Vietnam

The Land of Rice
and Resilience

Flag of Vietnam

Vietnam, a country in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and complex history. Home to iconic landmarks like Ha Long Bay, the ancient town of Hoi An, and the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers a unique blend of historical sites and diverse landscapes. The country's geography ranges from lush rice terraces in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, with a long coastline featuring beautiful beaches.

Vietnamese culture is a vibrant mix of influences, reflected in its traditional arts, festivals, and cuisine featuring dishes like pho and banh mi. Known for its warm hospitality, picturesque countryside, and as a rapidly developing nation, Vietnam presents a captivating destination that seamlessly combines ancient traditions with modern dynamism.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Vietnam.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Vietnam.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from 25 nations (e.g., UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Russia) can enter Vietnam with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa (15 days for some, e.g., UK, extendable via e-Visa).
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from most other nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa or e-Visa prior to entering Vietnam through a Vietnamese embassy or the official e-Visa portal; Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available with pre-approval for air entry.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; visa requirements depend on nationality, though some exemptions apply (e.g., UK).
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless from a visa-exempt country; otherwise, an e-Visa or VOA is required.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry unless from a visa-exempt country; an e-Visa or visa is required.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter Vietnam using only a national ID card; a passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days (tourist e-Visa or VOA). Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 5 years; extendable for another 30 days with approval from the Immigration Department.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days (e.g., work, study). Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit with approval from the Immigration Department or sponsor.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period (15 days for some, extendable via e-Visa or Immigration Office).
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas require sponsorship from a Vietnamese employer. Travel to restricted areas (e.g., border zones, islands like Phu Quoc with exemptions) may require additional clearance.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Vietnam may reintroduce measures like mandatory health declarations or vaccination proof.
Toll

Driving in Vietnam

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, the main toll roads in Vietnam include:
    • North-South Expressway (sections): Connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (e.g., Hanoi-Ninh Binh segment).
    • Hanoi-Haiphong Expressway: Linking Hanoi to Haiphong.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and distance traveled. For example, a standard car may pay VND 40,000-150,000 (Vietnam Dong) for sections of the North-South Expressway. For the most current rates, visit the Vietnam Expressway Corporation website: https://vneco.vn/.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Vietnam Dong (VND) is accepted at all toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Limited acceptance at some toll booths; cash is more common.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: ETC systems (e.g., VETC) use RFID tags, available for purchase or top-up at service stations or online via https://vetc.com.vn/.

Driving in Vietnam

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40-50 km/h
    • Rural roads: 60-80 km/h
    • Highways: 100-120 km/h (e.g., Hanoi-Haiphong Expressway)
  • Road conditions vary; expressways like Hanoi-Haiphong are modern, but rural roads (e.g., in Ha Giang or Mekong Delta) can be narrow, unpaved, or flooded during the rainy season (May-October).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, valid for up to 3 months. A Vietnamese driving license is required for longer stays, obtainable from the Department of Transport.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Vietnam does not use a vignette system; tolls are collected at specific points on expressways.
  • Road Safety: Driving is challenging due to chaotic traffic (especially motorbikes), aggressive drivers, and monsoon hazards. Night driving is risky outside cities due to poor lighting and road conditions.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable in urban areas (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City); apps like Google Maps work well, but keep an updated physical map as a backup for rural areas like Sapa.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (or specific numbers below).

Useful Links

Vietnam Currency

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnam Dong (VND).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, 500,000 VND
  • Coins: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 VND (rarely used)
  • Symbol: ₫ (often written as VND)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports (e.g., Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi), and authorized money changers in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang; USD is widely accepted for exchange.
  • ATMs are widely available in urban and tourist areas for VND withdrawals; most accept international cards, though fees may apply (e.g., VND 50,000 per transaction).

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas and markets (e.g., Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City).
  • Credit/debit cards are accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments; mobile payments (e.g., MoMo) are growing in urban areas.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash (small VND denominations) for small purchases and rural areas, as digital payments are less common outside cities.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the VND fluctuates (e.g., 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND as of early 2025).
  • For current exchange rates, visit the State Bank of Vietnam website: https://www.sbv.gov.vn/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Vietnam

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Vietnam, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty for trafficking; even small quantities can lead to severe charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is frowned upon and can lead to fines, especially in urban areas.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport; enforcement varies outside cities.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Communist and Buddhist traditions; avoid discussing politics (e.g., government policies, China relations). Dress modestly at temples (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi).
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are legal, but same-sex marriage is not recognized; public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention, especially in rural areas.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, border areas (e.g., near China), or critical infrastructure; always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially ethnic minorities in Sapa.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits.
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over USD 5,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, materials deemed anti-government or culturally offensive (e.g., political propaganda).
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism or local police.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., Nha Trang, Phu Quoc) must allow free access within 2.5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated but not consistently implemented outside major tourist areas.

Key Resources

Vietnam Travel Safety

Vietnam is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates in tourist areas and a reputation for hospitality, though traffic chaos and rural conditions require caution. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Vietnam.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets (e.g., Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi) or tourist sites (e.g., Halong Bay). Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon but reported in nightlife areas (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1).
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Vietnam is considered safe, with locals often helpful. Female travelers should dress modestly outside tourist zones and avoid isolated areas at night, though risks are low.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving is challenging due to chaotic traffic (especially motorbikes), aggressive drivers, and monsoon hazards (e.g., flooding from May-October).
    • Avoid night driving in rural areas (e.g., Mekong Delta) due to poor lighting and road quality; motorbike accidents are common.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory and enforced in cities.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled or boiled water.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; street food (e.g., pho, banh mi) is safe if freshly prepared from busy vendors.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against dengue, malaria, and Zika, especially in rural areas during the rainy season (May-October).
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Fansipan at 3,143m). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated if hiking in high-altitude areas.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like Vinmec International Hospital in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer good care; rural areas (e.g., Hue) lack advanced facilities, often requiring evacuation to cities.
  • Pharmacies: Available in urban areas but stock may be limited; carry essentials for remote regions like Ha Giang.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as rural care is limited and monsoons may disrupt access.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, fire).
  • Ambulance: 115 | Fire: 114 | Police: 113.
  • Tourist Police (Hanoi): +84 24-3926-4080.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Renting a motorbike is popular in cities and tourist areas (e.g., Da Lat); a 4x4 is recommended for rural regions (e.g., Ha Giang Loop). Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for treks in areas like Sapa or Phong Nha; monsoons and uneven terrain pose risks.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Communist and Buddhist customs; avoid pointing at people or religious objects. Dress modestly at sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
  • Weather Risks: Monsoons (May-October) can cause flooding and landslides; monitor updates via the Vietnam Meteorological Administration.

Key Links

Flying to Vietnam

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