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Around 100,000 British tourists enjoy Vietnam holidays from UK locations every year, according to the Vietnamese Tourist Authority. Restrictions for visitors are strict there and every visitor needs to be aware of the basic rules. It is very important to have visa and customs documents in precise order.

To visit in Vietnam, prior to entry into the country, it is required to obtain your visa unless there have been prior arrangements made by a recognized tour operator or if you are officially considered to be a sponsored visitor. You will likely be denied entry into the country if you have a passport that is valid for less than one month past the date that your visa expires. You should thoroughly check for correct visa conditions that may apply.

Vietnamese visas are usually valid for only one entry. Persons who plan to leave the country and re-enter from another country should be sure to obtain a visa that allows multiple entries. There can be some harsh fines or the chance of imprisonment if you were to overstay your visa.

If you have your passport lost or stolen, you will need to apply for both a replacement passport and a replacement Vietnamese visa from the authorities at the immigration department in order to be allowed to leave the country. This can only be taken care of during the normal government working hours and it usually will not happen for three to five days after the application. The Embassy nor the Consulate General can expedite the replacement of Vietnamese visas.

You should always keep the customs forms on entry into Vietnam, since this is a requirement for exit. If you happened to lose this form your belongings might be confiscated and you could also be fined as you leave. This too, is an issue the British Embassy is generally unable to help you with.

Most visits will be trouble-free but still, it is advised that all visitors register with the British consulate. For the most part, British nationals most commonly require consular help in Vietnam with regard to cases of lost or stolen passports. Registration can provide better assistance for you in an emergency. You should remember that obtaining any adequate assistance is difficult outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City because of Vietnam’s lack of a well developed infrastructure.

Vietnam travel from the UK can usually go without any problems, providing that the visitor will take care to have the proper paperwork in place.

Jose Mauricio is a specialist in Vietnam Holidays and other destinations such as Cuba holidays, Dubai, Cambodia and Laos.