U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

Consular Information Sheet

Vietnam

Americans planning to travel to Thailand should read the Avian Flu Fact Sheet, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov.

September 20, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Vietnam is a poor but developing agrarian country controlled by a Communist government. Tourist facilities are not well established, but are improving in certain areas, especially in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and some beach and mountain resorts.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport and Vietnamese visa are required. A visa must be obtained from a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate before traveling to Vietnam; entry visas are not available upon arrival. Americans arriving without an appropriate Vietnamese visa will not be permitted to enter, and will be subject to immediate deportation. Vietnamese visas are usually valid for only one entry. Persons planning to leave Vietnam and re-enter from another country should be sure to obtain a visa allowing multiple entries.

Even with a valid visa, some travelers have been refused entry to Vietnam. U.S. citizens are cautioned that the Vietnamese immigration regulations require foreigners entering Vietnam to undertake only the activity for which their visas were issued. Change of purpose requires permission from the appropriate Vietnamese authority in advance. U.S. citizens whose stated purpose of travel was tourism but who engaged in religious proselytizing have had religious materials confiscated and have been expelled from Vietnam.

An American whose U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Vietnam must obtain both a replacement passport and a replacement visa. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General can issue limited validity emergency replacement passports in as little as one day, but the Vietnamese government requires three (3) working days to issue a replacement visa. Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the Consulate General can expedite replacement Vietnamese visas.

Current information on visa and entry requirements may be obtained from the Vietnamese Embassy, 1233 20th Street, Suite 400, NW, Washington, DC 20036, tel: 202-861-0737, fax: 202-861-0917, Internet: http://www.vietnamembassy-usa.org/; the Vietnamese Consulate General, 1700 California Street - Suite 430, San Francisco, CA 94109, tel: (415) 922-1707, fax: 415-922-1848, Internet: http://www.vietnamconsulate-sf.org, or from the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate overseas.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated special procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Vietnamese laws affecting U.S. citizens, individuals who also possess the nationality of Vietnam may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on citizens of that country. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.

U.S. citizens born in Vietnam, former citizens of Vietnam and their children are required to obtain visas to enter Vietnam. In criminal matters, however, Vietnamese authorities treat them as Vietnamese nationals, and they also may be subjected to laws that impose special obligations upon Vietnamese nationals, such as military service and taxes. U.S. citizens of Vietnamese origin may be charged with offenses allegedly committed prior to their original departure from Vietnam. U.S. citizens of Vietnamese origin should refer to the paragraph on consular access regarding their rights. Specific questions on Vietnamese citizenship should be directed to the Vietnamese Embassy. Questions on dual nationality may be directed to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, telephone: 202-647-5226.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Following the bombings in Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2002 and 2003, the U.S. Department of State is concerned that similar attacks may occur in other Southeast Asian nations. American citizens traveling to Vietnam should therefore exercise caution, especially in locations where Westerners tend to congregate, such as clubs, discos, bars, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation venues, tourist areas, beach resorts, and other places frequented by foreigners. American travelers in Vietnam -- as in any other country -- should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

In recent years, the Central Highland provinces have been the scene of ethnic minority protests. Official U.S. personnel and tourists are sometimes not authorized to travel to the Central Highland areas without prior consent from the Government of Vietnam. These travel limitations hinder the ability of the U.S. government to provide assistance to private U.S. citizens in those areas.

Vietnamese security personnel may place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephone conversations, fax transmissions, and e-mail communications may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Large gatherings, such as those forming at the scene of traffic accidents, can become violent. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities. Tourists should be cautious when traveling near military bases and avoid photographing in these areas.

