Destination Guides
Vietnam

 
assport/Visa
 
Passport/Visa

Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No
Yes Yes/1 No
Yes No/1 No

 
Passports

Passport valid for at least one month after expiration of visa required by all.

 
Visas

Required by all except:
(a) nationals of Bulgaria, China (PR) (AB passport), Cuba, Korea (Dem Rep), Mongolia (AB, AC or AO passport), Romania, Russian Federation and Ukraine (AB passport);
(b) nationals of Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand for stays of up to 30 days;
(c) nationals of The Philippines for stays of up to 21 days;
(d) 1. nationals of Denmark, Finland, Japan, Korea (Rep), Norway and Sweden for stays of up to 15 days;
(e) transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours, provided holding valid return or onward tickets. At present, visas can be issued for either groups or individuals.

 
Note

For security reasons, it is advisable to carry copies of documents rather than originals when in Vietnam.

 
Types of visa and cost

Tourist: £38 (single-entry); £55 (express service); £70 (multiple-entry). Single-entry Business: £40. Multiple-entry Business: £70 (one month); £90 (three months); £140 (six months or more).

 
Validity

Tourist visas are valid for one month from proposed date of entry. Visas can usually be extended for another month, at extra cost, in the larger towns.

 
Note

All regulations, including those concerning which counties require visas, cost of visas and validity of visas, are very complex and subject to frequent change. It is therefore advisable to contact the consular section at the Embassy before any travel to Vietnam.

 
Application to

Consulate (or consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.

 
Application requirements

(a) Completed application form. (b) One recent passport-size photo. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee (non-refundable), payable by cash, bank draft or postal order. (e) To have your passport returned by post, please add £5 and include a stamped self-addressed envelope. Business: (a)-(e), and (f) Approval obtained through a Vietnamese sponsor.

 
Working days required

Two (tourist visa express application); five (tourist visa). Entry visas can be applied for in person up to six months prior to date of travel.

 
Passport/Visa Information

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the UK
12 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD, UK
Tel: (020) 7937 1912.
Website: www.vietnamembassy.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; 0930-1230 (visa section).

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the USA
1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 861 0737 or 2293 (consular section).
Website: www.vietnamembassy-usa.org

 
 
 
ontact Addresses
 
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

80 Quan Su, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (4) 942 3998.
Website: www.vietnamtourism.com

 
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the UK

12 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD, UK
Tel: (020) 7937 1912.
Website: www.vietnamembassy.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; 0930-1230 (visa section).

 
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the USA

1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 861 0737 or 2293 (consular section).
Website: www.vietnamembassy-usa.org

 
 
 
ealth
 
Health

Yes 1
Yes 2
3 N/A
4 N/A

 
1

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one arriving from infected areas.

 
2

Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not an official condition of entry to Vietnam. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. For more information, see the Health appendix.

 
3

Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

 
4

Malaria risk exists, predominantly in the falciparum form, throughout the year everywhere except urban areas, the Red River delta and the coastal plains of Central Vietnam. The risk is highest in the three central highlands provinces of Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, as well as the southern provinces of Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Tay Ninh. The malignant falciparum form is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil, depending on the specific area visited.

 
Food & drink

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

 
Other risks

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in the delta of the Mekong River. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are chlorinated and well maintained are safe.
Japanese encephalitis is a risk in Hanoi and in rural areas. A vaccine is available and travellers are advised to consult their doctor prior to departure. Hepatitis A, B and E occur; precautions should be taken. Dengue fever can be epidemic; cases have doubled in the south of Vietnam in 2006. Filariasis is endemic in some rural areas. Typhoid fever, amoebic and bacillary dysentry can occur. Trachoma and plague occur rarely. There have been renewed outbreaks of avian influenza, although the number infected is still minimal. All visitors are advised against close contact with, and under-cooked consumption of, poultry.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

 
Health care

There are hospitals in major towns and cities, and health care centres in all provinces, but facilities are limited everywhere and there is a lack of medicines. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for emergency repatriation by air. Immediate cash payment is expected for services.

 
 
 
ublic Holidays
 
Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.
Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Jan 29-31* Têt, Lunar New Year. Apr 30 Liberation of Saigon. May 1 May Day. Sep 2 National Day.
Jan 1 2007 New Year's Day. Feb 18-20* Têt, Lunar New Year. Apr 30 Liberation of Saigon. May 1 May Day.

 
Note

*Check with the Embassy for the exact date. Visitors may experience difficulties during this period as shops, restaurants and public services close and prices tend to go up in the few shops that remain open.