of a foreign press agency established in Vietnam.

3. Resident correspondent means a reporter or editor with foreign nationality assigned to Vietnam by a foreign press agency to work on a resident basis.

4. Non-resident correspondent means a reporter or editor with foreign nationality assigned to Vietnam by a foreign press agency to work on a short-term basis and not entitled to the resident correspondent status.

5. Press assistant means a Vietnamese citizen employed under a contract by a resident foreign press office in Vietnam to support the resident correspondent and the resident foreign press office in press activities in Vietnam.

6. Stringer means a Vietnamese citizen or a foreigner legally residing and working in Vietnam hired by the resident foreign press office to support certain specific press activities of the resident correspondent and the resident foreign press office for a given period of time.

7. Press-related activities of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Vietnam include the exhibition of paintings and photos, the display of panels, posters, screens, and other forms of information outside the headquarters of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Vietnam; and the organization of film screenings and expositions in Vietnam with the attendance of Vietnamese citizens.

8. Informational publications of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as foreign informational publications) mean products containing informational content expressed in writing, images, and sounds, published in printed form or issued electronically for circulation in Vietnam, including:

a) Newsletters, special editions, and equivalent forms as prescribed by the law regulations on press.

b) Publications which are non-commercial documents.

c) Audio and visual informational products containing press content.

9. A press conference means an information-providing event organized in Vietnam by a foreign agency, organization, delegation, or individual, to which representatives of press agencies and Vietnamese citizens are invited for the purpose of notifying, announcing, declaring, or explaining a matter within the competence of, or relating to the duties or interests of, such agency, organization, delegation, or individual.

10. Agency authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs includes the foreign press guidance agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the agency or organization that directly invites, processes procedures for, receives, and guides foreign correspondents to conduct press activities in Vietnam.

Article 4. Principles of press activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam

1. All press activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam shall only be permitted to be conducted after obtaining the approval from the competent agencies prescribed in this Decree and must comply with the current law regulations of Vietnam; and coordinate with the provincial-level People's Committees of the localities where the activities take place.

2. Online journalistic publishing by foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam shall be subject to the law regulations of Vietnam on press, cybersecurity, relevant law regulations, and conform to the international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party.

3. An organization or individual that commits a violation of the regulations of this Decree, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, be handled in accordance with the law regulations of Vietnam.

4. For matters related to press activities and press-related activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam not prescribed in this Decree, the Law on Press, relevant specialized law regulations, and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party shall apply.

Chapter II

PRESS ACTIVITIES OF THE FOREIGN PRESS IN VIETNAM

Section 1

NON-RESIDENT CORRESPONDENTS

Article 5. Procedures for granting press activity licenses to non-resident correspondents

1. A foreign correspondent wishing to conduct press activities in Vietnam shall submit a request dossier online, via postal service, in person, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a diplomatic mission, consular mission, or representative mission of Vietnam to an international organization (hereinafter collectively referred to as overseas Vietnamese representative mission) at least 10 days before the intended date of entry into Vietnam.

A request dossier shall comprise:

a) The request form for press activities of non-resident correspondents in Vietnam, made using the form in the Appendix to this Decree.

b) A copy of the personal information page in the passport valid for at least 06 months of the foreign correspondent.

2. In cases where the dossier is submitted through an overseas Vietnamese representative mission, within 24 hours from the date of receipt of a valid request dossier, the overseas Vietnamese representative mission shall be responsible for forwarding the dossier to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for processing in accordance with regulations.

3. Within a time limit of 07 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid request dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue an electronic press activity license to the non-resident correspondent. In cases where it is not approved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a written reply, either paper or electronic, clearly stating the reasons therefor.

Article 6. Press activities of non-resident correspondents

1. After entering Vietnam, non-resident correspondents must comply with the guidance of the agency authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The agency authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be responsible for guiding non-resident correspondents to operate in accordance with the licensed purposes and programs; and concurrently reporting on the activities of the press delegation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within a time limit of 03 working days after the end of the program.

