Tiếng ViệtPlanning to study abroad or travel internationally? A passport is essential. If you’re unsure about the required documents, application process, or fees, this guide provides all the necessary information.
Passport Application Requirements
The requirements for a Vietnamese passport application are detailed in Articles 15 and 16 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Vietnamese Citizens 2019. Applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport application form;
- Two 4x6cm colour photos with a white background, eyes looking straight ahead, and no tinted glasses;
- For individuals with diminished capacity or under 14 years old: A certified copy of the legal representative’s identification document issued by a competent Vietnamese authority.
Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances:
- Applicants under 14 years old: Copy of birth certificate;
- Applicants who have previously held a passport: Most recent passport; if lost, a lost passport report or confirmation of receipt of the lost passport report from a competent authority is required;
- Applicants with changes in family information from their most recent passport: A copy of their National Identity Card or Citizen Identity Card.
Note: If copies are not notarised, original documents must be presented for verification.
Applying for a Vietnamese Passport Abroad
If you lack a passport or any documents issued by a competent Vietnamese authority, you must present identification documents issued by a foreign competent authority, including proof of Vietnamese citizenship or any document that can be used to establish your Vietnamese nationality according to regulations.
Related: Flying for the First Time? Your Essential Packing Guide
Vietnamese Passport Fees
One of the most common concerns when applying for a passport is the fee. According to Vietnamese government policy, besides the standard passport fees, exemptions or refunds are available in certain cases.
Passport Fees
Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC stipulates the following passport fees:
- New passport issuance: 200,000 VND.
- Re-issuance due to loss or damage: 400,000 VND.
- Issuance of a confirmation related to personal information: 100,000 VND.
Exemptions and Refunds
Article 15, Clause 2 of Circular 25 outlines cases eligible for passport fee exemptions:
- Vietnamese citizens abroad with a written deportation order issued by a competent authority in that country but currently without a passport;
- Vietnamese citizens abroad who must return to Vietnam under international agreements or agreements on the repatriation of citizens but lack a passport;
- Cases related to humanitarian reasons.
Applicants who have paid the full passport application fee but whose applications are rejected will receive a refund.
Where to Apply for a Vietnamese Passport
Article 15 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Vietnamese Citizens specifies the competent authorities for passport issuance:
First-time passport application:
- Immigration Department of the Provincial Police where you reside permanently or temporarily.
- If you have a Citizen Identity Card, you can apply at the Immigration Department of any Provincial Police.
Subsequent passport applications:
- Immigration Department of any Provincial Police nationwide;
- Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security.
You can apply at any of the above authorities if you fall under one of the following circumstances:
- Possess a referral or request from a foreign hospital for medical examination or treatment;
- Have evidence confirming accidents, deaths, illnesses, etc., of relatives abroad;
- Have a written request from the direct managing agency for civil servants, public employees, officials, officers, non-commissioned officers in the armed forces, professional soldiers, or individuals working in critical agencies;
- Humanitarian or urgent reasons approved by the head of the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security.
Applying for a Vietnamese Passport Abroad:
- First-time application abroad: Vietnamese representative agency in your country of residence.
- Subsequent applications abroad: Any Vietnamese representative agency abroad.
Important Notes for Passport Applications
Keep the following in mind when applying for a passport:
- Passports with less than six months validity are considered expired. You will not be allowed to exit Vietnam and may be denied entry into some countries. Therefore, apply for passport renewal as early as possible.
- Passport photos must be taken against a white background with the applicant looking straight ahead, hair neat, and ears visible. Wearing a collared shirt is recommended.
- Children under 14 applying for a passport with their parents do not need to be present at the passport office.
Alternatives to a Vietnamese Passport
In certain cases, two alternative documents can be used in place of a passport:
- Citizen Identity Card: Article 20, Clause 2 of the Law on Citizen Identity 2014 stipulates that a Citizen Identity Card can replace a passport in countries or territories with agreements allowing its use as a travel document.
- Level 2 Electronic Identification Account: This account contains comprehensive citizen information and can be used as a database for entry and exit. Decision 34/2021/QĐ-TTg, Article 5, Clause 2, states that a Level 2 or higher electronic identification account is equivalent to a passport or Citizen Identity Card.
Conclusion
This guide provides essential information on Vietnamese passport application requirements, procedures, and fees. We hope it assists you in preparing for your passport application. For further information, please visit the KK2TRIP website.
Contact Information:
- Address: 118 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc
- Phone: 0816667118
- Website: https://kk2trip.com/