VI
EN
On the afternoon of November 25th, the National Assembly passed the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, with 404 votes in favor (83.64%); 26 votes against (5.38%); and 16 abstentions (3.31%).
Accordingly, the new law adds a provision granting visa exemption for a temporary stay of 30 days to foreigners entering coastal economic zones (currently there are 18 zones nationwide, including the two island districts of Phu Quoc and Van Don); and assigns the Government the authority to decide which coastal economic zones are eligible for visa exemption if they meet four conditions.
The newly passed law provides impetus to attract international tourists to Vietnam.
The conditions include: having an international airport, a separate space; a defined geographical boundary, separated from the mainland; being consistent with socio-economic development policies; and not jeopardizing Vietnam's national defense, national security, public order, and social safety.
According to the explanation from the National Assembly Standing Committee, when commenting on the draft Law, in addition to many opinions agreeing with the above regulations, some delegates argued that stricter regulations and additional conditions regarding coastal economic zones are needed to ensure they do not affect national defense and security. Some delegates suggested reconsideration because Vietnam's coastline is long, making management and ensuring security and order difficult; others suggested not granting visa exemptions to foreigners entering coastal economic zones.
However, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly assessed that the regulation granting visa exemption to foreigners entering coastal economic zones under the four aforementioned conditions is "strictly enforced".
Vietnamese beaches such as Ha Long and Phu Quoc always attract many international tourists.
The Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam came into effect on July 1, 2020.
