Where to get Vietnam passport

The Vietnamese passport allows citizens of Vietnam to travel internationally and provides identification and assistance when abroad. Here’s a summary of its key features:

Strengths:

• Visa-free access: As of February 24, 2024, the Vietnamese passport offers visa-free access to 55 countries and territories, according to the Passport Index. These include popular tourist destinations like Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
• Relatively affordable: Passport fees and renewal costs are considered reasonable compared to some other countries.
• Ease of renewal: The renewal process can be done online or in person, with a standard processing time of 10 working days within Vietnam and 4-6 weeks abroad.

Weaknesses:

• Limited global reach: Compared to passports from some developed nations, the Vietnam passport offers access to fewer countries visa-free.
• Potential future changes: Visa-free access can change, so it’s crucial to check specific requirements before travel.
• Lower ranking: The Vietnamese passport currently ranks 92nd in the world according to the Passport Index.

Additional points to consider:

• Your travel goals: If you primarily travel to visa-free destinations covered by the Vietnamese passport, it might be sufficient. However, if you need access to countries with visa requirements, other passports might be more convenient.
• Ease of obtaining the passport: If you are already a Vietnamese citizen, obtaining a passport is relatively straightforward.
• Future plans: If you foresee acquiring citizenship elsewhere, your perspective on the Vietnamese passport’s “goodness” might change.

Overall:

The Vietnamese passport offers visa-free travel to several popular destinations and is relatively affordable to acquire and renew. However, its limited global reach and lower ranking compared to some other passports should be considered when evaluating its suitability for your specific needs.

How to get a Vietnam passport

The process of obtaining a Vietnamese passport depends on whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing an existing one, and whether you’re applying within Vietnam or abroad:

First-time applicants:

Within Vietnam:

1. Gather required documents: This includes a completed application form, photographs, proof of Vietnamese citizenship (e.g., birth certificate), and any other documents specified by the local authorities.
2. Submit application: You can submit your application at the local immigration office or a designated agency.
3. Pay fees: Pay the required passport issuance fees.
4. Wait for processing: The processing time typically takes around 20 working days.
5. Collect your passport: Once your passport is ready, you can collect it from the same location where you submitted your application.

Abroad:

1. Contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate: Inquire about the specific requirements and application process for your location.
2. Gather required documents: This may include similar documents as within Vietnam, but with potential variations depending on the embassy/consulate’s procedures.
3. Submit application and fees: Follow the instructions provided by the embassy/consulate.
4. Wait for processing: Processing times can vary depending on the location, but generally take longer than within Vietnam.
5. Collect your passport: You can usually collect your passport from the embassy/consulate where you applied.

Renewing an existing passport:

Within Vietnam:

1. Gather documents: This includes your existing passport, a completed application form, photographs, and any other required documents.
2. Submit application: Similar to the first-time process, submit your application at the local immigration office or designated agency.
3. Pay fees: Pay the renewal fees.
4. Wait for processing: Processing time is usually shorter than for first-time applications, typically around 10 working days.
5. Collect your renewed passport: Collect it from the same location where you submitted your application.

Abroad:

1. Contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate: Inquire about the specific requirements and renewal process for your location.
2. Gather documents: Similar to within Vietnam, but with potential variations.
3. Submit application and fees: Follow the instructions provided by the embassy/consulate.
4. Wait for processing: Processing times vary depending on the location.
5. Collect your renewed passport: Collect it from the embassy/consulate where you applied.

Important resources:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam: [invalid URL removed]
• Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your location: Contact them directly for specific information and application procedures.

Additional notes:

• Visa requirements and passport regulations can change, so always check the latest information from official sources before applying or traveling.
• Allow sufficient time for processing, especially when applying abroad.
• Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
  Is Vietnam a strong passport?

