CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Vietnam

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (the information on tropical storm Mirinae has been removed).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

See our Global Issues page for information on Avian Influenza.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Vietnam

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

There is a heightened threat of terrorism throughout Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) and tourist areas frequented by foreigners.

Canadians are reminded that public demonstrations are generally not tolerated in Vietnam, and can carry heavy penalties including lengthy jail sentences. Canadians are advised to avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Petty crime against tourists is increasing, particularly in larger cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang). Motorcyclists grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians and passengers or drivers on motor bikes, resulting in injury. Hotels and tourist areas are more likely to be targeted by criminals. Theft also occurs on crowded buses and trains, and in shopping centres and markets. Exercise caution and ensure personal belongings and passports are secured. Bag slashing (including handbags and small day packs) is frequent in crowded streets and markets. Avoid displays of money, jewellery, and cameras. There have been recent occurrences of motorcycle thefts at knifepoint perpetrated by gangs of young men in Ho Chi Minh City.

For emergency assistance, call 113 for police, 115 for ambulance and 114 for fire (no English or French spoken).

There have been reports of individuals posing as taxi drivers and targeting foreign visitors at Hanoi Airport. Some visitors have been taken to an ABM and forced to withdraw money. Travellers should only use registered taxis, which are located outside the terminal building. Fares to the city are fixed and displayed at the taxi rank. It is advisable to check the fare with the driver before departure. Travellers should never get in a taxi if it is occupied by an unknown person.

Do not leave drinks unattended, particularly in bars. Cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault have occurred. Do not purchase liquor from street vendors as the quality cannot be assured.

Scams targeting tourists occur. Specifically, there have been reports of cases in Ho Chi Minh City, in the neighbourhood of Pham Ngu Lao, where tourists have been victims of gambling scams. This scam usually starts with a friendly invitation to someone’s home to meet a relative interested in visiting or studying in Canada.  While waiting for this individual, a casual game of cards will start. While starting with only a small wager, victims have reported losing thousands of dollars over the course of an evening. Canadians should be aware that gambling outside of licensed casinos is illegal in Vietnam.

There have been reports of credit card forgery in Vietnam and South-East Asia. Both tourists and expatriates have been targeted. Credit cards are "cloned" after a purchase at a local establishment and subsequently used as a "real" credit card by fraudsters. Canadians are advised to exercise caution when using credit cards and they should watch retailers closely when handling the card. Avoid using your credit card in smaller establishments. Travellers may want to consider obtaining a second card, with a low-credit limit, for use during their stay in Asia.

Travel near military facilities, some parts of the central highlands, and some border areas with China, Laos and Cambodia is restricted. Unexploded landmines are a hazard in some rural areas of central Vietnam.

Hotel rooms and electronic communications may be monitored. Hotels require guests' passports in order to register them with local authorities and may insist on keeping your passport until departure. However, there is no legal reason for them to do so. Travellers may request the return of their passport once the hotel staff has completed the required registration with local authorities. Mountain climbing should be undertaken only with a reputable guide.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in Southeast Asia. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International Chamber of Commerce.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Vietnam. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Vietnam. The passport must be valid for at least one month beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Visas should be obtained prior to arrival. Most tourist visas are issued for a single entry/exit. Extensions can be obtained from the Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or from some local travel agencies and tour companies for a fee.

Canadians arriving at or transiting through Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport or Hanoi’s Noi-Bai Airport should be aware that airport authorities may request that certain passengers undergo health screening for avian influenza.

Vietnamese visas in expired Canadian passports are no longer valid, and the visa needs to be transferred to the new passport.

The arrival/departure card should be kept with your passport since it is needed when you leave the country. If lost, it can be reissued at the immigration office, but this is not always a straightforward process.Travellers must register with the local police upon arrival, even if staying with relatives. Hotel guests are automatically registered. Failure to register can result in a fine of 2 million dong.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Vietnam - HANOI, Embassy of Canada
Address: 31 Hung Vuong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel.: 84 (4) 3734-5000
Fax: 84 (4) 3734-5049
E-Mail: hanoi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.vietnam.gc.ca

Vietnam - HO CHI MINH CITY, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 9th Floor, The Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel.: 84 (8) 3827-9899
Fax: 84 (8) 3827-9936
E-Mail: hochi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.vietnam.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, and follow the instructions. It is not possible to make collect calls from Vietnam. Most post offices have international telephone facilities. Cabins are equipped with a meter, and payment is made after the call. Internet telephones are now available at Internet cafés. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Global Issues page on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Outside Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, healthcare services and medical facilities and supplies are limited and below Western standards.

