TRAVEL FORMALITIES
1. Visas
Important note
All entry visas to Vietnam must be obtained prior to arrival in the country. It is not possible to have visas stamped/ issue on arrival under any circumstances
- Visas Processing
Visitors must obtain visa approval prior to entry. In order to do so Indovillage will submit visitors personal details (and Arr/ Deep dates) to the immigration Department (ID). These details (see above) should be sent by fax not later than 10 days prior to Pax arrival in the country
- Visa Stamping/ Issue
i) Once approval has been gained, the immigration Department (ID) will send a fax/ telex approval to the visitors country Embassy/ Consulate (or specified third country Embassy/ Consulate if no diplomatic relations)
ii) Upon notification of this approval from the ID, Indovillage will send a fax copy of the approval to relevant agent to inform them
iii) The agent should submit clients passport, photographs, fax copy of approval to visitors country Embassy/ Consulate. In cases where Vietnam has no diplomatic representation and therefore no means of having the visa issued locally clients should inform Sl at the time of initial application, together with the preferred third country location for visa issue.
2. Entry/ Exit Card
All visitors must present a completed Entry/ Exit card. This should be submitted, together with passport and visa to the immigration department officials at the immigration Entry Point. The Exit portion will be torn off and returned to the visitor. He/ she should retain this for presentation upon departure.
3. Visa "Application Form"
Despite the fact that all visitors entering must already be in possession of a valid Vietnam visa, there is a requirement for all visitors to complete another form titled " Vietnam Visa Application". This document does not require prior authorization but must be completed for presentation to the immigration desk on arrival (together with visa issued at overseas Embassy, 2 passport photos and entry/ exit card)
4. Customs Declaration
Having collected all checked baggage visitors must approach one of the customs inspection points with completed customs declarations. Customs personnel may wish to inspect any items after which all baggage will pass through an X-ray scanner. Having done so both of the customs declaration forms will be stamped and one retained by the customs department while one is returned to the visitor to be submitted upon departure.
Notes about Customs Procedures:
The basic principle of customs policy in Vietnam is that visitors should enter and exit with the same goods and personal possessions with the following exceptions:
i) Cash: It is anticipated (and hoped!) that the amount of cash upon entry should be greater than upon exit. Cash amount of greater than US$ 3,000 in either direction should be declared.
ii) Souvenirs: Visitors are free to buy products in Vietnam for personal use. The exception to this principle is antiques. Antiques considered of "National interest " will be confiscated without refund or recourse to their return. In general this applies to articles of ancient (over 200 years old) or religious nature. "National Interest" is interpreted by an expert at the airport. In cases where a visitor is unsure of the acceptability of the export of any goods purchased, they can check with the head customs office in either HCM City or Hanoi for prior ruling without risk of confiscation.
To avoid any confiscation of goods not purchased in Vietnam visitors must be sure they appear on their customs declaration on arrival. Particular note should be taken of antiques purchased in other countries in the region which might possibly be deemed of Vietnamese origin. Also extra care should be taken to declare loose gemstones and jewelry.
iii) Arms, narcotics and other internationally prohibited goods are banned and those found in possession of such will be liable to prosecution.
5. Travel Permits
Travel permits are no longer required for travel in Vietnam.