When conducting press activities in Vietnam, non-resident correspondents shall carry their press activity licenses and passports.

2. In case of adjusting or supplementing the program of activities or scope of work in the locality, the non-resident correspondent shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the activities take place, and, at the same time, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The non-resident correspondent is only allowed to conduct activities after obtaining the written approval of the provincial-level People's Committee.

3. In cases where a Vietnamese organization or individual provides content or produces programs for a foreign press agency that has no resident foreign press office in Vietnam, the foreign press agency shall submit a request dossier for a license as prescribed in Article 5 of this Decree and follow the guidance of the agency authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 7. Violations of press activities by non-resident correspondents

1. Non-resident correspondents who commit one of the violations prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article shall, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, be subject to reprimand, warning, fixed-term suspension of press activities, or revocation of the press activity licenses, and, at the same time, be handled in accordance with the law regulations.

2. The violations to be handled include:

a) Conducting press activities strictly contrary to the purposes, content, duration, or locations stated in the press activity licenses.

b) Committing violations of the law regulations on press and other law regulations of Vietnam.

c) Obstructing the activities of functional agencies or causing serious impacts on security and social order at the locations where the activities take place.

3. Competent agencies and the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the violation occurs shall be responsible for promptly making a record, temporarily suspending the activities, and sending a notice, either paper or electronic, enclosed with evidentiary materials, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within no more than 24 hours from the receipt of the notice of violation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall conduct verification and issue a document of reprimand, warning, fixed-term suspension of press activities, or revocation of the press activity license.

In cases where the press activity license is revoked, the agency authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be responsible for returning the license to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 8. Foreign correspondents accompanying foreign delegations

1. Foreign correspondents accompanying foreign delegations visiting Vietnam at the invitation of the Party and State leaders or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are allowed to report on activities according to the official programs of the foreign delegations.

In cases where press activities outside the official program of a foreign delegation is necessitated, a foreign correspondent shall submit a request dossier for a press activity license online, via postal service, in person, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A dossier shall comprise documents prescribed in Clause 1, Article 5 of this Decree.

Within a time limit of 03 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid request dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue a press activity license to the foreign correspondent. In cases where it is not approved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a written reply, either paper or electronic, clearly stating the reasons therefor.

After being granted a press activity license, the foreign correspondent shall conduct press activities as prescribed in Article 6 of this Decree and comply with the guidance of the agency authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. For foreign correspondents accompanying foreign delegations at the invitation of ministries, commissions, sectoral authorities, or local authorities, the hosts shall be responsible for guiding the correspondents to submit request dossiers for press activity licenses online, via postal service, in person, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A dossier shall comprise documents prescribed in Clause 1, Article 5 of this Decree. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue press activity licenses as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 5 of this Decree.

After foreign correspondents are granted press activity licenses by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the hosts shall implement sponsorship procedures for foreigners' entry in accordance with the law regulations and shall be responsible for managing the activities of foreign correspondents after entry as prescribed in Article 6 of this Decree.

Section 2

RESIDENT FOREIGN PRESS OFFICES, RESIDENT CORRESPONDENTS

Article 9. Procedures for establishment of resident foreign press offices and assignment of resident correspondents

1. A foreign press agency wishing to establish a resident foreign press office and assign resident correspondent(s) in Vietnam shall submit a request dossier in person, via postal service, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or through an overseas Vietnamese representative mission.

A request dossier shall comprise:

a) The application form for the establishment of resident foreign press office in Vietnam made using the form in the Appendix to this Decree.

b) A copy of the legal entity status certificate of the foreign press agency that has been consularly legalized, unless otherwise exempted from legalization as prescribed in international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the relevant country are contracting parties, or on the principle of reciprocity.

c) The application for the assignment of resident correspondent to Vietnam of the foreign press agency made using the form in the Appendix to this Decree.

d) The biography/curriculum vitae for the resident foreign correspondent in Vietnam made using the form in the Appendix to this Decree.

dd) A copy of the personal information page in the passport valid for at least 06 months of the person assigned to be a resident correspondent.

e) If the person assigned as a resident correspondent is entitled to diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities, such person shall provide a written undertaking to waive those privileges and immunities in relation to his/her activities as a resident correspondent, which shall be confirmed by the foreign representative mission, from the date on which the assignment of him/her as a resident correspondent is approved, or in accordance with an agreement between Vietnam and the sending country.

