This Circular applies to overseas Vietnamese holding valid passports or passport substitute papers granted by foreign authorities (below collectively referred to as foreign passports) who register permanent residence in Vietnam.

This Circular also applies to overseas Vietnamese who do not hold foreign passports, but permanent residence papers granted by foreign authorities.

To amend and supplement a number of articles and clauses of Joint Circular No. 04/2002/TTLT-BCA-BNG of January 29, 2002, guiding the Government's Decree No. 21/ 2001/ND-CP of May 28, 2001, detailing the Ordinance on Entry, Exit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

This Circular guides procedures for the grant of permits for foreigners in transit via international airports or seaports (below referred to as international bordergates) for travel or tourism in Vietnam within 15 days.

This Circular guides the procedures for Exit and Entry Permit (form N18) for foreigners residing in Vietnam do not have passports but Resident Card issued by Vietnam.

The period of this license is shorter than Resident Card at least one (01) month and not be extended. It can not substitute the passport, does not specify the nationality of the grantee. Foreigners may be granted visa-free entry and exit out to Vietnam within the term of the license.

Draft policies will be presented to the Government by the national steering committee for tourism, meant to make it easier for international travelers to enter Vietnam.  Moreover, the loosened visa policy proposal is also included.