Vietnam

Travel to Vietnam

Singaporeans who wish to enter Vietnam should refer to the website of the Vietnam Embassy in Singapore for information on entry requirements. Generally, Singapore Passport Holders do not require a visa to enter Vietnam and can remain up to 30 days per entry. Please note that the approval for entry into Vietnam, is ultimately at the assessment and discretion of the Vietnam Immigration authorities.

In case of emergencies, Singaporeans are strongly encouraged to e-register with MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg and, depending on your needs, consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance beyond the Vietnamese government's requirements to deal with contingencies and avoid having to pay hefty medical expenses and related costs.

Useful Resources

For the latest information on Vietnam’s travel policies and medical-related advisories, please visit these websites:

Vietnam Ministry of Health (https://moh.gov.vn/en_US/web/ministry-of-health)

Vietnam Embassy in Singapore (https://vnembassy-singapore.mofa.gov.vn)

Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mofa.gov.vn)

Singaporeans in Vietnam are strongly advised to follow local developments closely. Singaporeans are encouraged to e-register with MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg, and follow the Singapore Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh’s Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/SingaporeEmbassyHanoi) to receive the latest consular‑related news and updates.

For urgent consular assistance, please contact the following:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Vietnam

Address: No. 41 & 43, Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: +84-24-3848-9168, 3848-9170

Emergency Tel (after hours): +84-904-696-589

Email: singemb_han@mfa.sg

URL: https://hanoi.mfa.gov.sg

Singapore Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City

Address: The Saigon Centre Tower 2, #11-05, 67 Le Loi Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tel: +84-28-3822-5174

Emergency Tel: +84-903-113-500

Email: singcg_hcm@mfa.sg

URL: https://hochiminhcity.mfa.gov.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hour)

Tanglin, Singapore 248163

Tel: +65 6379 8800; +65 6379 8855

Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

Embassy of Vietnam in Singapore

Address: 10 Leedon Park

Singapore 267887

Tel: +65 6467 2207

Email: vnemb.sg@mofa.gov.vn

Immigration: When you enter or depart the country, always check before leaving the Immigration Checkpoint to ensure that your passport is stamped with the correct dates. The allowed duration of stay will be indicated on the entry stamp. Be mindful of the entry and exit dates to ensure you are not breaching the host country’s immigration laws. Do not pass immigration booths that are unattended.

Sanitation and Hygiene: Tap water is not safe for drinking. Avoid drinking un-boiled water and taking ice from unknown sources. Always use purified or mineral water for drinking. It is recommended that travellers have medications such as charcoal and diarrhoea pills on stand-by. When unsure, stick to fully cooked food items. It is advisable to take food and drinks (and ice) from establishments which practice good food hygiene. It is highly recommended that the necessary vaccinations are taken prior to coming to Vietnam. It is advisable to immunise against cholera, hepatitis (both A & B), typhoid, tetanus, polio, encephalitis and rabies.

Safety: There have been reported incidences of snatch-thefts and pickpockets in Vietnam, especially in crowded areas, supermarkets and on public buses. Take necessary precautions such as to avoid carrying too much cash, and using your hand phone while walking or travelling on public transport such as motorcycle taxis. If you are a victim of a crime and not injured, do try to remember the area where the crime took place and request for assistance from a native speaker (eg hotel staff or friend) to accompany you to the police station in charge of the incident area to make a police report within 24 hours. If you lose your passport as a result, a police report has to be made at the nearest police station to where the loss happened or is suspected to have happened before we can issue you with a temporary Document of Identity for travel back to Singapore.

Transport: Typically, foreign travellers use taxis. For taxis, the more reputable companies are ABC, Be, Mai Linh and CP in Hanoi, as well as Vinasun and Mai Linh in HCMC. If possible, you may wish to seek your hotel’s assistance to flag a taxi from a reputable company on your behalf. Do remember the four digit alphanumeric number which is displayed on a disc at the front and rear of the taxis (not the number plates) so that you may follow-up with the taxi companies, if there is a need to do so. You should avoid going with anyone who approaches you asking if you need a ride when you are out. Travellers arriving at the airports should proceed to the taxi queue directly to take a taxi, and insist that the driver switch on the meter before moving off. Avoid going along with “taxi agents” standing outside the arrival halls who will approach unsuspecting tourists to bring them to illegal or fake taxis waiting at the carparks or outside of the taxi stand. Grab and GoJek are also popular in Vietnam. However, when calling a Grab/GoJek ride from the airport, be sure to verify the vehicle number against that indicated on the app and avoid going with anyone who approaches you claiming to be your driver.

Most foreign travellers avoid using the local buses due to the language barrier. Another common mode of transport in Vietnam are the motorcycle taxis (xe-om/Gojek ride/Grab bike), but the riders are usually less proficient in English. Always wear a helmet when riding on such motorcycle taxis as it is illegal to ride pillion without a helmet in Vietnam. Also avoid wearing dangling jewellery and keep your bags close to you. Take care of your belongings when travelling on public transport.

The traffic situation in Vietnam can be a little daunting to foreign travellers as there are many motorcycles and cars weaving through the roads. Do exercise care when crossing the roads and take precaution against unexpected traffic (sometimes from the wrong direction). Always signal your intention to cross the road early and avoid making sudden, unexpected movements so that oncoming motorists are not caught off-guard.

Hanoi-Specific Advice: The level of pollution in Hanoi can be high, largely due to vehicle emissions. The dust index (PM10) in Hanoi can reach 4 times higher than the permitted level. This may result in breathing difficulties especially during the hotter summer months when temperatures can reach 48°C. Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces are susceptible to tropical storms and floods. Travellers are encouraged to keep informed of the conditions through local media.

Customs regulations and currency control: Be familiar with the local customs regulations. There are stringent requirements on the entry of food and agricultural products. Travellers are required to declare items which come under the agricultural quarantine restrictions as stated on the customs forms at the point of entry. Failure to do so could result in the imposition of severe fines. Travellers who import/export currencies exceeding US$5,000/- or equivalent are required to declare on arrival and departure.

Illegal drugs and narcotics: Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs can be severe. Possession of even a small amount of drugs can attract a lengthy prison sentence or even the death sentence. Do not convey or transport any parcel, especially across a border, when asked by a stranger. Should such parcels contain illegal drugs, you risk being found guilty of possession, smuggling or trafficking in drugs. You should also never leave your belongings unattended or under the “care” of any stranger.

Other prohibited items: Firearms and explosive materials, pornographic materials (books, video tapes, DVDs etc), drugs, fire-crackers, are prohibited from being brought into Vietnam. It is also against the law to export antiques out of Vietnam without the relevant permit/approval from the Ministry of Culture.

Registration of residence: It is mandatory for all foreigners to register their stay with the local police in Vietnam. If you are staying in a hotel, your hotel would usually assist with the registration. To facilitate registration, you might wish to provide your hotel with a scanned copy of your passport and confirm with them if they had registered your stay with the local police. If you are planning to stay with your relatives, friends or at a rented apartment, you are also required to you register your stay with the local police, either through your relatives/friends or the landlord. There are no local rules which require the lodging establishments (guest house or hotels) to hold on to your passports during your stay with them.

Driving Licence: Singapore and/or International driving licences have to be converted for use in Vietnam.

Photo-taking: Do not take photographs of military installations without prior approval from the relevant authorities.

Singaporeans travelling to or living in Vietnam may also wish to follow the Singapore Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeEmbassyHanoi/) for timely travel alerts and updates.

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.

• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.

• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.

• eRegister with us on our website (www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.

• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.

• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.

• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.

• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.