2. Within a time limit of 40 days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid request dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a written reply, either paper or electronic, regarding the establishment of the resident foreign press office and the assignment of resident correspondent(s).

3. Within a time limit of 30 days from the date of receipt of the written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a resident correspondent shall be responsible for coming to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present the appointment letter and receive the license to establish a resident foreign press office in Vietnam.

Article 10. Activities of the resident foreign press office

1. The resident correspondent or the person designated as the Head of the resident foreign press office (for a resident foreign press office with 02 or more correspondents) is the head and the legal representative of the resident foreign press office in Vietnam; shall take accountability to the law of Vietnam for all activities of the office and its members, including resident correspondents, additionally assigned correspondents, press assistants, and stringers; and shall directly sign requests for the issuance of resident foreign press cards, press assistant cards, and letters of introduction to Vietnamese authorities.

2. The resident foreign press office shall send a written notice to the provincial-level People's Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the address of the resident foreign press office at least 15 days before the resident foreign press office officially begins operations.

3. When it is necessary to establish an additional office in a province or municipality other than the place where the resident foreign press office is headquartered, the resident foreign press office shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the provincial-level People's Committee at least 15 days before the intended date of establishment of the office.

The notice must clearly state the name of the foreign press agency, the name of the resident foreign press office in Vietnam, the location of the office in the province or municipality other than the place where the resident foreign press office is headquartered (specific address, contact telephone number and email), the time the office starts operating and the expected operational period, and the list of personnel and correspondents assigned to work at this office.

After 15 days, if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not issue a written response, the resident foreign press office is allowed to establish the office in the province or municipality other than the place where the resident foreign press office is headquartered as per its notice.

4. In cases where the resident foreign press office changes its address within the same province or municipality where the old headquarters was located, the resident foreign press office shall make a notice as prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article.

In cases where the resident foreign press office relocates to a province or municipality other than where the old headquarters was located, the resident foreign press office shall make a notice on the relocation as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article. At the same time, the resident foreign press office shall be responsible for sending a written notice of the termination of operations at the old location to the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the old headquarters was located before starting operations at the new location.

5. The resident foreign press office requiring assistance with administrative procedures for the conduct of press activities in Vietnam shall send a request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for introduction to the competent agencies of Vietnam to carry out necessary procedures in accordance with the law regulations.

Article 11. Termination of operations of the resident foreign press office

1. The operations of the resident foreign press office shall be terminated in one of the following cases:

a) The resident foreign press office or the foreign press agency wishes to terminate its operations in Vietnam.

b) The license to establish a resident foreign press office is revoked due to operating contrary to its guiding principles and purposes, seriously violating the law regulations of Vietnam, or committing violations of the law regulations on press, or actions seriously affecting national security, social order and safety, cultural traditions, ethics, and fine customs of Vietnam.

c) The resident foreign press office fails to actually conduct press activities in Vietnam for a period of 06 consecutive months.

2. In the cases as prescribed at Point a, Clause 1 of this Article, the resident foreign press office or the foreign press agency shall send a written notice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at least 30 days prior to the date of termination of operations.

In the cases as prescribed at Point b and Point c, Clause 1 of this Article, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the resident foreign press office or the foreign press agency at least 30 days before deciding to terminate the operations of the resident foreign press office.

Within a time limit of 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice, the resident foreign press office or the foreign press agency shall send a written reply in person, via postal service, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within a time limit of 07 working days from the date of receipt of the written reply, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send its decision, either paper or electronic, to the resident foreign press office or the foreign press agency.

3. The resident foreign press office shall be responsible for completing relevant procedures as prescribed, returning the license to establish the resident foreign press office and the resident foreign press cards to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the press assistant cards to the provincial-level People's Committee within a time limit of 03 working days from the date of termination of operations.

