A quick guide to Certificate of Visa Exemption (VEC), Vietnam

Velocycling wrote:

We are currently in Vietnam on tourist visa but have Received our VEC.  Usually we would just do a border run to activate them,  But since they are closed does anyone know a way to activate them in country?

Forum member jlgarbutt is in the same situation and needed to extend his Visa, because Vietnam is not only not allowing exit and reentry at this time; the government has also temporarily banned any VEC holders from entering.

There is no other way to activate your VEC except through entering the country.

Apologies for being the bearer of bad news

Velocycling wrote:

We are currently in Vietnam on tourist visa but have Received our VEC.  Usually we would just do a border run to activate them,  But since they are closed does anyone know a way to activate them in country?

You could try having your Vietnamese wife write a letter explaining the situation, and ask for an exception this one time.  I don't know if it would work, but the cost is small.  You would, of course, need all the supporting documents needed as if you were just extending your VEC.

Good luck.

Here's a link to a report from KPMG about changes to the visa's and workpermits in Viet Nam as of 14 February 2020.

"KPMG member firms operate in 147 countries, collectively employing more than 219,000 people, serving the needs of business, governments, public-sector agencies, not-for-profits and through member firms' audit and assurance practices, the capital markets. KPMG is committed to quality and service excellence in all that we do, bringing our best to clients and earning the public's trust through our actions and behaviours both professionally and personally."

KPMG has often done work for the Canadian government.
KPMG is respected and renowned the world over.

I included their notes since it is not often we get access to free analysis from such an esteemed source for these issues that impact us all.

Vietnam – Changes in Work Permit, Immigration Procedures

Here are some excerpts that answer some oft asked questions:

This concerns tourist visas:

"3. Residence Term

The Amended Law on Immigration sets out a maximum residence term of 30 days for foreign tourists down from up to 90 days under their DL or tourist visa.  However, foreign tourists may apply to extend their residency term if necessary and the relevant immigration authority will re-assess the immigration purpose of the tourist to determine whether approval to extend will be granted.

KPMG NOTE
This change has been introduced to allow more efficient administration of foreign tourists in Vietnam as the authorities are aware that some foreign tourists are breaching immigration regulations and working while on a tourist visa.  This could have a significant impact on casual labour."

This concerns temporary residence visas and work permits:


"Changes in Labour Regulations Impacting Work Permit Applications
Work Permit Exemption Extended

A foreign national married to a Vietnamese citizen is now exempt from a work permit. Therefore, the immediate sponsor for visa/temporary resident cards for the foreign national could be changed from the Vietnam organisation to the Vietnamese husband/wife of the foreign national.  Regulations to be issued in due course should give guidance on this matter.

Foreign national owners or shareholding members of limited liability companies and shareholders being members of the board of directors of joint stock companies with a certain threshold of capital contributions are entitled to a work permit exemption.  The government will provide further guidance on the threshold requirements in due course.
Revision of Ability to Renew Work Permits

The term for a work permit is up to two years and under the new regulations can only be renewed once for a further two-year term.

KPMG NOTE
This is a significant change.  To date there has been no restriction on the number of times a work permit can be renewed.  As a result of this change, it is understood that the foreign national must make a fresh work permit application based on his or her current role and requirement.

The KPMG International member firm in Vietnam believes this change has been implemented to give the labour authority more power to review the ongoing foreign worker requirement and to determine approval of the application. 

No further detail has been released as to the impact of this change. However, it could result in increased administrative burden and cost relating to the employment of foreign workers.

Please note this will also affect those foreign workers who have already renewed their work permits at least once."

Temporary residence visas:

"Changes of Immigration Procedures
1. Changing Visa Types and Leaving Vietnam First

Currently if a visa needs to be changed to a different type/category, a foreign national needs to leave Vietnam and enter again under the new visa.  This policy has been relaxed and a visa can be changed without the need to exit Vietnam in the following circumstances:

i.    Being an investor or a representative of a foreign organisation investing in Vietnam;

ii.    Being a parent, spouse, or child of the guarantor;

iii.    Being invited or guaranteed to enter Vietnam for employment and granted a work permit or work permit exemption;

vi. Entering Vietnam under an e-visa and then being granted a work permit or work permit exemption.

