
Starting from this July, the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Public Security have commenced the issuance of new standard passports (non-chip embedded). What are the differences between the new and old passport models? Is it mandatory to switch to the new model? Should citizens consider switching to the new passport model? Let's delve into this new passport model with 24h Technology!
Should you switch to the new passport model: What sets it apart from the old one?

Compared to the old passport, the new model features a purple-blue color and incorporates various decorative elements. Each page of the new standard passport is redesigned to be visually appealing, featuring embossed images of famous landmarks such as Ha Long Bay, the Imperial City of Huế, and more.

Furthermore, the new passport also upgrades the paper quality, making it difficult for the naked eye to discern the difference. However, immigration authorities specialized in border control will easily distinguish them.
Fundamentally, the new and old passport models differ only in their external appearance and decoration. However, the new passport is deemed to have higher security due to its intricate watermark designs.
Are citizens obligated to switch to the new passport model?

For passports issued before July 1st, as stipulated in Circular 73/2021 by the Ministry of Public Security, they remain valid until the expiration date stated on the passport. So, if your passport is still valid, feel free to use it; there's no need to rush into getting a new one!
Note that for registering for overseas tours, your passport must have a minimum of 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 6 months. Consider this carefully before deciding whether to switch to the new passport model right away.
Are the standard passport and the chip-embedded passport the same?

The Ministry of Public Security plans to begin issuing chip-embedded passports to citizens by the end of 2022. Therefore, the new standard passports are being issued starting from July, not the chip-embedded ones. However, this will lay the groundwork for issuing chip-embedded passports.

Chip-embedded passports will have no external changes compared to the new standard passports. The electronic chip will be discreetly embedded on the back cover. These chip-embedded passports will offer higher security than the new standard passports as they are tamper-proof.

It is anticipated that by the end of 2022, chip-embedded passports will commence issuance to citizens. Both the new standard passports and chip-embedded passports will be concurrently issued for citizens to choose from, so you don't need to switch to a chip-embedded passport if you are currently using the new standard passport.
However, chip-embedded passports are the long-term policy, so when the issuance of chip-embedded passports begins, the Ministry of Public Security will gradually encourage citizens to opt for the chip-embedded type. If your passport is still valid
Some important information to know when applying for a passport

When applying for the new standard passport (non-chip), to save time, you can visit the Public Services Portal of the Ministry of Public Security to fill out the application form for passport issuance.
Upon accessing the website, you need to log in to your account or register for a new account if you haven't already, then fill in all the required information and upload a passport photo. You can choose to receive the passport directly or through postal services according to your preference!

If you prefer to submit your application in person, you can visit the Immigration Management Office of the provincial Police Department or the Immigration Management Department under the Ministry of Public Security.
A quick note for you, due to the current high volume of passport renewal applications, please click on the orange button below to fill out the electronic application form and save your application code to save time if you are applying for a new passport.
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION FORM

When applying for a new standard passport nowadays, the fee is 200,000 VND per booklet, and for passport renewal due to loss or damage, it will be 400,000 VND per booklet. Note that this fee does not include the 30,000 VND photo fee.
The processing time for a new standard passport application will be approximately 7 days. Pay close attention to this timeframe if you urgently need your passport!
Conclusion
'Should you switch to the new passport model' – If your passport is expired or nearing expiration and you need to use it, you should apply for a new passport. However, if it's not necessary, don't rush to apply for a new one because the new standard passport is not mandatory to switch to immediately, so feel free to use your old passport without any worries.
If you still have any questions about the information above, feel free to leave a comment below this post to let me know!

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