4. Within a time limit of 03 working days from the termination of operations of the resident foreign press office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to relevant authorities and the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the resident foreign press office is headquartered.

Article 12. Procedures for assigning additional resident correspondent(s) and additional correspondent(s)

1. When it is necessary to assign additional resident correspondent(s) to a locality other than where the resident foreign press office is headquartered, the resident foreign press office shall submit a request dossier in person, via postal service, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A dossier shall comprise documents prescribed at Points c, d, dd, and e, Clause 1, Article 9 of this Decree.

After receiving a valid request dossier for the assignment of resident correspondents, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall request the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality to which the resident foreign press office intends to assign the resident correspondent(s) for its opinions. Within a time limit of 05 working days, the provincial-level People's Committee shall send a written reply, either paper or electronic, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Within a time limit of 10 days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid request dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a written reply, either paper or electronic; in cases where it is not approved, the reply must clearly state the reasons therefor.

2. When it is necessary to assign additional correspondent(s), the resident foreign press office shall carry out procedures as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 5 of this Decree. The additionally assigned correspondent(s) is not entitled to the resident correspondent status.

Article 13. Resident correspondents concurrently holding posts

1. In the following cases, a resident correspondent is permitted to concurrently hold posts for multiple resident foreign press offices in Vietnam:

a) He/she is a resident correspondent of a resident foreign press office currently operating in Vietnam.

b) He/she is a resident correspondent of a resident foreign press office in another country.

2. A foreign press agency wishing to employ a resident correspondent concurrently holding posts shall submit a request dossier in person, via postal service, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The request dossier shall comprise the documents prescribed at Point c, Point d, Point dd, and Point e, Clause 1, Article 9 of this Decree.

In the case as prescribed at Point a, Clause 1 of this Article, the request dossier must be submitted together with the written consent(s) of the foreign press agency/agencies where the resident correspondent is holding post(s).

Within a time limit of 10 days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid request dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a written reply, either paper or electronic; in cases where it is not approved, the reply must clearly state the reasons therefor.

3. After obtaining the approval, a resident correspondent concurrently holding posts shall carry out procedures to request the issuance of a visa and a resident foreign press card as prescribed in Article 14 and Article 15 of this Decree, and conduct press activities as prescribed in Article 16 of this Decree.

Article 14. Visas for resident correspondents

After obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the resident correspondent shall carry out procedures to request the issuance of a visa in accordance with regulations. The issuance, extension, refusal to issue, or cancellation of visas and temporary residence cards for resident correspondents shall be implemented as prescribed by the law regulations on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

Article 15. Resident foreign press cards

A resident foreign press card means a document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirming the status and allowing the resident correspondent to conduct press activities in Vietnam as prescribed by the law regulations. The card shall remain valid for the same period as the correspondent's visa.

1. Issuance: After entering Vietnam, the resident correspondent shall submit an request dossier in person, via postal service, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A request dossier shall comprise:

a) The request for the issuance of a resident foreign press card made using the form in the Appendix to this Decree.

b) A copy of the personal information page in the valid passport and the entry visa to Vietnam of the resident correspondent.

c) A 03 cm x 04 cm portrait photo with a white background, taken within the preceding 06 months.

2. Re-issuance: In cases where requesting re-issuance of the card due to damage or due to loss, the resident foreign press office shall submit a dossier as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article. The resident correspondent shall return the damaged card upon receiving the new card.

3. Extension: The correspondent shall carry out procedures to extend the card at least 15 days before the card expires; the dossier is similar to that prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, together with a copy of the card, and the original must be returned upon receiving the new card.

4. Within a time limit of 03 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid request dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall complete the initial issuance, re-issuance, or extension of the card.

In cases where it refuses or exceeds the deadline for processing the dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the resident correspondent.

5. When conducting press activities in Vietnam, the resident correspondent shall present their card and passport to the competent agencies of Vietnam upon request.

