ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**
UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for the latest entry and exit advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/entry-requirements
US guests please see the Travel State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Vietnam.html
Visas:
British nationals can stay in Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism. If you wish to stay longer than 45 days apply for an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries.
All US passport holders must have a valid visa to enter Vietnam, in order to apply for an E visa please click here - https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt
In advance of travel, you can apply at your relevant Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Online e-visa application prior to travel is also available for a number of countries. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa arrival in Vietnam. All nationalities must check the visa entry requirements before your departure.
Application to your Vietnamese Embassy:
Please check the relevant processing times and requirements with your individual embassy for applications in person, by post or by mail. For the USA, please see further details here: http://vietnamembassy-usa.org/page/apply-visa-person-or-mail
• Visa-on-arrival at your designated point of entry into Vietnam (for US, Canadian and Mexican citizens)
If wishing to get your visa on arrival at the airport, you will require the following:
- Valid passport, with a minimum of six months validity at the date of entry plus the length of validity of the visa, and containing at least 1 blank page
- Completed application form, obtainable in the airport at the ‘Visa-on-Arrival Desk
- Visa approval letter. This will be sent to you by email by The Big Journey Company. You must print it out and bring it with you to gain entry
- A passport photographs, taken not more than one year ago
- Visa fee – varies between USD 25 per person. To be paid in cash in dollars.
Apply online for an e-Visa:
- Visit the website https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt and follow the application process described. The service currently costs USD 25. It enables you to pass more quickly through the immigration process as queues are often lengthy.
- Remember to bring a printed copy of the visa certificate with you for entry into Vietnam.
- E-visas are valid for only within the dates specified on the e-visa for up to 30 days. Entry into Vietnam must be within the validity of the stated dates, but your time in the country cannot exceed them.
- Please note, processing of the e-visa usually takes 3 working days but can take longer.
Passports:
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport.
**Note: Visa and entry requirements, regulations, and restrictions can change. Ensure you check the current requirements well in advance of travel.
Travel Insurance:
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Please ensure you have a copy of your insurer’s 24-hour emergency telephone number and your policy number.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication:
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:
- Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the contact details of your doctor.
- Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.
Traveling with CPAP or other Medical Machines:
Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with such a device as early as possible, and well before you travel. Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at the time of booking, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There may be an additional charge for this.*Please note, if you require distilled or ionized water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at least two weeks ahead of travel, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There will be an additional charge for this.
LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear:
We would recommend comfortable clothes and shoes for this tour. Feel free to include a smart-casual outfit for dinner if you wish; however, there is no pressure to follow a dress code.
Vietnam's climate varies significantly between regions and seasons. Pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with a light jacket or raincoat for occasional showers. Insect repellent, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sun cream are essential items. Don't forget your camera, with charger/spare batteries and memory cards, and pack your swimming costume too if your itinerary includes beach or pool activities.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese.
WEATHER
Vietnam has a diverse climate ranging from tropical in the south to subtropical in the north. There are two main seasons: the rainy season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April).
ELECTRICITY
Vietnam operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. You will need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type A, C, or F.
MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across Vietnam, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.
MONEY
The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it is advisable to carry cash in smaller denominations for local purchases. ATMs are widely available.
Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted, while other cards may have limited acceptance. If you intend to use your debit or credit cards while away, please notify your bank beforehand to avoid any issues with transactions.
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.
WATER
Tap water in Vietnam is generally not considered safe to drink. It is advisable for visitors to drink bottled or filtered water to avoid potential health issues, especially outside urban areas and popular tourist destinations.
SAFETY & SECURITY
As visitors, tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, so we recommend staying aware and taking simple precautions.
RELIGION
Vietnam has a diverse religious landscape, with the majority practicing Buddhism, followed by Catholicism, Protestantism, and other indigenous beliefs. Religious tolerance is generally observed.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Vietnam offers a wealth of photographic opportunities, from ancient temples and bustling markets to scenic landscapes and vibrant street scenes. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries, and a spare memory card!
ARRIVAL IN VIETNAM
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 2 pm to 3 pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.
Updated November 2024