KPMG NOTE
The change above provides for a more efficient immigration procedure and also saves time/cost for the foreign national/Vietnam sponsors. "

Travelfar wrote:

Velocycling wrote:

We are currently in Vietnam on tourist visa but have Received our VEC.  Usually we would just do a border run to activate them,  But since they are closed does anyone know a way to activate them in country?

You could try having your Vietnamese wife write a letter explaining the situation, and ask for an exception this one time.  I don't know if it would work, but the cost is small.  You would, of course, need all the supporting documents needed as if you were just extending your VEC.

Good luck.

Same situation here.. have VEC but cannot activate it because the borders are closed. Had to do one month visa extension at immigration for 10USD

Jlgarbutt wrote:

Same situation here.. have VEC but cannot activate it because the borders are closed. Had to do one month visa extension at immigration for 10USD

The useful sticky on the marriage based TRC got unstuck too but luckily we got the VEC one back.  I don't remember.  Can you go directly from a tourist visa to the TRC or do you have to have a VEC first?  Does the TRC have to be activated by a border run as well?  Maybe one of the moderators will read this and stick back the marriage based TRC thread.

I stick with the VEC and will do so until July 1st with the next round of changes.

In the meantime if the border opens its a two hour bus ride away.. why pay an agent

Jlgarbutt wrote:

Travelfar wrote:

Velocycling wrote:

We are currently in Vietnam on tourist visa but have Received our VEC.  Usually we would just do a border run to activate them,  But since they are closed does anyone know a way to activate them in country?

You could try having your Vietnamese wife write a letter explaining the situation, and ask for an exception this one time.  I don't know if it would work, but the cost is small.  You would, of course, need all the supporting documents needed as if you were just extending your VEC.

Good luck.

Same situation here.. have VEC but cannot activate it because the borders are closed. Had to do one month visa extension at immigration for 10USD

scroll up to the post I just submitted above yours.
You see can see:

Temporary Residence Visas

Changes of Immigration Procedures
1. Changing Visa Types and Leaving Vietnam First

I lists circumstances in which a visa can be changed in VN without the usual border run.
I hope it's helpful.

THIGV wrote:

Jlgarbutt wrote:

Same situation here.. have VEC but cannot activate it because the borders are closed. Had to do one month visa extension at immigration for 10USD

The useful sticky on the marriage based TRC got unstuck too but luckily we got the VEC one back.  I don't remember.  Can you go directly from a tourist visa to the TRC or do you have to have a VEC first?  Does the TRC have to be activated by a border run as well?  Maybe one of the moderators will read this and stick back the marriage based TRC thread.

When did you get your TRC? Is that a temporary residence card? I am married to a VN and just had my TRC replaced by a stamp in my passport. The card is no more.

According to the KPMG report if I'm reading it correctly (no guarantees!) You should be able to go to immigration and renew the old card with the new stamp with your wife as the sponsor again. Without  a border run. I don't know anything about a VEC, so I'm guessing I didn't need it. just a straight up renewal exchanging a card for a stamp.

My apologies I just checked and found that I have a Certificate of Visa Exemption.

I checked with my VN wife. She is the sponsor. ( I could've done without the evil cackling!)

According to my wife: If I want a temporary residence card i would go to immigration and they would give me a new one for three years only. But according to my wife I don't need that because I have the Cert. of Visa Exemp. and according to KPMG above, I don't need a work permit to work.

Thanks THIGV.

VietCanada wrote:

If I want a temporary residence card i would go to immigration and they would give me a new one for three years only. But according to my wife I don't need that because I have the Cert. of Visa Exemp. and according to KPMG above, I don't need a work permit to work.

