Harley Shack

Around 100,000 British tourists enjoy Vietnam holidays from UK locations every year, according to the Vietnamese Tourist Authority. Restrictions for visitors are strict there and every visitor needs to be aware of the basic rules. It is very important to have visa and customs documents in precise order.

To visit Vietnam you must have a travel visa before entry into the country unless prior arrangements have been made by a tour operator or if you are listed as an officially sponsored visitor. You will probably not be allowed to enter the country if your passport will have less than a month before expiration beyond the date of which your Vietnamese visa expires. You should check for proper visa details and be aware of all conditions.

Vietnamese visas are generally valid for only just one entry. Any person who plans to leave and then re-enter from another country need to be sure they obtain a proper visa which allows them multiple entries. If you overstay your visa, there are harsh fines or even imprisonment in some cases.

If you happen to have a passport lost or stolen, you will have to apply for a replacement Vietnamese visa and a replacement passport from the Vietnamese immigration authorities and wait for it to be issued before you can exit the country. This can only be done during normal working hours and normally takes around three to five working days. Neither the Embassy nor Consulate General have the ability to expedite replacement of your visa.

You should hold on to the customs form on entry to Vietnam, as this is required for exit. If you lose this form you could be fined on departure and and could have your personal possessions taken. This is another issue that the British Embassy is usually unable to resolve for you.

Most visits are quite trouble-free, however it is advisable to register ahead of time with the British consulate. British nationals usually only require assistance in regard to a lost or stolen passport. Registering with the consulate will provide you better assistance in case of an emergency. Remember that obtaining prompt consular aid is difficult when outside Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City due to Vietnam's lack of modern infrastructure.

Vietnam travel from the UK should usually go very smoothly, providing that visitors take the proper care to have their paperwork in order.

Jose Mauricio Maurette is the director of Quest World Travel Ltd and specialist in tailor made holidays to Vietnam

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