Jump to Section
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visas are required by SA passport holders and foreign passport holders and applications should be made well in advance of any planned visit.
WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, VISA APPLICATIONS ARE TO BE FIRST UPLOADED ONLINE ON www.visa.mofa.gov.vn
Requirements:
• One completed visa application form.
• 1 Passport photos. (recent and colour)(attached to the application form)
• Original passport. (must be valid for a minimum of 6 months) Ensure there is a blank page for the visa.
• Proof of accommodation and itinerary
• Proof of flight booking
• If travelling on business, an invitation letter is required
• Cash or the bank deposit slip as proof of payment at the same time the passport is submitted to the Embassy.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
There is no season that is especially recommended for visiting Vietnam, because when one region is cold, rainy and foggy, it’s often possible to have some other place with sunshine and a mild temperature.
North: There are two seasons – summer and winter. Winter lasts from November to April, and the temperature is pretty low (10° C – 15° C). During February and March there is a very fine, continuous rain called “dust of rain”. Summer lasts from May to October, characterized by occasional and sometimes violent typhoons. During these months the weather is sultry.
Central: From April to October is characterized by very nice weather and is not affected by monsoon coming from the Southwest, thanks to the natural protection of Truong Son mountain chain. But the monsoon coming from the Northeast brings rain and typhoons during the November-March period.
South: There is a sub-equatorial climate with two seasons: the humid one from May to November with almost daily flooding, the dry one from December to June with hot and dry climate.
The Coast:
Phan Thiet is the only seaside resort with eleven months of beautiful weather. During July and August there are rainy days but the rain is moderate.
Nha Trang and in Danang/ Hoi An hot and dry season is from February to October.
Phu Quoc: The dry season runs from October to July
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | The Socialist Republic of Vietnam |
| Capital City: | Hanoi |
| International Airports: | – Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) – Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh) – Da Nang International Airport (Danang) – Cam Ranh International Airport – Can Tho International Airport – Chu Lai International Airport – Vinh International Airport – Van Don International Airport |
| Area: | 331,211 km² |
| Population: | 89 Million |
| Time Zone: | (UTC)+7:00 |
| Religion: | The major religious traditions in Viet Nam are Buddhism (which fuses forms of Taoism and Confusianism), Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism), Islam, Caodaism and the Hoa Hao sect. |
| Language: | The official mother tongue is Vietnamese. French and English are also widely spoken. |
| Currency: | The official currency is’ DONG (VN Dong) but in the major cities American dollars are widely used. Credit Cards are accepted only in big Hotels. |
| Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Credit card payments are accepted everywhere, in the markets it is important to carry cash. |
| ATM Accessibility: | ATM’s are readily available |
| Dialling Code: | +971 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | Voltage in most places is 220v AC/DC. Socket sizes vary, so it is recommended to carry adapters. |
| Water: | It is advisable to drink only bottled or distilled water. |
| Business Hours: | Mon – Fri 8:00 – 17:00 (one-hour lunch break).
Shops – 8:00 /08:30 – 21:00 / 22:00 |
| Banking Hours: | Mon – Fri – 07:30 /08:00 – 16:30. Sat – 08:00 – 11:30. |
| Photography Restrictions: | No objections, however it is polite to ask. |
| Tipping: | Generally, tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but it is very much appreciated. In restaurants a service fee of 5-10% is added but does not normally end up with the staff so at your discretion leave a tip for the staff |
| Vaccination Requirements: | No vaccinations required, however always consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | None noted |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Avoid public displays of affection with a member of the opposite sex. – Do not touch someone’s head. – Pass items with both hands. – Do not point with your finger – use your hand. – Do not stand with your hands on your hips. – Do not cross your arms on your chest. – Do not pass anything over someone’s head. – Do not touch anyone on the shoulder. – Do not touch a member of the opposite sex. – Shorts should only be worn at the beach. – If invited to a Vietnamese home, bring fruit or incense and ensure that your gift is wrapped in colourful paper – Wait to be seated and allow the elderly to sit first – Be Punctual – Some Vietnamese use a two-handed shake with the left hand on top of the right wrist-in the company of women wait for the women to extend a hand shake first |
FESTIVALS
- Tet Nguyen Dan – January/ February
- Lim Festival – Mid February
- Founding Day of the Communist Party of Vietnam – 03 February
- Perfume Pagoda Festival – February /March
- Phu Giay Festival – late March /April
- Hue Festival – Bi annual – April / May / June
- Hung King Temple Festival – April
- Liberation Day of South Vietnam and Saigon – 30 April
- Buddha’s Birthday – early May
- Ho Chi Minh’s birthday – 19 May
- Hoi An Lantern Festival – 14 of every month
- Mid-Autumn Festival – Mid September
- Wandering Souls Day – early September
MAP
“A day full of travelling will bring a basketful of learning”
– Vietnamese Proverb