Vietnam to add birthplace info to new passports following visa rejections

In a report sent to National Assembly delegates, Lam said regarding the fact that certain European countries have refused to grant visa for holders of Vietnam’s new passports, authorities have discussed the issues with relevant parties and concluded that the issue was a “technical” one.

The lack of info regarding one’s place of birth would breed difficulties for local authorities to verify one’s identity, he said.

As such, the Ministry of Public Security has agreed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to manually add information regarding one’s birthplace into their new passports upon request. In the long run, there would be adjustments to the new passports so that one’s place of birth would be included, Lam added.

He said the new passports do not have information regarding birthplaces because it is not an absolute requirement in accordance with regulations by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). They are also not included in passports in accordance with Vietnam’s Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens.

Previously on July 27, Germany denied visas for holders of Vietnam’s new passports because they lack information regarding places of birth. The decision was followed by Spain on August 1 for the same reason. The Czech Republic on August 2 also said it does not recognize Vietnam’s new passports due to the lack of birthplace information.

The Spanish Embassy in Hanoi however on Monday said it would accept Vietnam’s new passport following consultation with Spanish authorities. But those who wish to apply for visa need to bring both their new passports and valid identity cards to verify their places of birth.

Vietnamese new passport, with decorations on its pages and covers, has been in use since July 1 this year. The old, green cover passports will continue to be valid till they expire.