Foreign visitors to Vietnam have been arbitrarily arrested, detained or expelled for activities that would not be considered crimes in the United States. Visitors deemed suspicious by Vietnamese security personnel may be detained, along with their Vietnamese contacts, relatives, and friends. Local security officials have called in some U.S. citizens of Vietnamese origin for "discussions" not related to any suspected or alleged violation of law. These meetings normally do not result in any action against the traveler, but are nevertheless intimidating. Foreign visitors are not permitted to invite Vietnamese nationals of the opposite sex to their hotel rooms, and police may raid hotels without notice or consent. An American traveling with a spouse who is a U.S. citizen of Vietnamese origin may be asked to present a Marriage Certificate to local authorities in order to stay together in a hotel or family residence. Involvement in politics, possession of political material, business activities that have not been licensed by appropriate authorities, or non-sanctioned religious activities (including proselytizing) can result in detention. Sponsors of small, informal religious gatherings such as bible-study groups in hotel rooms, as well as distributors of religious materials, have been detained, fined and expelled.

TRAVEL IN BORDER AREAS: U.S. citizens have been detained after traveling in areas close to the Vietnamese borders with China, Cambodia, and Laos. These areas and other restricted areas are not always marked, and there are no warnings about prohibited travel. Travelers should avoid such areas unless written permission is obtained in advance from local authorities.

TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR U.S. VETERANS: Increasing numbers of U.S. military personnel who served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War have returned to Vietnam on personal travel. Neither the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi nor the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City is aware of any Vietnamese government restrictions on former U.S. military personnel visiting Vietnam. Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the Consulate General provides assistance in reaching battlefield sites. Visitors should understand that some battle sites are relatively inaccessible, and the Vietnamese government may deny access to battle sites.

Accounting for U.S. armed forces personnel reported as prisoners-of-war or missing-in-action (POW/MIA) during the Vietnam War is one of the U.S. government's highest priorities. Military or civilian personnel with any knowledge of the location of possible personnel missing or killed in action are encouraged to contact the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) at:

Detachment Two, JPAC
58 Xuan Dieu Street
Hanoi
Telephone:(84-4) 719-8301
Fax: (84-4) 719-8304

You may contact the Casualty Resolution Office at Detachment 2 in Hanoi directly at JPAC, Det 2, email:vpmia@fpt.vn.

CRIME: Cities in Vietnam have the typical crime problems of other large cities throughout the world. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes occur regularly and appear to be increasing. Although violent crimes such as armed robbery are still relatively rare in Vietnam, perpetrators have grown increasingly bold and the U.S. Consulate General has received recent reports of knives and razors being used in attempted robberies in Ho Chi Minh City. Thieves congregate around hotels frequented by foreign tourists and business people, and assaults have been reported in outlying areas. The evolving nature of incidents warrants caution on the part of the U.S. traveler. Travelers are advised not to resist theft attempts, and to report them both to police and to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.

Motorcyclists, mostly carrying passengers, frequently grab bags, cameras, and other valuables from pedestrians or passengers riding in "cyclos" (pedicabs) or on the back of rented motorcycles. Serious injuries have resulted when thieves snatched purses or bags, which were strapped across their victims' bodies, leading to the victim being dragged along the ground by the thief's motorcycle. In November 2003, an American citizen victim of a drive-by purse snatching was dragged to the ground and seriously injured in this manner.

Passengers in cyclos may be especially prone to thefts of personal possessions by snatch-and-grab thieves, because they ride in a semi-reclining position that readily exposes their belongings and does not allow good visibility or movement. As some cyclo drivers have reportedly kidnapped passengers and extorted money, it may be risky to hire cyclos not associated with reputable hotels or restaurants.

Travelers are strongly advised to keep passports and other important valuables in hotel safes or other secure locations. Travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of their passport with them when going out. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General. U.S. citizens must obtain a police report from the local police office in order to apply for a replacement passport and a Vietnamese exit visa.

There have been occasional reports of incidents in which an unknown substance was used to taint drinks, leaving the victim susceptible to further criminal acts. Travelers are advised to avoid leaving drinks or food unattended, and should avoid going to unfamiliar venues alone. Travelers should also avoid purchasing liquor from street vendors, as the quality of the contents cannot be assured.

