Vietnam Visa Information

Passport/Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	Yes	No
Australian	Yes	Yes	No
Canadian	Yes	Yes	No
USA	Yes	Yes	No
Other EU	Yes	Yes/1	No

Passport Note
(a) For security reasons, it is advisable to carry copies of documents rather than originals when in Vietnam.
(b) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Passports
Passport valid for at least one month after expiration of visa required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. nationals of Denmark, Finland and Sweden for stays of up to 15 days;
(b) 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.

Visa 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.

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.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see General Info.

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.

Warning
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Vietnam have resulted in a small number of human fatalities. Travelers should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with wild or caged birds; and ensure poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked.

Cases of Dengue Fever have doubled in the south of Vietnam in 2006.

Most visits to Vietnam are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Serious or violent crimes against foreigners in Vietnam are rare, but travelers should remain vigilant for petty or opportunistic theft.

Typhoons commonly occur in Vietnam between June and December.

From 15 October – 30 November 2006, holders of category D visas for Vietnam will not be granted entry to the country. Holders of other categories of visa will not be affected. Travelers should check your visa carefully before traveling to Vietnam.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health

	Special Precautions	Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever	Yes	1
Cholera	Yes	2
Typhoid and Polio	3	N/A
Malaria	4	N/A

Health Care
There are excellent hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and health care centers in all provinces, but facilities are limited 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.

Note
1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers 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.

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.


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