With VEC, you must exit the country every 6 months. WIth TRC, although it's only for 3 years, you're allowed to stay put the entire time.

If you travel often as we do, then VEC is good.  If you're tied to a job and can't take a holiday every 180 days, then TRC is good.

Thanks for explaining the difference to me. My wife would think 5 years is better than 3 and a one day trip to the border is cheap and easy.

As far as 6 months from now it looks like I can just get a TRC if there are any issues renewing my VEC.

edit: My wife is adamant that there won't be any issues getting a stamp at immigration if the border is still closed.

VietCanada wrote:

edit: My wife is adamant that there won't be any issues getting a stamp at immigration if the border is still closed.

I'm sure she's right. Our 6 months will expire in Aug, that's when we’ll go to Immigration.  Then for the 6 months after that, our flight to Japan was already paid for, we’ll lose the money unless they give us credits.

Ciambella wrote:

VietCanada wrote:

If I want a temporary residence card i would go to immigration and they would give me a new one for three years only. But according to my wife I don't need that because I have the Cert. of Visa Exemp. and according to KPMG above, I don't need a work permit to work.

With VEC, you must exit the country every 6 months. WIth TRC, although it's only for 3 years, you're allowed to stay put the entire time.

If you travel often as we do, then VEC is good.  If you're tied to a job and can't take a holiday every 180 days, then TRC is good.

Some places will extend the VEC in country, places like Ben Tre do it.

colinoscapee wrote:

Some places will extend the VEC in country, places like Ben Tre do it.

I hope Saigon will. Ben Tre is quite a long way.

We don’t have to go to Immigration in the province where we live, right?

Ciambella wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

Some places will extend the VEC in country, places like Ben Tre do it.

I hope Saigon will. Ben Tre is quite a long way.

We don’t have to go to Immigration in the province where we live, right?

That I can't answer, as things change so quickly here. One day you can, next day you can't.

Ciambella wrote:

our flight to Japan was already paid for, we’ll lose the money unless they give us credits.

Virtually every major airline, at least among the US airlines, have given either credits or allow no-charge changes to new dates.  Some are through the end of the year, some 12 months from planned travel date but almost all are accommodating tickets.

I've received a credit on a round trip to US from United.  I asked for a credit for half a leg back in March.  Not sure what I will get on that one.  But, they did tell me that when I need it I can even flip the legs since the ticket that I postponed originated in US.  They will let me originate in VN when needed.

SteinNebraska wrote:

I've received a credit on a round trip to US from United.  I asked for a credit for half a leg back in March.  Not sure what I will get on that one.  But, they did tell me that when I need it I can even flip the legs since the ticket that I postponed originated in US.  They will let me originate in VN when needed.

That's a very good response from United.

Our trip is with AirAsia.  The founder sent us (well, us and thousands of other flyers) several emails on the cancellation and credit -- even a big photo of him -- all signed "Lots of Love"!  They're for flights in 2020 though.  There's no mention of flights in 2021 so we'll just have to wait and see.

Ciambella wrote:

With VEC, you must exit the country every 6 months. WIth TRC, although it's only for 3 years, you're allowed to stay put the entire time.

If you travel often as we do, then VEC is good.  If you're tied to a job and can't take a holiday every 180 days, then TRC is good.

A VEC can be extended once per entry for an additional 6 months.  After 12 months, an exit/entry is needed.

VietCanada wrote:

As far as 6 months from now it looks like I can just get a TRC if there are any issues renewing my VEC.

My wife renewed my VEC entry stamp for the SECOND time because of the borders being closed.  It took a small letter from my wife to justify it, but otherwise there was no hassle.  Same $10 for 6 months.

Travelfar wrote:

Ciambella wrote:

With VEC, you must exit the country every 6 months. WIth TRC, although it's only for 3 years, you're allowed to stay put the entire time.

If you travel often as we do, then VEC is good.  If you're tied to a job and can't take a holiday every 180 days, then TRC is good.