6. At least 15 days before a resident correspondent's term of assignment in Vietnam ends, the resident foreign press office shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and return the card to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the date the correspondent's assignment ends. In cases where the card is not returned, the resident foreign press office shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and clearly state the reasons therefor. Within a time limit of 03 days from the date of receipt of the notice from the resident foreign press office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a notice of the invalidation of the relevant resident foreign press card to the provincial-level People's Committee and relevant authorities.

7. The card shall be revoked in the following cases:

a) The resident correspondent's term of assignment ends before the expiry of the period stated on the card.

b) The resident foreign press office terminates its operations.

c) The resident correspondent commits violations of the law regulations on press and relevant law regulations, and is suspended from conducting press activities in Vietnam by a competent agency or is expelled.

8. In the cases prescribed at Point a and Point b, Clause 7 of this Article, within a time limit of 03 working days from the date the reason for revocation arises, the resident foreign press office or the managing foreign press agency shall be responsible for returning the card to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In cases where the card is not returned, the resident foreign press office shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and clearly state the reasons therefor. Within a time limit of 03 days from the date of receipt of the notice from the resident foreign press office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a notice of the invalidation of the relevant resident foreign press card to the provincial-level People's Committee and relevant authorities.

9. In the case prescribed at Point c, Clause 7 of this Article, upon detecting a violation or receiving a written notice of violation together with evidentiary materials from the competent agencies or the provincial-level People's Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue a document to revoke the card within a time limit of 02 working days.

Within 24 hours from the date of receipt of the revocation document as prescribed in Clause 9 of this Article, the resident correspondent or the resident foreign press office shall be responsible for returning the card to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In cases where the card is not returned, the resident foreign press office shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and clearly state the reasons therefor. Within a time limit of 03 days from the date of receipt of the notice from the resident foreign press office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a notice of the invalidation of the relevant resident foreign press card to the provincial-level People's Committee and relevant authorities.

Article 16. Press activities of resident correspondents

1. To interview a high-ranking leader of Vietnam, the resident foreign press office shall submit a written request in person, via postal service, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. To contact and interview the head of a ministry, commission, sectoral authority, or local authority, the resident foreign press office shall submit a letter of request, in person, via postal service, online, or via email, to the relevant ministry, commission, sectoral authority, or locality, unless the request is of a special nature, and shall, at the same time, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within a time limit of 05 working days from the date of receipt of the letter of request, the relevant ministry, commission, sectoral authority, or local authority shall send a written reply, either paper or electronic, to the resident foreign press office and shall, at the same time, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. To conduct press activities in a locality, the resident foreign press office shall submit a letter of request for press activities, made using the form in the Appendix to this Decree, in person, via postal service, online, or via email, to the provincial-level People's Committee of the relevant locality, and shall, at the same time, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within a time limit of 05 working days from the date of receipt of the letter of request, the provincial-level People's Committee shall send a written reply, either paper or electronic, to the resident foreign press office and shall, at the same time, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A resident correspondent or press assistant may conduct press activities in a locality only upon obtaining the approval of the provincial-level People's Committee and shall, at the same time, comply with the law regulations of Vietnam.

Article 17. Press assistants of the resident foreign press office

1. Press assistants are allowed to perform tasks supporting the press activities of resident correspondents and the resident foreign press office in Vietnam, such as photography, filming, interpreting, and administrative tasks supporting the operations of the resident foreign press office. Press assistants are not entitled to the resident correspondent status and are not allowed to conduct press activities in place of resident correspondents.

2. The resident foreign press office wishing to hire a press assistant shall submit an request dossier in person, online, via postal service, or via email to the agency assigned by the Chairperson of the provincial-level People's Committee to carry out administrative procedures in the locality where the resident foreign press office is headquartered.

A request dossier shall comprise:

a) The request form for press assistant made using the form in the Appendix to this Decree.

b) A 03 cm x 04 cm portrait photo with a white background, taken within the preceding 06 months.

Within a time limit of 10 days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid request dossier, the dossier-receiving agency of the provincial-level People's Committee shall issue the press assistant card and, at the same time, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In cases where it is not approved, the dossier-receiving agency shall send a written reply, either paper or electronic, to the resident foreign press office stating the reasons and, at the same time, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A card is valid for 05 years.

