A passport is a document that has become increasingly essential for individuals, especially for those who travel frequently for work and need to move between countries. Let’s explore what a passport is, its purpose, and the process of obtaining one in 2021.
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1 What is a Passport?
A passport, also known as a travel document issued by a government to its citizens, permits individuals to exit and re-enter their country of citizenship when traveling internationally.
What is a Passport?
Simply put, a passport serves as a form of identification when you are in a foreign country or territory where you do not hold citizenship.
A standard passport includes the holder’s surname and given name, date of birth, photograph, signature, nationality, issue date, and expiration date.
Stamps inside a passport
Each passport has a unique 8-character code, starting with a capital letter followed by seven random digits. Typically, the passport number is printed on the first page below the words “Passport” or “Hộ chiếu,” or on the upper right corner of the second page for standard passports.
For more information about passport types, application procedures, and fees, continue reading!
2 Common Types of Passports
Standard Passport
Also known as a Type P passport, a standard passport can be issued to any Vietnamese citizen wishing to travel abroad. It is valid for a period of 10 years from the date of issue.
Standard Passport
The benefit of holding a standard passport is the ability to travel to countries that allow visa-free entry for Vietnamese citizens. However, some countries may require an additional visa.
The standard passport is identifiable by its green cover, measuring 15.5cm by 10.5cm and containing 32 pages. The first four pages contain the holder’s personal information, while the remaining 28 pages are used for stamps, entry and exit records, and visas.
Official Passport
This type of passport is issued to government officials and individuals with specific authority who are assigned to work abroad. It allows them to travel to all countries without requiring a visa. Unlike the standard passport, the official passport is only valid for a period of 05 years from the date of issue.
Holders of an official passport also enjoy the privilege of using special entry and exit channels at immigration and are exempt from visa requirements in the country of entry. It has a darker shade of green cover and is slightly larger than the standard passport.
Official Passport in dark green and Diplomatic Passport in red
Diplomatic Passport
A diplomatic passport is issued to government officials engaged in diplomatic duties and is valid for a period of 05 years from the date of issue.
Holders of a diplomatic passport are exempt from visa requirements as per the regulations of the country they are visiting, allowing them entry to all countries. This type of passport is distinctively covered in red.
3 Where to Apply for a Passport?
People applying for a standard passport at the Exit and Entry Management Office
If you are applying for a standard passport and do not have a Citizen Identification Card, you should submit your application at the Exit and Entry Management Office of the Provincial/Municipal Public Security Department where you permanently or temporarily reside.
Exit and Entry Management Department, Ministry of Public Security (Headquarters: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi)
However, if you already possess a Citizen Identification Card, you may submit your application at the Exit and Entry Management Office of any Provincial/Municipal Public Security Department that is convenient for you.
4 How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Passport?
Citizens receive their passports within 5 or 8 working days depending on the place of submission
According to current regulations, the processing time for passport applications submitted at the Exit and Entry Management Department is 05 working days, while applications submitted at the Exit and Entry Management Office of the Provincial/Municipal Public Security Department take 08 working days.
5 What Documents Are Required for a Passport Application?
The following section will guide you through the process of applying for a standard passport.
Documents required for a standard passport application include:
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01 completed application form.
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02 recent photographs (4×6 cm). Ensure that the photos are taken against a white background, with a straight face, no colored glasses, and no head covering.
For individuals who have lost their civil act status or face difficulties in perception and self-control as per the Civil Code, and for those under 14 years of age:
Application form for a standard passport for the first time
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The application form must be filled out and signed by the parent, guardian, or legal representative and verified and sealed by the local police of the applicant’s permanent or temporary residence.
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Additionally, submit a copy of the birth certificate or birth record extract if the applicant is under 14 years old.
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Provide a certified copy of the legal document issued by a competent authority in Vietnam that proves the legal representative status for individuals who have lost their civil act capacity or face difficulties in perception and self-control as per the Civil Code. If the copy is not certified, the original document must be presented for verification.
Note: Individuals aged 14 and above can choose to apply for a passport with or without an electronic chip. However, those under 14 years of age can only be issued a passport without an electronic chip.
Procedure for applying for a standard passport:
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Submit the application in person and collect the passport from the same location. If you wish to receive the passport at a different location, you must pay a service fee for postal delivery.
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For individuals who have lost their civil act status, face difficulties in perception and self-control, or are under 14 years of age, the legal representative must submit the application on their behalf.
Office hours: Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings (excluding public holidays and Tet holiday)
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Office hours: Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings (excluding public holidays and Tet holiday)
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Passport collection hours: Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and Tet holiday)
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This concludes our overview of passport-related information. We hope that this guide will prove useful in your future endeavors and facilitate a smoother passport application process. Best of luck!
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