A VEC can be extended once per entry for an additional 6 months.  After 12 months, an exit/entry is needed.

Not in every provence.

colinoscapee wrote:

Travelfar wrote:

Ciambella wrote:

With VEC, you must exit the country every 6 months. WIth TRC, although it's only for 3 years, you're allowed to stay put the entire time.

If you travel often as we do, then VEC is good.  If you're tied to a job and can't take a holiday every 180 days, then TRC is good.

A VEC can be extended once per entry for an additional 6 months.  After 12 months, an exit/entry is needed.

Not in every provence.

It would be a service to this community if you could provide a list (partial or complete) of where it can or cannot be extended.  Thu Dau Mot city (Binh Duong) WILL extend it.

Travelfar wrote:

It would be a service to this community if you could provide a list (partial or complete) of where it can or cannot be extended.  Thu Dau Mot city (Binh Duong) WILL extend it.

I seriously doubt that there's a person out there who has a list, partial or complete, as there isn't an official list upon which we can rely.

In addition, because:

1/ many people don't need to extend their visas often (my husband and I haven't needed to extend ours since before the pandemic began and we still have until August to do; same with our neighbour who has a one-year visa that wouldn't be expired for a while),

2/ most people do it in Saigon,

there wouldn't be many locations to share.

You can create a thread for the subject, perhaps title it, "Please add the location where visa extension is accepted".  Eventually, there may be a few locations on the list.

Travelfar wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

Travelfar wrote:

A VEC can be extended once per entry for an additional 6 months.  After 12 months, an exit/entry is needed.

Not in every provence.

It would be a service to this community if you could provide a list (partial or complete) of where it can or cannot be extended.  Thu Dau Mot city (Binh Duong) WILL extend it.

The point is, you said it can be done without being specific. What you should have said was "it can be done in Binh Duong".

Ba Ria-Vung Tau wont do it and neither will Tien Giang.

colinoscapee wrote:

Travelfar wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

Not in every provence.

It would be a service to this community if you could provide a list (partial or complete) of where it can or cannot be extended.  Thu Dau Mot city (Binh Duong) WILL extend it.

The point is, you said it can be done without being specific. What you should have said was "it can be done in Binh Duong".

Ba Ria-Vung Tau wont do it and neither will Tien Giang.

Your point is taken. 
I was referring to the legal definition, and did not qualify the location for deviations.  That is why I suggested a list. 
See Vietnam Embassy website, item #3, bullet #2 for the source.

Travelfar wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

Travelfar wrote:

It would be a service to this community if you could provide a list (partial or complete) of where it can or cannot be extended.  Thu Dau Mot city (Binh Duong) WILL extend it.

The point is, you said it can be done without being specific. What you should have said was "it can be done in Binh Duong".

Ba Ria-Vung Tau wont do it and neither will Tien Giang.

Your point is taken. 
I was referring to the legal definition, and did not qualify the location for deviations.  That is why I suggested a list. 
See Vietnam Embassy website, item #3, bullet #2 for the source.

This list would need to updated every few months, thats how quick things change. Last year Ba Ria wouldnt issue 3-year TRCs, this year they do. The whole point I'm making is just because Binh Duong does it, don't expect evryone to follow the letter of the law.

What is written on the USA website has very little to do with how things work here.

The best info I have on HCMC is that I have a 5 year VEC. I am supposed to leave VN every six months and re-enter to keep it valid. But because of Covid travel restrictions I would go to immigration instead.

My wife is the sponsor so either she would go by herself, we would go together or I would go by myself. I listed these in the order that we usually do things. She goes and if they want to see me, we go together a day or two later depending on time constraints and my job.

The main concern for immigration is that we are still married and she is still alive. the VEC is good for 5 years as long as those two things are true.

Here's a link to pretty lengthy discussion of the current visa situation in VN including VECs.

Visa policies for foreigners undergo major changes

Some excerpts:
" But visitors here on a tourist visa will need to do more paperwork if they want to stay longer than 30 days.

