Vietnam’s Temporary Residence Rules: What Foreigners Need To Know

Temporary residence declaration is a mandatory procedure for foreigners in Vietnam. It is not only an administrative obligation but also helps protect foreigners’ legal rights during their stay.

As Vietnam continues to tighten its management of temporary residence, completing required declarations can help foreigners enjoy a hassle-free experience in the country. Here is what you need to know about temporary residence rules for foreigners in Vietnam.

Even Visiting Friends Must Be Declared As Temporary Residence

Regulations on temporary residence declarations for foreigners are stipulated in Article 33 of the 2014 Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, which was amended and supplemented in 2023.

Under the law, foreigners temporarily residing in Vietnam must declare their temporary residence through the person directly managing or operating the accommodation where they are staying. The declaration must be submitted to the commune-level police authority (including the police of communes, wards, or townships) or the police station located in the area where the accommodation establishment is based.

Accommodation in this context includes hotels, homestays, rental houses, and even private residences of friends or relatives. Under the new temporary residence regulations taking effect on July 1, even visiting a friend overnight can be considered as temporarily residing and must be declared as a temporary residence.

The temporary residence declaration must be completed within 12 hours from the time the foreigner begins their stay, or within 24 hours in remote and mountainous areas.

In addition, Article 33 stipulates that foreigners may stay temporarily at accommodation establishments located in industrial parks, export processing zones, border-gate economic zones, and coastal economic zones. However, foreigners are not allowed to stay temporarily in prohibited areas or areas where activities are suspended within land border areas, as well as prohibited or restricted areas within maritime border zones.

In cases where foreigners temporarily reside at accommodation located in border areas, or in towns, cities, tourist and service areas, special administrative-economic units, or other economic zones related to border areas, the temporary residence information must be promptly reported to the Border Guard station located in the area where the accommodation is situated.

Do Foreigners Have To Handle The Declaration?

The answer is no. The responsibility for making temporary residence declarations lies with the accommodation owner or the landlord when a foreigner comes to stay. However, before foreigners can reside in Vietnam, they must provide a passport or international travel document, along with relevant residence documents (such as a visa, temporary residence card, or permanent residence card, if applicable) to collect the required information for the declaration.

Foreigners should also ensure that the accommodation establishment is legally eligible to declare temporary residence on their behalf. They are advised to stay at official, registered accommodation providers that use the electronic temporary residence declaration system, such as hotels, registered homestays, and rental properties that comply with declaration requirements.

Failure to declare temporary residence, or providing inaccurate or late declarations, may result in administrative penalties for the accommodation establishment. Foreigners may also face penalties, which could affect their visa extensions, temporary residence card applications, and immigration records.

If a foreigner changes their place of temporary residence (such as moving to another hotel, rental property, or another city), the new accommodation establishment must submit a new temporary residence declaration in accordance with regulations. Foreigners are not allowed to stay at an address that has not been declared.

If there are changes to passport information, visa details, an extension of the permitted stay period, or the issuance of a new permanent residence card, foreigners must notify the accommodation establishment so that their temporary residence declaration information can be updated.

What Could Foreigners Do?

For foreigners in Vietnam, temporary residence are relatively manageable if they follow a few practical steps.

1. Choose A Compliant Accommodation Provider

Always stay at accommodation establishments that are legally registered and able to declare temporary residence for foreign guests, including hotels, licensed homestays, serviced apartments, and registered rental properties.

Avoid informal rentals where the landlord refuses to declare your temporary residence or does not have access to the electronic declaration system. If your accommodation provider cannot complete the declaration, your stay may be considered undeclared.

2. Keep Your Travel Documents Valid And Accurate

Keep your passport, visa, and temporary or permanent residence cards valid and readily available when checking in or moving to a new accommodation.

Make sure your personal information, including your full name, passport number, nationality, and document validity dates, is entered correctly in the accommodation provider’s system. Even minor errors could create difficulties during visa extensions or residence card applications.

3. Confirm That Your Stay Has Been Declared On Time

While the responsibility for temporary residence declarations belongs to the accommodation provider, foreigners should confirm that their information has been submitted, especially within the required timeframe: 12 hours after arrival, or 24 hours in remote and mountainous areas.

If you arrive late at night, during weekends, or on public holidays, check with your host or accommodation provider to confirm the declaration will be completed promptly.

4. Report Changes In Address And Residence Status

Whenever you move to a new hotel, rental property, or another city, your new accommodation provider must submit a new temporary residence declaration. Foreigners should not stay at an address that has not been declared.

You should also inform your accommodation provider of any changes to your passport information, visa status, permitted stay period, or residence card so that your temporary residence information can be updated.

5. Be Aware Of Restrictions In Border And Protected Areas

Foreigners should not stay in prohibited areas, areas where activities are suspended in land border regions, or restricted areas within maritime border zones.

If you stay in border-related economic zones, coastal economic zones, special administrative-economic units, or other areas connected to border regions, ensure that your accommodation provider reports your temporary residence to the relevant Border Guard station when required.

6. View Temporary Residence Declaration As A Form Of Legal Protection

Temporary residence declaration is not only a legal requirement. It also helps protect foreigners’ rights during their stay in Vietnam.

Having properly declared residence information can make it easier for authorities to verify your status and support smoother immigration procedures, including visa extensions and residence card applications. It can also be important in emergencies, when seeking consular assistance, or when resolving disputes.