3. The request dossier for extension or re-issuance of the card due to expiration, loss, or damage shall comprise the same documents as prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article. The time limit for processing the dossier is no more than 03 working days.

At least 15 days before the card expires, the resident foreign press office shall carry out the extension procedures. The press assistant shall return the expired card or the damaged card upon receiving the new card. The card-issuing agency shall be responsible for notifying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the extension or re-issuance of the card.

4. The recruitment, employment, and management of press assistants of resident foreign press offices shall comply with the current law regulations of Vietnam.

5. When supporting resident correspondents in conducting press activities in Vietnam, press assistants shall present their cards and ID cards to the competent agencies of Vietnam upon request.

6. Within a time limit of 15 days before a press assistant's term of employment ends, the resident foreign press office shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the provincial-level People's Committee, and return the card to the card-issuing agency on the date the press assistant's term of employment ends.

7. A card shall be revoked in the following cases:

a) The press assistant's term of employment ends before the expiry of the period stated on the card.

b) The resident foreign press office terminates the hiring of the press assistant or terminates its operations in Vietnam.

c) The press assistant commits violations of the law regulations on press and relevant law regulations.

dd) The press assistant uses the card for improper purposes or lends the card to others.

8. In the cases prescribed at Point a and Point b, Clause 7 of this Article, within a time limit of 03 working days from the date the reason for revocation arises, the resident foreign press office or the press assistant shall be responsible for returning the card to the card-issuing agency. In cases where the card is not returned, the resident foreign press office shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the provincial-level People's Committee and clearly state the reasons therefor. Within a time limit of 03 days from the date of receipt of the notice from the resident foreign press office, the provincial-level People's Committee shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, of the invalidation of the relevant press assistant card to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities.

9. In the cases prescribed at Point c and Point d, Clause 7 of this Article, upon detecting a violation or receiving a written notice of violation together with evidentiary materials from the competent agencies, the card-issuing agency shall issue a document to revoke the card within a time limit of 02 working days and notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within 24 hours from the date of receipt of the revocation document as prescribed in Clause 9 of this Article, the press assistant or the resident foreign press office shall be responsible for returning the card to the card-issuing agency.

In cases where the card is not returned, the resident foreign press office shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, to the provincial-level People's Committee and clearly state the reasons therefor. Within a time limit of 03 days from the date of receipt of the notice from the resident foreign press office, the provincial-level People's Committee shall send a notice, either paper or electronic, of the invalidation of the relevant press assistant card to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities.

Article 18. Stringers of the resident foreign press office

1. When it is necessary to hire a stringer, the resident foreign press office shall submit an request dossier in person, via postal service, online, or via email to the agency assigned by the Chairperson of the provincial-level People's Committee to carry out administrative procedures in the locality where the resident foreign press office is headquartered.

A request dossier shall comprise:

a) The request form for press stringer made using the form in the Appendix to this Decree.

b) A 03 cm x 04 cm portrait photo with a white background, taken within the preceding 06 months.

c) A copy of the personal information page in the passport and the entry visa to Vietnam in cases where they are a foreigner.

d) If the person hired as a stringer is entitled to diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities, such person shall provide a written undertaking to waive those privileges and immunities in relation to his/her activities as a stringer, as confirmed by the foreign representative mission, from the date on which he/she is approved to act as a stringer for the resident foreign press office, or in accordance with an agreement between Vietnam and the sending state.

Within a time limit of 10 days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid request dossier, the dossier-receiving agency shall send a written reply, either paper or electronic, to the resident foreign press office and shall, at the same time, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. The resident foreign press office is only allowed to hire a stringer only upon obtaining the approval of the provincial-level People's Committee.

The stringer of the resident foreign press office is only allowed to perform tasks supporting the press activities of resident correspondents and the resident foreign press office, such as filming, photography, and interpreting in certain specific activities, for a given period of time, and is not allowed to conduct operations in place of resident correspondents.

