Visa application
From January 01, 2009, a visa is not required to visit Vietnam for up to 15 days. Check a2zdirectory for history of Vietnam.
To enter the territory of Vietnam for a period of more than 15 days, citizens of the Russian Federation need a visa. You can apply for it both at the Consulate of Vietnam, and at the airport of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
Required documents for obtaining a visa at the consulate:
Passport (its validity must be at least 6 months after the date of departure from Vietnam );
Application form for entry in 2 copies. The data in the questionnaire can be filled in Russian, French or English;
2 photographs 4×6 cm;
Invitation to the country (tourist voucher).
The visa is valid for 30 days.
The paperwork processing time is 5 working days from the date of application submission.
One-time consular fee – $ 25 US.
Documents for obtaining a visa at the airport:
2 photos 3.5×4.5;
1 completed questionnaire;
An entry permit signed by the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam.
Documents are processed within 5-7 business days from the date of application. Visa processing at the airport takes place in the window with the inscription “Visa upon arrival”.
In the finished visa, the points of entry and exit from the country are marked. You can only cross the border in them. Change of any of the items is made in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. For this, an additional fee is charged.
Visa-free transit can be made around the clock, provided that it does not cross the border of the airport. To confirm the status in this case, you need to have air tickets for transit flights.
In accordance with the legislation of Vietnam, from January 01, 2009, visa control was canceled for holders of Russian passports. This rule applies to those who come to the country for a period of less than 15 days, regardless of the purpose of the visit.
In the case of taking a child under 18 years of age abroad in the company of one of the parents, a notarized permission from the other parent is required. Otherwise, documents confirming the reason for his absence (certificate of a single mother, a copy of the death certificate of the second parent) are subject to presentation. When a child under 18 crosses the border independently, a copy of the power of attorney from both parents is required.
Customs regulations
Customs regulations in Vietnam provide for certain restrictions on the transport of currency and goods across the border. See Vietnam import restrictions.
Allowed to import duty-free:
Foreign convertible currency in the amount of not more than 3000 US $. The import of a larger amount must be shown in the declaration;
Tobacco products in volumes not exceeding 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 500 gr. tobacco;
Alcoholic products (1.5 liters of strong alcoholic beverages, or no more than two liters of alcoholic products, the strength of which does not exceed 22 °);
Two cans of black or red caviar, with a total weight of not more than 200 grams;
Tea – 5 kg;
Coffee – 3 kg;
Goods whose total value exceeds VND 5 million;
Electrical appliances and other household items no more than 1 unit with the condition of their re-export.
Allowed to export duty-free:
Foreign currency in an amount not exceeding that indicated in the declaration upon arrival in the country;
Handicrafts, household appliances, household items, subject to presentation of a receipt for the purchase. Otherwise, additional customs fees must be paid.
It is forbidden to export and import from Vietnam:
Export national currency;
Drugs and narcotic drugs. If this clause is violated, severe punishment awaits – up to the death penalty;
Explosives, military weapons;
Materials that offend local culture (newspapers, CDs, audio and video recordings);
pornographic materials;
Art and antiques without a receipt confirming the purchase;
Jewelry and handicrafts not specified in the declaration;
Mandatory declaration is subject to the import of computer and household appliances into the territory of Vietnam. The export of these items without a declaration will be possible only after payment of all customs taxes and fees, or after presentation of a receipt for its purchase.