“For tourist visas which are valid for more than 30 days, tourists are only given a 30-day temporary residence stamp,” Minh said.

Foreign tourists can still get three-month visas, but they need their passports stamped every 30 days, which will cost US$10 (VNĐ230,000) each time.

“Tourists can apply for an extension once or multiple times, but the maximum stay is 90 days. After this period, they must leave the country and if they want to return to Việt Nam, they will have to apply for a visa again,” Minh said.

The new regulation is aimed at preventing crime and illegal workers."

and this:
" Another major change is for the first time, eligible foreigners are now allowed to change their visa status without leaving the country.

“They include foreign investors or representatives of foreign organisations that invest in Việt Nam and their families, and foreign workers who receive job offers in Việt Nam or enter the country on e-visas as long as they have a work permit or confirmation they are exempt from a work permit,” Minh said."

That puts today's news in a bit of context.
People who arrived here on or after March 01, 2020 have been granted until June 30, 2020 to leave VN.

People who got here before March 01, 2020 don't have that option. They must leave when their visa expires unless they can get a note from their embassy.

Since a work permit is not necessary for a VEC holder It seems like they can stay.

charmavietnam wrote:

Yeah, they changed a lot after 5 years!

Hi charmvietnam,
I was a little inundated by the OP.
I also noted it was posted a long time ago.
I was wondering if you were still well informed & up to date with the visa information and could give a little advice or point me in the right direction.

I am an Australian citizen.
Looking to travel to Nha Trang VN early 2021.
I am looking to stay for 1 to 2 years and will be staying with friends.
My friends are Vietnamese locsls (nationals/citizens)?

Would a TRC be suited to my circumstance?
Or what is this VEC? Would that be more suited.

If you have any helpful tips i would be much obliged
Thank u 😁

CheyneBC wrote:

charmavietnam wrote:

Yeah, they changed a lot after 5 years!

Hi charmvietnam,
I was a little inundated by the OP.
I also noted it was posted a long time ago.
I was wondering if you were still well informed & up to date with the visa information and could give a little advice or point me in the right direction.

I am an Australian citizen.
Looking to travel to Nha Trang VN early 2021.
I am looking to stay for 1 to 2 years and will be staying with friends.
My friends are Vietnamese locsls (nationals/citizens)?

Would a TRC be suited to my circumstance?
Or what is this VEC? Would that be more suited.

If you have any helpful tips i would be much obliged
Thank u 😁

You wont be eligble for either a VEC or a TRC. A tourist visa will be about all you can get as of todays laws. In 6 months it could be a totally different story.

CheyneBC wrote:

charmavietnam wrote:

Yeah, they changed a lot after 5 years!

Hi charmvietnam,
I was a little inundated by the OP.
I also noted it was posted a long time ago.
I was wondering if you were still well informed & up to date with the visa information and could give a little advice or point me in the right direction.

I am an Australian citizen.
Looking to travel to Nha Trang VN early 2021.
I am looking to stay for 1 to 2 years and will be staying with friends.
My friends are Vietnamese locsls (nationals/citizens)?

Would a TRC be suited to my circumstance?
Or what is this VEC? Would that be more suited.

If you have any helpful tips i would be much obliged
Thank u 😁

Different thread; same answers

Colinoscapee is someone whose advice you can trust.

As an aside, it seems that you are going through something that many of us went through when we were considering coming here for a long-term stay:

You seem to be hoping to rationalize the way that you think things should be here.

But the factors you are sharing about your friends and where you plan to stay are meaningless to immigration.

None of that constitutes justification for a Temporary Resident Card or Visa Exemption Certificate.

Everything you are saying confirms your previous posts where you stated that you intend to be a tourist.

You will only be eligible for a tourist visa.

CheyneBC wrote:

My friends are Vietnamese locsls (nationals/citizens)?

Are you planning to marry one of them?

THIGV wrote:

CheyneBC wrote:

My friends are Vietnamese locsls (nationals/citizens)?