Chapter III

PRESS ACTIVITIES AND PRESS-RELATED ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE MISSIONS AND FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM

Article 19. Publishing foreign informational publications

1. When publishing newsletters and special editions in Vietnam, foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Vietnam must obtain publishing licenses issued by the competent State agencies of Vietnam as prescribed by the law regulations on press.

2. When publishing newsletters and special editions, foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Vietnam must strictly comply with the licenses and are not allowed to transfer the licenses.

3. The competent agency issuing the publishing license for newsletters and special editions shall be the one to decide on suspending publication or revoking the license as prescribed by the law regulations.

4. The publication of foreign informational publications other than newsletters and special editions shall comply with the law regulations on publication and the current law regulations of Vietnam.

Article 20. Press conferences

1. When it is necessary to organize a press conference in Ha Noi, the foreign representative mission or foreign organization shall send a written notice in person or online to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism at least 24 hours before the tentative timing of the press conference and shall, at the same time, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. When it is necessary to organize a press conference in another locality, the foreign representative mission or foreign organization shall send a written notice in person or online to the provincial-level People's Committee at least 24 hours before the tentative timing of the press conference and shall, at the same time, notify the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Press conferences held by foreign delegations visiting Vietnam at the invitation of the leaders of the Party and the State or of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be consistent with the official programs of such delegations. For press conferences that are not included in the official programs of the delegations, the procedures prescribed in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article shall apply.

4. For a press conference held by a foreign delegation visiting Vietnam at the invitation of a ministry, commission, sectoral authority, or local authority, the host shall send a written notice, in person or online, to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the provincial-level People's Committee (if it is held in a locality), at least 24 hours before the tentative timing of the press conference.

5. The notice of a press conference must clearly state the agency, organization, or individual hosting the press conference, the venue and time, the content and materials evidencing the legality of the information provided to the press in the press conference, and the list of press agencies invited to attend the press conference.

6. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the provincial-level People's Committee shall be responsible for replying regarding the prohibition of organizing a press conference in cases where the notice on the press conference of the foreign representative mission or foreign organization in Vietnam does not meet the requirements as prescribed in Clause 5 of this Article and shall, at the same time, notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In cases where a foreign representative mission or foreign organization in Vietnam holds a press conference in contravention of Clause 5 of this Article or where the press conference shows signs of violating the law regulations of Vietnam, the competent state authority may suspend the press conference and shall concurrently notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 21. Exhibition of paintings and photographs; display of panels, posters, screens, and other forms of information outside the headquarters of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Vietnam; and organization of film screenings and expositions in Vietnam with the attendance of Vietnamese citizens

1. When it is necessary to exhibit paintings and photographs, display panels, posters, screens, or other forms of information outside its headquarters, a foreign representative mission or foreign organization in Vietnam shall submit a written request, in person, via postal service, online, or via email, to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism if its headquarters is located in Ha Noi, or to the provincial-level People's Committee if its headquarters is located in another locality.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall prescribe the licensing conditions, dossiers, and procedures as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article.

2. A foreign representative mission or foreign organization in Vietnam may organize a film screening at a public cinema or other public film screening venue in accordance with the law regulations of Vietnam, provided that it satisfies the conditions prescribed by the law regulations on cinematography and other relevant law regulations of Vietnam, unless otherwise prescribed in a treaty to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party.

Before organizing a film screening at a public film screening venue, the foreign representative mission or foreign organization shall send a written notice of the content and program of the film screening to the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the film screening is to be held.

Within 07 working days from the date of receipt of the written notice, in cases where the film or the film screening program shows signs of violating the law regulations on cinematography or other relevant law regulations of Vietnam, the provincial-level People's Committee shall issue a written notice of disapproval clearly stating the reasons therefor.

If no written opinion is issued by the competent local authority within the above time limit, the foreign representative mission or foreign organization may organize the film screening as per its notice.

3. When organizing an exposition in Vietnam, a foreign representative mission or foreign organization in Vietnam shall comply with the law regulations on expositions, publications, fine arts, photography, and other relevant law regulations of Vietnam.

