Vietnam Passport: A Ticket To Global Exploration

By Jenna Jolie

A Vietnam passport is not merely a document but a gateway to new cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences in a new land. Keep reading the article below, as Vietnam Immigration Services will provide you with essential information about a Vietnam passport, its global rankings, and the application process. 

An Overview of the Vietnam Passport and its Importance

What is a passport?

A Vietnam passport is an official document issued by the Vietnamese Government to its citizens for international travel. It serves as both an identification document and proof of nationality, allowing Vietnamese citizens to travel abroad and acquire entry into other countries. 

The Vietnam passport contains personal information of the passport holder, including their name, date of birth, photograph, and signature. It also includes crucial details such as the passport number, issue date, and expiration date. Holding a Vietnam passport enables citizens to explore various countries around the world, subject to visa requirements and regulations of each specific destination.

There are different types of passports from all over the world. So do you know about Passport Card and Passport Book? What are the differences between 02 types of passports?

A Vietnam passport is an essential document for traveling abroad

Types of Vietnam Passports

There are three types of Vietnam passports issued to meet the specific needs and circumstances of Vietnamese citizens. 

Ordinary Passport

This is the standard passport issued to most Vietnamese citizens for general international travel and is valid for a specific period. The validity of an ordinary passport is determined by the age of its holders. 

• Passports issued to citizens aged 14 and over valid for no more than 10 years from the date of issue and cannot be renewed, including 48 pages

• Passports issued for children under 14 years old: valid for up to 5 years from the date of issue and cannot be renewed, including 48 pages.

Official Passport

The official passport is issued to Vietnamese government officials, diplomats, and individuals representing the government on official business or international missions. It provides them with special privileges and immunities while traveling abroad. This type of passport is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance, permitting its holders to travel to all countries worldwide.

Diplomatic passport

Diplomatic passports are issued to Vietnamese diplomats and high-ranking government officials who are representing Vietnam in diplomatic or international relations. It has a validity of 5 years from the issued date. 

Types of Vietnam passports

Vietnam passport ranking

The Vietnam passport ranks in the 143rd position globally. 

Visa-free countries for Vietnam passport

Vietnam passport holders can travel visa-free to 20 countries worldwide. These countries include Barbados, Brunei, Cambodia, Chile, Dominica, Haiti, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Micronesia, Myanmar, Panama, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Singapore, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Thailand. 

It's worth noting that each country's government has different regulations on the duration of stay without a visa. Therefore, those holding a Vietnam passport should carefully check the visa-free duration and acquire a visa for extended stays if necessary. 

On the other hand, Vietnamese passport holders are required to apply for a visa in advance to gain entry into the remaining countries. 

When should you renew your passport? 

When traveling outside Vietnam, the passport must remain valid for no less than six months from the intended entry date into that country. Consider renewing your passport if it is about to expire within six months before your departure date. This allows for ample time to complete the necessary paperwork and receive the new passport to depart the trip in a timely manner.

You should renew your passport if it expires within six months from your departure date

What Documents Do You Need For Your Passport?

To apply for a passport online, you should prepare some necessary documents to ensure a smooth and efficient process. 

• The applicant for a passport shall submit a declaration according to a completed form.

• 02 portrait photos

• Relevant documents according to the presentation of an ID card, citizen identification card, or valid passport

• A copy of the birth certificate or an extract of the birth certificate for a person under the age of 14

• The most recent ordinary passport issued to the person who has been granted a passport

Vietnam passport online application process

The process of applying for a Vietnam passport is now straightforward owing to the online public service portal of the Government. This initiative aims to enhance convenience for citizens and promote the transparency of public administration by streamlining the passport application process through online channels. The online issuance of ordinary passports is available for residents in Vietnam who possess a valid chip-embedded identity card or a valid 12-digit citizen ID card. A registered account on the Government Public Service Portal and online payments for the required fees are also necessary. For individuals who are unable to apply online, the option to apply for passports in person at immigration offices is also available. 

The process of applying for a Vietnam passport can be done online

You can follow these simple steps to request a Vietnam passport issuance online:

• Step 1: Access the Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Public Security, create a new account, and log into your national public service account

• Step 2: Log in to an account issued by the National Public Service Portal. Select "Online Application"

• Step 3: Select public services to perform: "Passport." Then select the issue of an ordinary passport. People choose the set of procedures corresponding to their needs. The online application form requires some essential information, including full name, date of birth, place of birth,  ID card number, photo of the ID card (both two sides), places of residence, and the address to receive the passport. For profile information, the upload size should not exceed 6MB/1 file.

• Step 4: Click "Submit Application." Select the appropriate "Proceeding Agency," then select "Agree and continue."

After a few days of submitting your application form, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to pay the passport issuance fee. The processing time for a Vietnam passport application may take a maximum of 15 days, depending on the number of applications. Citizens can choose to receive a passport in the following two ways:

• Receive directly from the immigration authorities

• Receive by post

A Vietnam passport serves as a vital document for international travel, opening doors to new experiences, business prospects, and cultural immersion. To embark on a journey abroad, acquiring a valid passport is the first prerequisite for meeting visa requirements. 

Extra information: Foreigners coming to Vietnam may require a visa. Vietnam Immigration Services is pleased to provide travelers with a user-friendly visa application process. By possessing a valid passport and following a few steps on our website, you can obtain a Vietnam e-visa within a short span of time. 

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