Explore: Vietnam - Formalities
Clearance
COVID-19: Entry protocols for yachts have been affected by the pandemic. See the Biosecurity section for details.
PRE-ARRIVAL
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.
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:
See this report on Jack Omman’s experience visiting Vietnam.
If leaving the boat overnight to travel inland, it is necessary to have a guard posted.
Last updated: July 2018
Immigration
Vietnam has a visa exemption policy for 13 countries for up to 15 days regardless of the purpose of entry. This applies to citizens of Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
If a longer stay is required, a visa must be obtained in advance.
Visa Types:
E-visa:
An electronic visa (E-visa) is one of the visa types issued to foreigners by Vietnamese Immigration Department via electronic system. Vietnam E-visa is valid for maximum of 30 days, single entry – e-visa government website link.
- List of Countries that allow E-visa issuing.
- List of Ports that allow entry and exit from Vietnam by E-visa.
Regular or multi-entry visa:
This allows more flexibility but must be obtained through a Vietnamese Embassy. The Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok is reputed to be the easiest to deal with.
Visa Notes:
- 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.
- For security reasons, it is advisable to carry copies of documents rather than originals when in Vietnam.
Last updated: March 2022
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
BioSecurity
With the continual change in protocols due to the pandemic, we outline the last-known situation below for yacht arrivals. Skippers should follow the recommended links in “resources” to confirm the latest protocols. Always check with your intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required. Please e-mail [email protected] if you find protocols have changed.
COVID-19: **OPEN**
Yachting Protocols:
March 2022
- Vietnam’s government on March 15 2022, agreed to resume its visa exemption policy for 13 countries for up to 15 days regardless of the purpose of entry. This applies to citizens of Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. The visa exemption policy had been in place prior to the pandemic. Further details on entry procedures are awaited from the government.
- The e-visa government website link is now open for visa submissions.
- Foreign arrivals are required to:
– Take a COVID-19 negative test using the RT-PCR method 72 hours before entering Vietnam OR a rapid Antigen test (no self-test) 24 hours before entering Vietnam. This does not apply to children under 2 years of age;
– Make a health declaration before entry and download the PC-COVID app; and
– In case a COVID-19 test is not taken prior to departure, a test will be taken within 24 hours after arriving in Vietnam. If negative, travelers can travel anywhere within Vietnam; no quarantine required. - Vietnam still has a way to go when it comes it vaccinating its population with one of the lowest rates in Asia.
Resources:
- https://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/covid-19-vietnam-travel-updates-restrictions.html/
- https://vietnam.travel/plan-your-trip/visa-requirements
- Contact Prakash Reddy (Marina Manager) of Ana Marina in Nha Trang JSC. at [email protected], for updates.
History:
- On March 25, 2020, Vietnam suspended visa issuance for foreigners entering the country.
- November 2021 Vietnam partially reopened to tourists under a vaccine passport program.
- On March 15, 2022, visas began being re-issued and quarantine requirements were removed. The country re-opened to all tourists.
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.
Documents
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.
Local Customs
Pets
Animals must be declared on arrival.