PASSPORT AND VISAS

Visas are required for all nationalities except Thai, Malaysian and Philippinos nationals. If visas are to be obtained via Asian Trails, the following personal data must be supplied to us at least 2 (two) weeks before travelling to Vietnam :

It takes full 4 working days for visa application processing. Visas are usually issued by the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkokor in the passengers’ home country (against the visa’s approval number), which require the original passport and 2 photos for 2 (two) full working days in order to issue a visa stamp.

Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at entry points to Vietnam, in which case the stamping fee will be quoted separately. We also require passport details in advance for visa stamp upon arrival. We will send a confirmation letter to show to airport staff at the departing airport, confirming that clients will get the visa on arrival. Visas can only be requested via us in connection with the booking of travel arrangements to Vietnam.

CUSTOMS AND FORMALITIES

All visitors to Vietnam must fill in one arrival/departure card and show their luggage to customs officials on request.  Visitors can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold, but these must be declared in detail on the customs forms.  Travelers can change their money for Vietnamese dong (VND) at banks, hotels and jewelry shops throughout the country.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE

The local currency is the Dong (abbreviated "d" or VND). Bank notes are 200d, 500d, 1000d, 2,000d, 5,000d, 10,000d, 20,000d, 50,000d and 100,000d. The rate of exchange (at time of printing) is approximately Dong 15,000 against one US Dollar.

Credit cards are generally accepted in the major cities. Visitors are recommended to carry US Dollar bills in small denominations.Banking hours is usually from 0730-1630 at State Banks and 0800-1700 at Foreign Banks or 24-hour service at ANZ Bank.

AIRPORT TAX

US$ 14.- per person is levied on passengers leaving Vietnam on international flights from Hanoi-Noi Bai airport.

US$ 12.- per person is levied on passengers leaving Vietnam on international flights from Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat airport.