Vietnam - Clearance
Note: Ana Marina in Nha Trang has been declared a seaport and is now able to assist with clearance formalities. Shipping agents may be able to assist you with gaining entry elsewhere, but are only familiar with handling commercial shipping, therefore fees will likely be in line with commercial costs and are not regulated for private yachting.
As a foreign boat trying to enter Vietnam, you may well have to deal with corruption and rely on the goodwill of government authorities (right down to the policeman who patrols the marina on a daily basis). Vietnam is under a communist regime and there are no laws for foreign yacht entry into the country, therefore technically it is forbidden.
PRE-ARRIVAL
Permission to visit any port must be obtained in advance from a Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad. As permission must be given by several government departments, the procedure takes time and can be very expensive.
It is strongly advised to use a shipping agent to arrange the clearance procedures in order to have some measure of success.
PORTS OF ENTRY
Da Nang, Ho Chi Min City and Nha Trang are the only ports of entry open to foreign yachts. Ana Marina in Nha Trang is now able to assist yachts with clearance into the country.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Advance Notification:
When in radio range, call the Port Control and they will issue directions. It is likely you will be required to take a pilot on board.
General Process:
Remain on board until you have been given instructions by the authorities. There will likely be a great deal of form-filling.
All arrival documents must be submitted to the Port Authority (see documents).
If leaving the boat overnight to travel inland, it is necessary to have a guard posted.
Domestic Cruising:
Every region is an independent authority and going to multiple ports means multiple check ins and out. The clearance process is complicated and you are not allowed to handle it yourself, so a shipping agent must be hired.
Cruising between ports, however, does not appear to be an option at this time.
Last updated: June 2025
Note: This information is based on communication with local shipping agents, local sailors in Vietnam and representatives from Ana Marina. Many tell us that even if you do gain permission to enter the country, the likelihood is it will be expensive and you will only be permitted to remain in the entry port and go no further with your boat.
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
Next Section: Formalities: Clearance Agents
Related to following destinations: Vietnam
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We are sailing a new boat out of China and headed for Singapore. We’re considering stopping in Kota Kinabalu, Subic Bay, or Vietnam.
Any recommendations?
Hi, I am Reinhard. We (my wife and myself) sail our Ovni 435, named “Exit Strategy” under Flag of Austria and would like to visit Vietnam in March/April 2020, furthermore we would like to pick up 2 friends in Vietnam and sail later to Malaysian Islands. What authority issues we have to prepare?
Hi Reinhard,
Sadly Vietnam still seems very much “off limits” to foreign yachts. The latest information we have on formalities is in the Vietnam formalities section – https://www.noonsite.com/place/vietnam/formalities/. It appears using a clearance agent can ease the process, however, we don’t have any contacts in that area. Even the new South China Sea pilot says “make absolutely certain that all your paperwork is in places. Yachts without the correct paperwork have been impounded and crew have spent several days in prison.” It however does not indicate exactly what paperwork is required.
Quite possibly the simplest option is to leave the boat in Malaysia and travel overland to Vietnam.
I will however put some feelers out and see if we can get some more up to date information for you.
I’m in Vietnam. If I can help (and I’m quite sure I can) please let me know.
Hi Michael. I am buying a Seawind1260 and the plan was to pick it up from Vietnam but that will be delayed now. I have some questions about purchasing items from a chandlery in Vietnam but can’t really see too much information on line. Would you be able to give me some advice?
Frances
Ruurd van Putten is a Dutch guy providing several yachting services. Contact him at info@sailing.vn
It’s spectacular cruising grounds, to be sure. We are working daily to open things up and simplify the process.
It’s a grind, but we are making slow and steady progress.
Ana Marina plans to open in Q-4 2019, and hopefully that will create a little momentum in the ministry offices.
If I can be of any help, feel free to get in touch
Michael Aumock
GM@AnaMarina.com
Hi this is Josef..I have a 43 Gulfstar presently in Philippines verry interested to sail Vietnam
Taking my Philipiena along ..how would I proceed??
Gm@anamarina.com
Realistically you are looking at Q2 2020 for relatively easy access, unless you want to flag it as Vietnamese
Hi Michael, it appears that the email address is not working. Is there another email address?
Thank You.
Johnathan G.A.Bravo
Am keen to cruise Vietnam but it still seems a bit of a struggle.
Any advice appreciated.
Apart from the new “Ana Marina” in Nha Trang – are there any other marinas in Vietnam?
Are there any other marinas planned or mooted??
Is it still a nightmare to cruise in Vietnam?