Recreational drugs available in Vietnam can be extremely potent, and more than one American has died of an accidental overdose. Penalties for possession of drugs of any kind are severe (please refer to the Criminal Penalties section below).

In Ho Chi Minh City, some U.S. citizens have reported threats of death or physical injury related to personal business disputes. The U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Consulate General do not provide personal protection services. U.S. citizens who do not have confidence in the ability of the local police to protect them may wish to depart the country expeditiously.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402, on the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/, on the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page, http://travel.state.gov/ or at the U.S. Embassy or the U.S Consulate General.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Government medical facilities in Vietnam do not meet international standards, and frequently lack medicines and supplies. Medical personnel in Vietnam, particularly outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, may speak little or no English. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. International health clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can provide acceptable care for minor illnesses and injuries, but more serious problems will often require medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. Although many medications can be purchased at pharmacies without prescriptions, many common U.S. medications are not available in Vietnam. Travelers may obtain lists of local English-speaking physicians from the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers are reminded that neither office may recommend specific medical practitioners or hospitals.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, U.S. citizens should consider that doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000 (payable through insurance or credit card). Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Travelers should be cautious when drinking non-bottled water and in using ice cubes in drinks. Travelers may wish to drink only bottled or canned beverages, or beverages, which have been boiled (such as hot tea and coffee).

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect-bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Vietnam is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor to Average
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside/Ambulance Assistance: Poor

Traffic in Vietnam is chaotic. Traffic accidents, mostly involving motorcycles and resulting in traumatic head injury, are an increasingly serious hazard. At least 30 people die each day from transportation-related injuries. Traffic accident injuries are the leading cause of death, severe injury, and emergency evacuation of foreigners in Vietnam, and are the single greatest health risk that U.S. citizens will face in Vietnam.

Traffic moves on the right, although drivers frequently cross to the left to pass or turn, and motorcycles and bicycles often travel (illegally) against the flow of traffic. Horns are used constantly, often for no apparent reason. Streets in major cities are choked with motorcycles, cars, buses, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians and cyclos (pedicabs). Outside the cities, livestock compete with vehicles for road space. Sudden stops by motorcycles and bicycles make driving a particular hazard. Nationwide, drivers do not follow basic traffic principles, vehicles do not yield right of way, and there is little adherence to traffic laws or enforcement by traffic police. There are an increasing number of traffic lights in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but red lights are often not obeyed. Most Vietnamese ride motorcycles, and an entire family often rides on one motorcycle.

Road conditions are poor nationwide. Numerous tragic accidents have occurred due to poor road conditions that resulted in landslides, and American travelers have lost their lives in this way. Travelers should exercise extra caution in the countryside, as road conditions are particularly poor in rural areas.

Driving at night is especially dangerous and drivers should exercise extreme caution. Roads are poorly lit, and there are few road signs. Buses and trucks often travel at high speed with bright lights that are rarely dimmed. Some motor vehicles may not use lights at all, vehicles of all types often stop in the road without any illumination, and livestock are likely to be encountered.

Motorcyclists and bicyclists are strongly urged to wear helmets. Passengers in cars or taxis should use seatbelts when available, but should be aware that Vietnamese vehicles often are not equipped with working seatbelts. The Vietnamese government began mandating the use of motorcycle helmets on major roads leading to large urban centers in January 2001, but application and enforcement of this law have been slow and sporadic at best. New laws have been promulgated concerning the use of motorcycle helmets in urban areas as well, but have not been enforced. Child car seats are not available in Vietnam.

Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or causing an accident resulting in injury or death can include fines, confiscation of driving permits or imprisonment. U.S. citizens involved in traffic accidents have been barred from leaving Vietnam before paying compensation (often determined arbitrarily) for property damage or injuries.

Emergency roadside help is theoretically available nationwide by dialing 113 for police, 114 for fire brigade and 115 for an ambulance. Efficiency of these services is well below U.S. standards, however, and locating a public telephone is often difficult or impossible. Trauma care is not widely available.

The urban speed limit ranges from 30 to 40 km/h. The rural speed limit ranges from 40 to 60 km/h. Both speed limits are routinely ignored. Pedestrians should be careful, as sidewalks are extremely congested and uneven, and drivers of bicycles, motorcycles and other vehicles routinely ignore traffic signals and traffic flows, and even drive on sidewalks. For safety, pedestrians should look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk with a green "walk" light illuminated.

International driving permits and U.S. drivers' licenses are not valid in Vietnam. Foreigners renting vehicles risk prosecution and/or imprisonment for driving without a Vietnamese license endorsed for the appropriate vehicle. Americans who wish to drive in Vietnam should contact any office of the Provincial Public Transportation Service of the Vietnamese Department of Communications and Transport to obtain a Vietnamese driver's license. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City cannot assist U.S. citizens in obtaining Vietnamese driver's permits or notarize U.S. drivers' licenses for use in Vietnam.

Most Vietnamese travel within Vietnam by long-distance bus or train. Both are slow, and safety conditions do not approach U.S. standards.

For additional information about road travel in Vietnam, see the U.S. Embassy Hanoi web site at http://hanoi.usembassy.gov, or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City's web site at http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov.

For additional general information on road safety, including links to foreign government site s, consult http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_roadsafety.html.

SEASONAL FLOODING: Heavy rainfall during Vietnam's annual rainy season, usually June through September, and again during the typhoon season from October to December, coupled with outdated and poorly maintained infrastructure, places much of Vietnam at high risk for seasonal flooding and landslides. Northern Vietnam is most likely to experience seasonal flooding and landslides during the rainy season, while Central and Southern Vietnam are most likely to experience seasonal flooding and landslides from August to November.

While minor flooding is fairly common in Hanoi, the source of any major flood in Hanoi is the Red River. In the event of a major flood, Vietnamese authorities would destroy a portion of the protective dike around the river well upstream from Hanoi. U.S. citizens living near the Red River upstream of Hanoi, should be aware of this potential risk. If a major flood is not diverted before striking Hanoi, experts predict the flood would be devastating. There is also a serious risk of flooding in Central Vietnam and in the Mekong River delta regions in Southern Vietnam.

U.S. citizens living in flood prone areas are urged to plan a route to escape from rising water levels, stock drinking water and canned food at home, keep a fully stocked first aid kit, keep passports and other important documents in a safe place, and keep informed of weather conditions during the rainy season.

Prior to the onset of a flood, Vietnamese television channel VTV One (which broadcasts in Vietnamese) is a good source for weather information. The UN Development Program (UNDP) maintains an English-language flood web site at http://www.undp.org.vn/dmu/latest/en/frame.htm.

The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City will make available any information they have on possible flood situations that could affect U.S. citizens residing in Vietnam.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. and Vietnam signed a bilateral Air Services Agreement in December 2003 that will enable direct flights between the two countries. These services have not yet begun and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Vietnam's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the U.S. Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's web site, http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. For information on air security, travelers may contact the TSA at 1-866-289-9673, or visit the TSA's web site, http://www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

PASSPORT SEIZURES/EXIT BANS: The Vietnamese government has occasionally seized the passports and blocked the departure of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate General may issue a new passport to a U.S. citizen in such a situation, but the Vietnamese exit ban could remain in effect, preventing departure. It is common for hotels to retain a passport until checkout, but passports should never be used as security for rental of vehicles, collateral for hotel payments, etc.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Vietnamese government authorities have seized documents, audio and video tapes, compact discs, literature, and personal letters they deem to be religious, pornographic, or political in nature or intended for religious or political proselytizing. The authorities are also increasingly detaining and expelling individuals believed to be engaged in such activities. Individuals arriving at airports with videotapes or materials considered to be pornographic have been detained and heavily fined (up to U.S. $2,000 for one videotape). Authorities may search rooms and luggage without notice or consent. It is illegal to import all kinds of weapons, ammunition, flammable and explosive materials, military equipment and tools, narcotics, drugs, toxic chemicals, pornographic and subversive materials, firecrackers, children's toys that have "negative effects on personality development, social order and security," and cigarettes exceeding the stipulated allowance.

Vietnamese law prohibits the export of antiques, but the laws on the subject are vague and unevenly enforced. Antique objects are subject to inspection and seizure by customs authorities with no compensation made to owners/travelers. The determination of what is an "antique" can be arbitrary. 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. Travelers are advised to contact the Embassy of Vietnam in Washington, DC or the Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco for specific information regarding customs requirements.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found here.

CURRENCY: The Vietnamese currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Banks and hotels in Vietnam will exchange dollars, and there is an exchange facility at the airport. ATMs are available in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but are rare outside of these cities. Traveler's cheques are not commonly accepted in Vietnam.

Foreign currency (including cash and travelers cheques) in excess of US$3,000, cash exceeding Vietnamese Dong (VND) 5,000,000, and gold exceeding 300 grams must be declared at customs upon arrival and departure. There is no limitation on either the export or import of U.S. dollars or other foreign currency by U.S. citizens, provided that all currency in excess of US$3,000 (or its equivalent in other foreign currencies) or in excess of VND 5,000,000 in cash is declared upon arrival and departure, and supported by appropriate documentation. If excess cash is not declared, it is confiscated at the port of entry/exit and the passenger may be fined.

VIETNAMESE CIVIL DOCUMENTS AND PROCEDURES: U.S. citizens who plan to marry a Vietnamese national in Vietnam should contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, D.C., or the Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco concerning documentary requirements. Several documents will require notarization at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

Obtaining a Vietnamese marriage certificate normally takes 45 days or more. For additional information about documentary requirements for getting married in Vietnam, see the U.S. Embassy Hanoi web site at http://hanoi.usembassy.gov, or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City's web site at http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov.

Children born in Vietnam to one or two U.S. citizen parents may apply for an adjudication of their child's claim to U.S. citizenship at the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General. Parents are required by Vietnamese law to choose citizenship for their child in order to obtain the child's Vietnamese birth certificate, but this choice has no effect under U.S. law on the child's potential eligibility for U.S. citizenship. There have been some instances in which parents have faced difficulties in choosing not to have Vietnamese citizenship for their child.

Vietnamese law requires an autopsy before a death certificate may be issued for a deceased foreigner. In some cases this requirement may be circumvented with a diplomatic note from the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General, particularly if the deceased was elderly or in documented poor health and the cause of death can reasonably be ascribed to age or ill health. For assistance regarding this or any other issue relating to the death of a U.S. citizen in Vietnam, family members may contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General.

IMMIGRATION THROUGH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY IN VIETNAM: U.S. citizens living in Vietnam who wish to file immigrant visa petitions should contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Ho Chi Minh City at 65 Le Loi, Saigon Center, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, telephone (84-8) 821-6237, fax (84-8) 821-6241.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Vietnam's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Vietnam are strict, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Foreigners have been executed for drug smuggling. The death penalty applies to anyone caught possessing 100 grams of heroin or five kilograms of opium. A Canadian national of Vietnamese origin was executed in early 2000 for drug smuggling. Both the sentencing and execution were carried out swiftly, without what would be considered due process in the United States. In 2004, a U.S. citizen was sentenced to death for trafficking in ecstasy tablets.

Vietnamese authorities often detain foreign nationals for lengthy periods - months, if not years -- before concluding their investigation into an alleged crime and sending the case forward for prosecution. The criminal justice process is also lengthy. Authorities may detain individuals under investigation for up to one year before filing charges, and are not required to provide access to a lawyer until charges are filed.

U.S. citizens should be aware that many charges involving business or driving offenses that are considered civil charges in the U.S. are considered criminal charges in Vietnam. U.S. citizens of Vietnamese origin who left Vietnam may be subject to charges for any crimes they allegedly committed prior to their original departure from Vietnam, even if that departure was many decades ago.

Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.

CONSULAR ACCESS: A 1994 agreement between the United States and Vietnam provides for immediate notification of and reciprocal access within 96 hours to each other's detained citizens. Bearers of U.S. passports who enter Vietnam with a Vietnamese visa, including those of Vietnamese origin, are regarded as U.S. citizens by the U.S. Government for purposes of notification and access. Therefore, U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry photocopies of passport data and photo pages with them at all times so that, if questioned by Vietnamese officials, proof of U.S. citizenship is readily available.

Despite the 1994 agreement, U.S. consular officers in Vietnam are rarely notified in a timely manner when a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained. There have also generally been very significant delays in obtaining access to incarcerated U.S. citizens. This has been particularly true when the U.S. citizen is being held during the investigatory stage that Vietnamese officials do not consider as covered by the bilateral agreement. The investigatory stage can last up to one year, and often proceeds without the formal filing of any charges. Americans should note that the problem of access has been particularly evident when the U.S. citizen is considered by the Vietnamese government to be a citizen of Vietnam, irrespective of proof of U.S. citizenship. U.S. citizens, even dual citizens, have the right, according to the 1994 agreement, to consular access if they were admitted into Vietnam as a U.S. citizen with their U.S. passport, and should insist upon contact with the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General.

PROPERTY ISSUES AND LIFTING OF SANCTIONS: On January 28, 1995, the U.S. and Vietnam signed agreements resolving diplomatic property issues and settling outstanding claims between the two countries. For more information, contact: The Assistant Legal Adviser for International Claims and Investment Disputes, Department of State, SA-44, Room 205, Washington, DC 20520, telephone 202-776-8360.

Pursuant to the February 3, 1994, lifting of sanctions against Vietnam, U.S. visitors to Vietnam are no longer subject to spending limitations. U.S. visitors must comply with all normal Commerce Department export requirements. For additional information contact: The Bureau of Export Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1400 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230, telephone 202-482-4811.

CHILDRENS' ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE GENERAL LOCATION: U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Vietnam are encouraged to register online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. This free internet-based registration service allows U.S. citizens to record information about themselves, their emergency contacts, and their travel itinerary. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General can use this information to assist travelers in case of an emergency.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi is located at 6 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, telephone: (84-4) 831-4590; after hours emergency telephone number: (84-4) 772-1500; fax: (84-4) 831-4578, Internet home page: http://hanoi.usembassy.gov

The Consular section's business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Consular Section provides the full range of services for U.S. citizens (passport services, consular reports of birth abroad, notarial services) and non-immigrant visa services (except K-1 fiancée visas).

The U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City is located at 4 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, telephone: (84-8) 822-9433; fax: (84-8) 822-9434; web site, http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov. The Consulate General's business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Consulate General provides the full range of consular services for U.S. citizens (passport services, consular reports of birth abroad, notarial services) and the full range of immigrant and non-immigrant visa services. All immigrant visa processing in Vietnam, including visas for adopted children and fiancé/e visas, is conducted solely at the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. It is advisable to check the Consulate's web page to see which services require an appointment, and for a list of holiday closings and public hours, at http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/wwwhcits.html

Callers from the U.S. should note that Vietnam is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 11 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time.

A copy of the U.S. citizen registration form is on the Embassy website and may be downloaded and faxed to the Embassy's Consular Section or to the Consulate General, along with a copy of the traveler's U.S. passport biographic page.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 13, 2004 to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Dual Nationality, Safety and Security, Crime, Other Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Seasonal Flooding, Aviation Safety Oversight, Customs Regulations, Vietnamese Civil Documents and Procedures, Criminal Penalties, Childrens' Issues, and Registration/Embassy and Consulate General Location.