The Government of Vietnam has implemented screening measures at ports of entry in response to the H1N1 Flu Virus outbreak. Travellers entering the country are subject to a body temperature check and, in some cases, may be quarantined for medical observation if they show flu-like symptoms.

The occurrence of dengue fever has been increasing in Ho Chi Minh City and in the Mekong Delta area. Residents and travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from contracting dengue fever by using mosquito repellent (DEET). Using physical barriers such as mosquito nets, long sleeved shirts and other physical protections are also recommended. People experiencing flu-like symptoms (loss of energy, fever, aching joints and muscles) are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

There have been recent reported cases of cholera in northern and southern provinces in 2007 and 2008. Travellers should be cautious and avoid consumption of foods which can be easily contaminated such as fish and raw vegetables, as well as foods prepared under unknown or uncertain hygienic conditions.

There have been confirmed cases of Avian Influenza (H5N1) found in both humans and poultry in Vietnam. Travellers should avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live-food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. For more information, visit the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs include death. Never transport packages for strangers and pack all luggage yourself. Involvement in politics, possession of political or sexually explicit material, or involvement in unsanctioned religious activity can result in detention.

Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences.

Visitors are not allowed to invite Vietnamese nationals of the opposite sex into their hotel rooms to stay overnight. Visitors are allowed to stay with a Vietnamese family providing they have obtained permission from local authorities. It is the responsibility of Vietnamese host to register their foreign guests with local authorities.

Photography of military installations is prohibited.

Vietnamese law restricts the export of antiques, but these laws are vague and unevenly enforced. Purchasers of non-antique items of value should retain receipts and confirmation from shop owners and/or the Ministry of Culture and the Customs Department to prevent seizure upon departure.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Driving standards are poor, and vehicles are often poorly maintained. Accidents are frequent on crowded streets in major cities. Driving after dark is dangerous. Roads, especially in the north, are poor and may be impassable during the rainy season (see Section 10).

Foreigners involved in traffic accidents may not leave the country before paying compensation. Since December 2007, it is mandatory for drivers and passengers to wear a helmet on motorcycles. Failure to do so can result in a fine. Although this law is not always enforced, Canadians are strongly advised to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Insurance companies may refuse to recognize claims for medical treatment of motorcycle riders who have been involved in accidents but were not wearing a helmet or holding a valid motorcycle driving licence. Canadians who are inexperienced with Vietnamese traffic should not rent motorcycles due to unpredictable driving conditions. Insurance is not included with motorcycle rentals. Approximately 1,000 traffic deaths occur monthly. Renting a car and driver for personal transportation is strongly recommended.

Keep ticket stubs at all times when travelling by train. These are required when exiting the train station. Passengers without a ticket stub will be required to pay the fare again.

International Driving Permits are not recognized.

Foreigners renting vehicles risk prosecution and imprisonment for driving without a Vietnamese driver's licence. Canadians residing in Vietnam for over 3 months, who hold a valid Canadian driver's license and can communicate in Vietnamese, can apply for a driver's licence by contacting the Vietnamese Road Administration in Hanoi (country and area codes: 84-4/ fax: 3857-1440, address: 106 Thai Thinh) or the Department of Communications and Transport in Ho Chi Minh City (country and area codes: 84-8/ tel.: 3935 0551, address:  252 Ly Chinh Thang Street, district 03).

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the dong. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques cannot be exchanged outside major cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at international class hotels throughout the country, as well as at an increasing number of restaurants and shops. Automated banking machines are available throughout Vietnam. Cash in excess of US$7,000, or the equivalent in any other foreign currency, must be declared upon arrival. Arriving in the country with an excess of 300gr of gold, including jewellery, gold bar, and raw gold, must also be declared. Travellers who do not comply with these restrictions risk lengthy immigration delays and/or confiscation of goods.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from June to September in the north and the south, and from October to December in central Vietnam.

Seasonal flooding can affect overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services, especially in October and November in central Vietnam. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Flooding is common in and around Hanoi, particularly along the Red River, and also in the Mekong River Delta regions in the south.

Flash floods do occur, and can cause extensive damage. Canadians residing in or travelling to affected areas should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.

The typhoon season extends from June to December primarily in central and northern Vietnam. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

See our Global Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

The Agreement Between Canada and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Mutual Cooperation Concerning Adoption was signed on June 27, 2005, ending the suspension of Canadian adoptions of Vietnamese children. Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta have since entered into specific "Understandings" with Vietnam, and adoptions may now proceed in those provinces. Canadians interested in adopting children from Vietnam should contact the appropriate adoption authority in their province or territory of residence for more information.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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