Viet Nam

Publications:  Local Notices to Mariners, chart updates and characteristics of navigational aids and channels are available online from Southern Vietnam Maritime Safety Corporation www.vms-south.vn and Vietnam Maritime Safety – North vms-north.vn

Viet Nam Marine Police Headquarters, No. 94 Le Loi Street, Nguyen Trai Ward, Ha Dong District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam. T: +84 (24) 3355 4801, 1800 81136 (hotline). F: +84 (24) 3355 4802.

Viet Nam Marine Police, Region 3, No. 1410/11 Ba Muoi Thang Tu, Ward 12, Vung Tau, Viet Nam. T/F: +84 (254) 362 6396.

For entry permission, every vessel must contact Maritime Administration (Vinamarine) either by VHF on Channel 16, radiotelephone or by visual signals.

No ship shall enter harbours until permission has been granted.

If the entry is refused, the vessel must immediately slow down, alter course and if possible, move away from any ship channel, and drift or anchor in an authorised area.

Turn of entry to a harbour is controlled by the relevant Maritime Adminstration, and it depends on tonnage of vessel, nature of cargo, weather conditions, readiness of the port to start cargo handling operations and other conditions.

In all circumstances, vessel entering a harbour should give way to outbound vessels in order not to hinder their manoeuvres.

When pilot is on board, Master shall keep him advised of precise draft and other particulars necessary for safe pilotage. Pilot or Agent shall provide the Master with all necessary information as to depth, tugs and harbour conditions, etc.

In accordance with local laws and regulations, the Master is obliged to pay a fine if he incorrectly declares vessel's draft and other particulars.

Anchoring is not permitted in prohibited zones/areas shown on charts or advised in appropriate Notices to Mariners.

Vessels carrying explosives or inflammable liquids must anchor in the area designated for them.

All vessels at anchor shall display lights or signals as stipulated in International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea.

Masters of all foreign vessels, when at anchor, are not allowed, without Harbour Master's consent, except in emergency or at Maritime Administration's request, to let any unauthorised parties board or come alongside the ship.

Medical assistance, if required, is available, including vaccinations and inoculations, as well as dispensary and hospital treatment in all ports.

International Code quarantine signals to be shown on arrival at port limits. No person, except pilot and port authorities, may board or leave the ship until free pratique is given after Port Health inspection.

All rubbish and wastes shall be taken from the ship by sanitary service staff members with appropriate notice. When these operations are completed, ship's officer-on-watch shall note this operation in vessel's Log Book, as stipulated in International Convention MARPOL 73-78.

Not more than 6 hours before arrival, Masters of all foreign ships should advise Quarantine authority through their local agents full details of health conditions on board as well as sanitary conditions at the last port of call.

Masters are advised to ask their local agents to arrange inoculation, vaccination, fumigation, decontamination, etc. if required.

Veterinary certificates of good health are required for livestock, all kinds of meat, animal food and raw meat brought to Vietnam from abroad. Certificates should be issued by proper authorities of the country from which the items have originated.

Submission of pre-arrival documentation and notifications for Viet Nam Customs Service can be made through the Viet Nam single window. Access is available to registered users. vnsw.gov.vn

Spills should be notified to the local maritime administration and to the local People’s Committee:

Health care in the cities is adequate for minor injuries. More complicated treatment may require evacuation to another country. Healthcare in rural areas is extremely basic. Many hospitals require guarantees of payment before they’ll start treatment. Make sure you have adequate health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Complete the next of kin details in the back of your passport.

Beware of food from street-side vendors, which might be contaminated. Don’t drink wine without recognised brand names. There have been deaths caused by fatal levels of methanol in rice wine.

There have been reports of synthetic marijuana use causing psychotic episodes and hospitalisation.

Cases of locally transmitted Zika virus have been confirmed between April and June 2016. There has been an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever reported in Viet Nam. Take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Viet Nam. A small number of people have died from Avian Influenza since January 2014, but the risk to humans is low. You should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds, and make sure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

Since early April 2014, Viet Nam has experienced a higher than normal number of measles cases some involving severe symptoms. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

If you are taking prescription medication into Viet Nam, carry it in your hand-luggage with a copy of the prescription. Some specific medicines can be hard to find in Viet Nam and many medications on sale are counterfeit.

Vietnam National Institute of Maritime Medicine, Hai Phong City. T: +84 (225) 351 9687. F: +84 (225) 351 9687. [email protected]

Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre Area 3 (Regional MRCC 3), No. 1151/45, 30/4 Road, Ward 11, Vung Tau City, Viet Nam. MMSI: 005744090. T: +84 (254) 385 0950. F: +84 (254) 351 2374. VHF Channel 16. HF frequency: 7903 KHz.

If any of these holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a holiday.

Only change money at official money exchange counters with a clear sign showing this status. Changing money elsewhere is illegal and while higher rate may be on offer you may risk losing your money.

Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, but outside main centres you may find cash the only acceptable currency. It may be difficult to cash travellers’ cheques. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.

You can have funds transferred to Vietnam via international money transfer companies like Western Union or Moneygram.

General Department of Vietnam Customs www.customs.gov.vn

ASEAN Single Window asw.asean.org

There has been a reported increase in incidents of personal belongings and bags being snatched, including from people travelling on motorbikes in big cities and tourist areas. Some thieves have resorted to physical violence, though this is not common. You should remain alert and take care of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and places visited by tourists where pickpockets and bag snatchers operate. Consider splitting key items between bags.

Sexual assaults are rare, but you should take sensible precautions and travel with friends when possible.

There have been reports of arguments over hotel, restaurant or taxi bills turning violent or abusive. To avoid potential disputes, make sure you are clear about the level of service you can expect to receive and any associated charges. There have been reports of scams targeting visitors, involving fake charities, gambling and taxis.

Metered taxis from larger firms are generally reliable. There are many taxi operators and meters are set at different prices. The meter should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 VND, depending on the size of the taxi. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi. There have been reports of overcharging for taxi journeys from airports. Check the published fares near the taxi stands before starting your journey.

Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs can be severe. Anyone found in possession of even a small amount of drugs can face the death sentence. Illegal drugs are often tampered with or spiked and can be much stronger than in Europe. Foreign nationals have suffered fatal overdoses in the past from very small quantities.

Crimes like sex offences or fraud can attract very long prison terms, or a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and the standard of prisons is very poor. You could be prevented from leaving the country for an unlimited period without being charged.

Never take photographs near military installations.

When entering religious or cultural sites respect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing.

There are restrictions on internet use, which can affect access to social media websites.

Foreign visitors to Viet Nam are generally not permitted to invite Vietnamese nationals into their hotel rooms.

Passports must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least two blank visa pages (not including the endorsement page).

If you arrive in Vietnam without an appropriate visa (which could be an e-visa) or pre-approval for a visa on arrival, you will be denied entry.

Please note that Vietnam requires a valid visa, residence card, or approval from the Immigration Department to leave the country. Immigration officials will apply a fee to replace lost/stolen visas or a fine for any visa overstays. In addition, the processing of exit visas for cases involving visa overstays can take one to two weeks.

The E-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry but does not allow for renewal or extension from within the country. An E-visa is usually processed within three working days after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives the completed application and E-visa fee. E-visa holders must present the printed E-visa and valid passport at the Port of Entry. Prior to making travel arrangements with an E-visa it is advisable to review the list of Ports of Entry that allow for foreigners to enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa. When applying for an E-visa, carefully review and follow the E-visa application steps. Note: E-visas restrict you to the entry and exit points you select when you apply.

Ports of Entry are: