Official Dispatch 1606/VPCP-QHQT 2022 regarding the restoration of Vietnam's immigration policy

To:

- Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government-attached agencies;

- People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities.

In consideration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Report No. 463/BC-BNG-LS-m dated March 01, 2022, on restoration of Vietnam’s visa policy in the context of safe adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ministry of Public Security's Report No. 277/BC-BCA dated February 28, 2022, on proposal for lifting immigration restrictions, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh has the following opinions:

1. To agree to resume measures and procedures for immigration applicable to foreigners and overseas Vietnamese, that have been applied before imposing restrictions for COVID-19 prevention and control, from March 15, 2022, in accordance with the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through and Residence in Vietnam, and guiding documents.

2. The Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant ministries and agencies shall urgently implement the Government's Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP dated March 15, 2022, on visa exemption for citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus.

3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies, in formulating immigration policy for partners within the framework of bilateral and multilateral relations; continuing negotiations with other countries on the recognition of vaccine passports, creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese citizens when traveling abroad; promulgating guidelines for the application of vaccine passports by foreigners in Vietnam; notifying relevant countries/territories about the change in Vietnam's immigration policy.

4. The Ministry of Health shall provide guidance on medical conditions for people on entry according to the new situation.

5. The Ministry of Public Security shall strengthen the residence management for foreigners entering Vietnam according to regulations and anti-pandemic measures.

The Government Office hereby informs agencies for implementation./.