Before organizing an exposition, the foreign representative mission or foreign organization shall apply to the competent state authority of Vietnam for an exposition license in accordance with the law regulations applicable to the relevant type of exposition.

The dossiers, order, procedures, competence, and time limits for processing applications for exposition licenses shall be governed by the relevant law regulations.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITIES

Article 22. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall take accountability to the Government for implementing State-level governance over all press activities and press-related activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam.

2. In managing the press activities of foreign press agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall perform the following tasks:

a) Manage, license, guide, and provide other necessary services for foreign correspondents entering to conduct press activities in Vietnam.

b) License foreign press agencies to establish resident foreign press offices in Vietnam and assign resident correspondents, and coordinate with the provincial-level People's Committee regarding the hiring of press assistants and stringers by the resident foreign press offices.

c) Manage and guide the press activities of resident correspondents and resident foreign press offices in Vietnam.

d) Coordinate with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial-level People's Committees to resolve professional and technical requirements; requirements for importing and exporting professional and technical equipment; requirements regarding entry, exit, residence, travel, and other requirements serving the press activities of the foreign press in Vietnam.

3. Coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to resolve requirements for press-related activities of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Vietnam.

4. Guide the implementation of regulations on the press activities of the foreign press within the competence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

5. Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial-level People's Committees in, summarizing and reporting periodically on an annual basis on the implementation of regulations on press activities and press-related activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam.

6. Guide, train, and support provincial-level People's Committees in managing and guiding local foreign press activities.

Article 23. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

1. Manage and license press activities and press-related activities of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations, including:

a) Publishing and circulating foreign informational publications.

b) Holding foreign press conferences in Vietnam.

c) Exhibiting paintings, photos, and other forms of information outside the headquarters of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Ha Noi.

d) Managing and licensing the display of panels, posters, screens, and other forms of information outside the headquarters of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Ha Noi, and for film screenings and expositions organized by foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Ha Noi with the attendance of Vietnamese citizens.

2. Guide the implementation of regulations on press activities and press-related activities of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations within the competence of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

3. Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with relevant competent agencies in, handling violations related to press activities and press-related activities of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations.

Article 24. Responsibilities of provincial-level People’s Committees

The provincial-level People's Committees shall be responsible for receiving, reviewing, and processing requests for local press activities from foreign correspondents, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations; issuing press assistant cards and licensing stringers of resident foreign press offices; and coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and relevant agencies to manage and guide the activities of foreign correspondents and handle any violations.

Article 25. Responsibilities of ministries and ministerial-level agencies

1. The Ministry of Public Security shall assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with ministries and ministerial-level agencies in, ensuring national security and social order and safety in relation to foreign press activities; ensuring the security and safety of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam; detecting, preventing, and handling acts of taking advantage of press activities to undermine national security and social order and safety in accordance with the law regulations; and closely coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to ensure compliance with the prescribed time limits for processing administrative procedures related to the licensing, management, and guidance of foreign press activities.

2. Ministries and ministerial-level agencies, within the scope of their assigned functions and tasks, shall be responsible for coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to manage and handle violations regarding the press activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 26. Transitional provisions

1. Licenses and written approvals issued prior to the effective date of this Decree shall continue to be used until the time limits stated in such licenses and written approvals expire.

2. Licenses for the establishment of resident foreign press offices of foreign press agencies without a specified time limit issued prior to the effective date of this Decree shall continue to be used and are not required to undergo renewal procedures.

3. Valid request dossiers that have been received by competent State agencies prior to the effective date of this Decree but have not yet been licensed shall continue to be reviewed and processed in accordance with the law regulations on the date of receipt.

Article 27. Effect

1. This Decree takes effect on July 1, 2026.

2. This Decree supersedes Decree No. 88/2012/ND-CP dated October 23, 2012 prescribing the information and press activities of foreign press, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Vietnam.

3. Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level authorities, Chairpersons of provincial-level People’s Committees shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decree.

* All Appendices are not translated herein.