Guidance on procedures for issuance of special visa exemption cards for foreigners

   Recently, the Government has issued Decree 221/2025/ND-CP regulating visa exemption procedures for foreigners who are in need of special incentives to serve the goals of foreign affairs and socio-economic development, effective from August 15, 2025 ("Decree 221/2025/ND-CP"). Subsequently, the Ministry of Public Security recently issued Decision No. 7134/QD-BCA-QLXNC dated August 18, 2025 ("Decision No. 7134") detailing the order and procedures for issuing special visa exemption cards to foreigners according to Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP. This article will provide detailed instructions on the order and procedures when applying for a special visa exemption card for foreigners according to the new regulations.

Source: Facebook page of the Immigration Office, Ho Chi Minh City

1. Eligibility

Foreigners who are eligible for a special visa exemption card when entering Vietnam must meet the following conditions:

1.1 Subjects of application[1]

Foreigners fall into one of the following cases:

1. Guests of the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the President, the Chairman of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Standing Committee of the Central Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vice President, the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front,  The Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, the Procurator General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, the State Auditor General, Ministers and equivalent, the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, the Secretary of the City Party Committee, the Chairman of the People's Council, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province or city;
2. Scholars, experts, scientists, professors of universities and research institutes; general engineer; high-quality digital technology industry human resources;
3. Investors, leaders of corporations, leaders of large enterprises in the world;
4. People working in the fields of culture, art, sports and tourism who have a positive influence on the public;
5. Honorary Consuls of Vietnam abroad;
6. Guests of research institutes, universities, universities, large enterprises. On the basis of the proposals of ministries, ministerial-level agencies and agencies attached to the Government, the Government shall decide on the list of research institutes, universities, universities and large enterprises to invite foreigners;
7. Other cases in which visa exemption preferences are needed for external purposes or in service of socio-economic development shall be decided by the Minister of Public Security on the basis of proposals of agencies and organizations.

Specifically, the criteria for identifying each special object are specified in Appendix 1 issued together with Decree 221/2025/ND-CP.

1.2 Other conditions[2]

• Have a passport that is valid for more than 30 days;
• Not falling into the cases of non-entry and suspension of exit as prescribed in Articles 21 and 28 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

2. Overview of procedures for issuance of special visa exemption cards for foreigners[3]

3. Procedures for issuance of special visa exemption cards for foreigners[4]

Model NC-01. Electronic special visa exemption card

Model NC-02. Hard special visa exemption card with chip