Determining whether Vietnam has a “strong” passport depends on several factors and your individual needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Strengths:

• Visa-free access: Vietnamese passport holders can travel visa-free to 55 countries and territories as of February 24, 2024, according to the Passport Index. This includes popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
• Relatively affordable: Passport fees and renewal costs are considered reasonable compared to some other countries.
• Ease of renewal: The renewal process is straightforward, with options for online and in-person applications, and a standard processing time of 10 working days within Vietnam and 4-6 weeks abroad.

Weaknesses:

• Limited global reach: Compared to passports from some developed nations, the Vietnamese passport offers access to fewer countries visa-free, ranking 92nd globally according to the Passport Index.
• Potential future changes: Visa-free access can change over time, requiring updated information before travel.
• Lower ranking: Compared to the top passports, the Vietnamese passport offers less global travel freedom.

Additional factors to consider:

• Your travel goals: If you primarily travel to visa-free destinations covered by the Vietnamese passport, it might be sufficient. However, if you need access to countries with visa requirements, other passports might be more convenient.
• Ease of obtaining the passport: If you are already a Vietnamese citizen, obtaining a passport is relatively straightforward.
• Future plans: If you foresee acquiring citizenship elsewhere, your perspective on the Vietnamese passport’s “goodness” might change.

Overall:

The Vietnamese passport offers visa-free travel to several popular destinations and is affordable to acquire and renew. However, its limited global reach and lower ranking compared to some other passports should be considered.

Ultimately, whether Vietnam has a “strong” passport depends on your individual needs and priorities. If visa-free travel within its coverage area is sufficient for your travel goals, the Vietnamese passport might be a good option. However, if you require access to a wider range of countries, other passports might be more suitable.

Holding a valid Vietnam passport enables Vietnam citizens to facilitate international travel, allowing them to exit and re-enter Vietnam easily. So, how many types of passports are there in Vietnam and how to apply for them? Our comprehensive guide will give you detailed information on passport requirements, application procedures, fees, and renewals.

1. About Vietnam passport
Vietnam passports are documents issued by the competent authority of Vietnam to Vietnamese citizens to certify their nationality. According to the latest Henley Passport Index released on July 18, 2023, Vietnam passport ranking is 82nd, having moved up 6 ranks compared to January 2023 (88th place) and 10 ranks compared to 2022 (92nd place).

Accordingly, Vietnam passport holders can visit 55 countries and territories without a visa or with simplified visas like e-visas or visas on arrival. These countries and territories include:

Diplomatic passport
Brown-red cover, 48 pages in total
Issued to high-ranking state officials authorized by the competent authority to travel abroad for official duties.
Valid for 5 years from the date of issue, granting access to all countries.
Issuing authority: the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Hanoi) and Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Relations (in HCMC), or overseas Vietnam Embassies/Consulates.
Official passport
Dark green cover, 48 pages in total
Issued to government officials authorized by the competent authority to travel abroad for official duties.
Valid for 5 years from the date of issue, granting access to all countries.
Issuing authority: the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Hanoi) and Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Relations (in HCMC), or overseas Vietnam Embassies/Consulates.
Standard passport
Purple-blue cover, 48 pages in total
Issued to Vietnamese citizens.
For citizens from 14 years old: valid for 10 years from the date of issue, and non-renewable.
For citizens under 14 years old: valid for 5 years from the date of issue, and non-renewable.
Issuing authority: the Immigration Office where you temporarily or permanently reside if you do not have a Vietnamese ID card, or the nearest Immigration Office if you have one, or overseas Vietnam Embassies/Consulates.
Standard passport (issued via simplified procedures): This is a new Vietnam passport type issued from August 15, 2023. It has a black cover, comprises 12 pages, and is valid for 1 year. Those eligible for this passport include:
Those who are overseas, have lost their passports, and wish to return immediately.
Those who are deported from the host countries and do not have passports.
Those who are forced to return under international treaties or agreements on repatriation.
Those who were granted passports due to defense and security reasons.