Vietnamese citizens who have settled in the United States can use their Vietnamese passport for entry and exit procedures when returning to Vietnam. So, if the passport has only 6 months of validity remaining, will there be any difficulties when entering or leaving Vietnam? Let’s explore the detailed regulations with ICAFAS below.
How long is a Vietnamese passport valid?
Ordinary passports issued to Vietnamese citizens have the following validity periods:
- Passport issued to individuals under 14 years old: 5 years
- Passport issued to individuals aged 14 and above: 10 years
Can you enter Vietnam if your passport has 6 months of validity remaining?
According to regulations, Vietnamese citizens are permitted to enter Vietnam when:
- The passport is valid and unexpired.
- They are not subject to any entry restrictions or bans.
Therefore, in cases where a Vietnamese passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining, the citizen is still permitted to enter Vietnam.
Can you exit Vietnam if your Vietnamese passport has 6 months of validity remaining?
Previously, Vietnamese citizens were required to have a passport that was valid and had at least 6 months of remaining validity in order to exit Vietnam. However, since August 15, 2023, Vietnamese citizens may exit Vietnam when:
- The passport is valid and unexpired.
- They are not subject to any exit restrictions or bans.
Therefore, Vietnamese citizens whose passports have less than 6 months of validity remaining are still permitted to exit Vietnam.
Important notes when traveling to Vietnam with a passport that has 6 months of validity remaining
Although a passport with less than 6 months of validity remaining can still be used to enter and exit Vietnam, there are several important considerations you should keep in mind:
The airline may refuse boarding
Some airlines operating flights from the United States to Vietnam may refuse boarding if a passenger’s passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining.This can result in significant time and financial costs, as passengers may need to reschedule their travel plans and renew their passport, potentially disrupting their intended itinerary.
The passport renewal procedure in Vietnam can be complicated
If unexpected circumstances require you to stay in Vietnam longer than planned, the passport renewal process in Vietnam may be complicated and require extensive supporting documentation, especially for Vietnamese citizens who have settled abroad.
Administrative complications may arise
If you plan to carry out certain administrative procedures in Vietnam (such as permanent residence registration, property or land transfers, etc.) and your passport expires before your application is fully processed, you may be required to update your new passport number with the relevant authorities after renewal.
This helps ensure your information remains consistent and prevents delays or possible rejection due to discrepancies between your old and new passport details.
Renew your Vietnamese passport in the United States with ICAFAS
To avoid unnecessary complications, ICAFAS recommends renewing your passport in the United States before traveling to Vietnam. If your Vietnamese passport has less than one year of validity remaining, you may contact ICAFAS to:
- Renew your passport quickly in all 50 states
- 24/7 consultation, complete documents online within 10 minutes
- Take your own photo at home to save costs
- Receive your new passport in as little as 4 business days
- Safe process, and you can keep your old passport
Read more: Vietnamese Passport Renewal Procedures in the United States
