Foreign Travelers Can Now Ensure a Smooth Stay in Vietnam Through the Temporary Residence Declaration Process – Here’s How

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When travelling to Vietnam, one important requirement for foreign visitors is the temporary residence declaration in Vietnam. This process ensures that visitors comply with local regulations during their stay. In Vietnam, the responsibility for declaring temporary residence lies not with the traveller, but with the accommodation provider. This article will explain how this process works, the penalties for non-compliance, and how long tourists can stay in the country under Vietnamese law.

What is the Temporary Residence Declaration in Vietnam?

The temporary residence declaration in Vietnam is a mandatory requirement for all foreign travellers in Vietnam. All visitors to the country must have their temporary stay officially registered with local authorities. However, it is not the traveller’s responsibility to handle this declaration directly. Instead, the accommodation provider, such as a hotel or guesthouse, is required to submit the necessary details to the local authorities on behalf of the guest.

Travellers need only present their passport or travel documents to the accommodation provider at check-in. The hotel will take care of the declaration and inform the local commune-level public security agency. This ensures that the authorities are aware of all foreign nationals residing in the country temporarily.

If you change your accommodation during your stay, a new temporary residence declaration must be made by the new accommodation provider. This ensures that your stay remains fully compliant with the law.

The Process of Declaring Temporary Residence

Declaring temporary residence in Vietnam is a relatively simple process. Upon check-in at your accommodation, you will need to provide your passport, international travel document, or another valid travel document.

• Accommodation Provider’s Role: The accommodation provider is responsible for submitting your details to the local public security agency. They can submit this declaration either electronically or on paper.
• Electronic vs Paper Declarations: If the declaration is done on paper, the accommodation must submit the form within 12 hours of your arrival. For electronic submissions, the declaration is processed immediately upon your check-in.
• Changing Accommodation: If you decide to change hotels or move to a different accommodation during your stay, a fresh temporary residence declaration must be made by the new accommodation provider to ensure your details are updated with the local authorities.

This registration process is streamlined to ensure that foreign travellers in Vietnam can focus on enjoying their visit without worrying about bureaucratic hurdles.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If the hotel or accommodation provider fails to make the temporary residence declaration, the traveller will not be penalised. The responsibility for registration falls on the accommodation provider, not the guest. However, the hotel or guesthouse could face significant fines for failing to comply with the regulations.

• Penalties for Accommodation Providers: Under Article 9.4 of Government Decree 144/2021/NĐ-CP, accommodation providers who fail to declare a foreign guest’s temporary residence can be fined between VNĐ4 million and VNĐ6 million. If the accommodation is an organisation, the fine doubles to between VNĐ8 million and VNĐ12 million.
• Penalties for Foreign Visitors: While tourists are not directly penalised for the failure of their accommodation to make the declaration, they may face fines if they deliberately provide false information during the registration process. According to Article 18.3(i) of the same decree, visitors who give inaccurate or false information during the declaration process can be fined between VNĐ3 million and VNĐ5 million.

Duration of Stay for Foreign Tourists in Vietnam

Once the temporary residence registration is completed, the length of a foreign tourist’s stay in Vietnam is based on the validity of their visa. Understanding the Vietnam visa rules is essential for anyone planning to stay in the country.

• Visa Validity: According to Article 31 of the 2014 Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners, if a traveller has fewer than 15 days left on their visa, they will be granted a temporary residence period of 15 days in Vietnam.
• Tourist Visa: For those holding a tourist visa (DL code), the visa may be valid for up to 90 days, allowing foreign tourists in Vietnam to stay for longer periods.
• Visa Exemptions: Vietnam also offers visa exemptions to citizens of several countries. Citizens of 13 countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days, provided they meet the required entry conditions.
• Bilateral Agreements: Vietnam has bilateral visa exemption agreements with several Southeast Asian countries. For example, nationals of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Laos can stay for up to 30 days, while citizens of the Philippines may stay for 21 days. Visitors from Brunei and Myanmar are allowed to stay for 14 days without a visa.

These visa exemptions and agreements allow foreign tourists to stay in Vietnam for various periods without the need for a visa, making travel to the country more accessible.

Key Points About Temporary Residence Declaration in Vietnam

• Who is Responsible? The accommodation provider, not the traveller, is responsible for submitting the temporary residence declaration in Vietnam.
• Required Documents: Travellers need to present their passport or other valid identification to the accommodation provider at check-in.
• Changing Accommodation: If you change hotels or move to a different place, a new declaration must be made by the new accommodation provider.
• Penalties for Accommodation Providers: If a hotel or guesthouse fails to register a guest’s temporary residence, they may be fined between VNĐ4 million and VNĐ6 million, or double that for organisations.
• Penalties for Tourists: Foreign visitors who provide false or incomplete information during the declaration process may face fines of up to VNĐ5 million.
• Stay Duration: The foreign tourist stay duration in Vietnam is determined by the visa type, with stays of up to 90 days for tourist visa holders. Some nationalities are granted visa-free stays for shorter periods.

Conclusion

The temporary residence declaration in Vietnam is a crucial requirement for all foreign visitors. Thankfully, the process is made simple, as accommodation providers are responsible for submitting the declaration to local authorities. By following the necessary procedures and ensuring your stay is properly registered, you can enjoy a hassle-free visit to this beautiful country. Foreign travellers in Vietnam should be aware of the penalties for non-compliance and ensure they provide accurate information during the registration process. Understanding Vietnam travel regulations and the associated visa rules will also ensure a smooth and legal stay while you explore all that Vietnam has to offer.

By ensuring proper temporary residence registration, tourists can enjoy their time in Vietnam without worrying about legal issues and can focus on experiencing the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.