Are you planning to travel internationally or work in Vietnam? It doesn’t matter if you’re going on vacation or a business trip, you still need a tourist visa or work visa in Vietnam. However, passports don’t last forever and eventually expire. To keep traveling internationally or staying in a country to work, you’ll need to renew your passport before it expires.
So, how long is a passport good for? In this blog post, we’ll explore the expiration date of passports and six necessities for a Vietnam work permit that you should know.
What Is A Passport?
A passport is a special document given to citizens by their government that confirms who they are and where they come from. It’s needed when you travel outside of your home country.
Passports are like small booklets with important information about the person, such as their name, birthplace, birth date, passport number, and a picture of them. They come in different types, depending on the person’s status in their home country.
Moreover, passports are of utmost importance in immigration as they serve as crucial identification and travel documents, allowing individuals to enter and exit countries, and comply with immigration regulations.
How Long Is A Passport Good For?
When you look at your passport, you’ll find important information on the front cover next to your photo. This includes the passport durations, which show you how long it’s valid.
Typically, adult passports are valid for around 5 or 10 years after the issue date. However, the length of passport can vary depending on the country that issued it, as well as the traveler’s age. Child passports, for example, are usually valid for a shorter time than adult passports.
Many countries have now adopted 10-year passports as the standard for adults, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Brazil, Argentina, China, India, Russia, France, South Africa, and several others. However, some countries issue adult passports only valid for five years, such as Finland, Greece, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Peru, Portugal, Sweden, Thailand, and most African nations.
Especially, infant passports are generally only valid for 1-2 years. This is because young children’s appearances change rapidly up until the age of 5. On the other hand, child passports are typically valid for five years, although this can vary depending on the country. It’s essential to check your passport’s validity regularly so you don’t find yourself stuck in a foreign country with an expired passport.
What Is A Passport 6-Month Rule?
Passport validity rules can be a headache for travelers, as every country has specific criteria. While the U.S. travel department does not set these rules, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on the passport and visa requirements of the country you’re visiting. This is because different countries have varying passport expiration rules to prevent travelers from overstaying their welcome.
For instance, some countries have strict three-month passport validity criteria, meaning your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay. Other countries, such as those in Asia, require six months of passport validity. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
It’s worth noting that passport validity requirements can change over time due to shifts in a country’s policies. So, even if you’ve visited a country before, it’s important to double-check the current rules before you travel there again.
For travelers visiting Canada or Mexico, there is some good news. These countries, which are closely aligned with the United States, typically allow U.S. citizens to have three months of passport validity when they apply. However, if you’re planning to travel to countries like China, Iran, or Turkey, you’ll need to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
6 Requirements For Work Permit In Vietnam
If you’re looking to get a work permit in Vietnam, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have suitable technical qualifications, working experience, and good health that satisfy the requirements of jobs for foreigners in Vietnam.
- Not currently serving a sentence, have an unspent conviction, or be undergoing criminal prosecution under their home country’s or Vietnam’s law.
- Be an executive officer, manager, specialist, or technical worker with qualifications and occupational skills.
- Have their employment approved in writing by a competent state agency.
- Applicants cannot enter Vietnam on a tourist visa, except for some exceptional cases permitted by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs on a case-by-case basis.
Vietnam Work Permit Validity And Extension
You’ll need a work permit if you’re planning to find Vietnam jobs for expats. The good news is that a work permit can be valid for over two years, and it’s possible to extend it for another two years, according to Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP. However, it’s essential to follow the Vietnam work permit extension procedure.
Once you’ve extended your work permit and it’s about to expire, your employer will need to go through the same process to obtain a new work permit if they want to keep employing you. It’s essential to keep this in mind so that you can plan accordingly and ensure that you have the proper paperwork to continue working legally in Vietnam.
FAQs
How Long Does It Usually Take To Get A Passport?
The average time to receive a passport in the U.S. is 8 – 11 weeks. Residents in Vietnam, on the other hand, will get a passport quicker, which is from 5 to 8 working days.
Which Countries Require Six Months Of Passport Validity?
Countries requiring six months of validity include Mainland China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Burma, India, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Turkey.
What To Do If You Lost Your Passport?
In case you lose your passport book or passport card, it is recommended that you report the loss or theft to the local Vietnamese police in the area where it happened and on the Department of State’s website. This will help you retrieve your lost or stolen passport and avoid potential misuse of your personal information.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, having a valid passport is a critical requirement for obtaining a work permit in Vietnam. Knowing how long is a passport good for is extremely important. By following these six necessities and staying up-to-date with the latest regulations, you’ll be well on your way to legally working in Vietnam. So, if you’re planning to work in Vietnam, ensure a valid passport and all the necessary paperwork to obtain a work permit. Feel free to ERA if you have more questions or need assistance.
Ms. Tracy has worked in human resource consulting for over 15 years. A driven entrepreneur focused on business expansion and people development. She previously worked as Country Manager for an international Australia firm that specializes in global workforce management, as well as several key roles as Business Growth Director and Executive Search Director for both large local firms to effectively drive their business growth. A strong emphasis is placed on aligning organizational priorities/objectives with business needs. She has a large network of local business leaders and a thorough understanding of the local market.