Are you planning to marry one of them?

No. Haha I hadn't thought of it! Just mates 😉😇

Information on TRC for Investors

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Information on TRC for Investors

OceanBeach92

Is there a similar document (TRC related) available for somebody who is intending to come in with a confirmed job and company providing work permit. I believe, DN1 visa after July 1st. Thanks.

andidips wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Information on TRC for Investors

OceanBeach92

Is there a similar document (TRC related) available for somebody who is intending to come in with a confirmed job and company providing work permit. I believe, DN1 visa after July 1st. Thanks.

Once you attain the work permit, you will then receive the TRC. They wont be issuing it upon your intention to gain a work permit.

colinoscapee wrote:

andidips wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Information on TRC for Investors

OceanBeach92

Is there a similar document (TRC related) available for somebody who is intending to come in with a confirmed job and company providing work permit. I believe, DN1 visa after July 1st. Thanks.

Once you attain the work permit, you will then receive the TRC. They wont be issuing it upon your intention to gain a work permit.

What Colin said.

Your employer can sponsor a business visa, probably 90 days.

They have that long to get your  work permit completed.

Then you can get the TRC

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

andidips wrote:

OceanBeach92

Is there a similar document (TRC related) available for somebody who is intending to come in with a confirmed job and company providing work permit. I believe, DN1 visa after July 1st. Thanks.

Once you attain the work permit, you will then receive the TRC. They wont be issuing it upon your intention to gain a work permit.

What Colin said.

Your employer can sponsor a business visa, probably 90 days.

They have that long to get your  work permit completed.

Then you can get the TRC

Intend was a wrong word to use. What I understand from your post is company brings you in on a 90 days business visa, during these 90 days company along with authorities processes your work permit and subsequently you can apply for your TRC. Trust the same is the procedure for dependent spouse and child.

My assignment which was on the final stages of finalisation, got stuck because of the pandemic. In India, COVID related issues are yet to reach the peak and I feel it may take a couple of months more for any further discussions to happen. I wanted to make use of this time to really take a thought about decision. Just thinking loudly "Is it possible for me to send a PM to any of you guys to have a better understanding of the place/advice on the opportunity/etc?". I have spend a couple of years in Bangkok..Thanks

andidips wrote:

Is it possible for me to send a PM to any of you guys to have a better understanding of the place/advice on the opportunity/etc?

That's pretty vague.

If you are on topic in the right threads about the things that interest you, then you will get plenty of public feedback.

After that, you will more easily connect with people who share your interests and want to exchange private messages.

Let's not talk much more about this in this sticky thread because we are   

Enjoy searching the forum for more information.

THIGV wrote:

The useful sticky on the marriage based TRC got unstuck too but luckily we got the VEC one back.  I don't remember.  Can you go directly from a tourist visa to the TRC or do you have to have a VEC first?  Does the TRC have to be activated by a border run as well?  Maybe one of the moderators will read this and stick back the marriage based TRC thread.

I was on a business TRC (obtained 3 year TRC through an agent for $600 then and they applied through some company) and applied for the VEC. Soon after I shifted to the spousal TRC which finished within a week. I didn't take a border run then but did it when I changed again to the investor TRC which needed a DT visa.

Hello all,

Long time member but haven't logged in a while and had to start a new account to post this.

My VEC (overseas Viet)  situation is I just went to extend in HCMC for six months and only got 3 months?? (Actually less as mine expired 8/07/20 and I passed in my paperwork on 29/06/20 and only got three months from that date.)

I'm a bit confused and asked the officer with no real answer. He made some random comments in Viet which I couldn't really understand, like my landlord sponsored me so thats why it's 3 months but my family member could and that would be 6 months. He said it depends if they give from 3-6 months...and this was a favor as I could go back to my country?

I had done this a few years ago in HCMC and never had an an issue like this.

I am confused by this whole thing. If any of you fine members could fill me in, that would be great.

Thanks!