Explore: Vietnam - Formalities
Clearance
Permission to visit any port must be obtained in advance from a Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad. This can be done at the same time as when applying for the visa, but as permission must be given by several government departments, the procedure takes time and can be very expensive.
It is advisable to use an agent to arrange the clearance procedures.
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.
If leaving the boat overnight to travel inland, it is necessary to have a guard posted.
See this report on Jack Omman’s experience visiting Vietnam.
Last updated : July 2018.
Immigration
The Vietnamese Government has decided that until 30th June 2021 holders of passports from the UK, Italy, Belarus, Germany, Spain and France will not require a Vietnamese visa if the following conditions are met:-
a) Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned exit date from Vietnam.
b) The stay is no longer than 15 days.
c) Entry must be more than 30 days since previously exiting the country.
Up to now, the Government of Vietnam has unilaterally waived visas for holders of passports only from the following countries:-
the Republic of Korea, Japan, the Russia Federation, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Length of stay permitted – 15 days. If a longer stay is required, a visa must be obtained in advance.
Obtaining a visa, if required:
It is now possible to obtain an e-visa online at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/. It is a single entry visa limited to 30 days and it is necessary to state entry and exit points.
A regular or multi-entry visa allows more flexibility.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok is reputed to be the easiest to deal with.
Extensions may be available but must be applied for before the expiry of the existing visa.
The visa or entry permit must be accompanied by a photograph, and extra passport photos for each crew member may be required when clearing in.
Visas are normally issued with the points of both entry and exit from the country specified. This can be altered at an Immigration office in the country.
Overstaying your Vietnamese visa without authority is a serious matter and you will be fined.
Note: For security reasons, it is advisable to carry copies of documents rather than originals when in Vietnam.
Last updated: July 2018.
Customs
Firearms must be declared on arrival.
It may be necessary to provide lists of equipment, stores and medical supplies.
If carrying prescription drugs, have a note from a doctor detailing the drugs you are taking.
Penalties for possession or distribution of illegal drugs can be severe. Anyone found in possession of even a small amount of such drugs can face the death sentence.
Last updated: July 2018.
Health
Cholera is a risk. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
Beware of food from street-side vendors, which might be contaminated.
Cases of locally transmitted Zika virus were confirmed in July 2016.
Fees
From 23rd November 2015, a single entry Visa will cost US$25 and a multi-entry three month visa US$50. Visas for longer than three months will cost more.
Port fees are payable at every port entered and can range from US$400 to US$800 plus.
Fees are payable to have a guard for the boat when it is unattended overnight.
Last updated: October 2015.
Restrictions
Photography is not allowed in ports, airports and harbors.
There are restrictions on internet usage, which can affect access to social media websites.
Pets
Animals must be declared on arrival.
