British holidaymakers in Vietnam cautioned as visa mistake could see them 'denied entry and exit'
Holidaymakers should enter and exit Vietnam with the same passport
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The Foreign Office has issued new advice to holidaymakers jetting off to Vietnam to minimise their risk of having a passport taken off them.
Britons have been alerted that they cannot leave the Southeast Asian hotspot without a valid visa. Travellers must also enter and exit the country using the same passport.
The latest advice comes after tourists could not exit the country after having their travel documents removed.
These exit bans have prompted authorities to issue fresh reminders of Vietnam's entry requirements.
Vietnam has updated its travel advice for holidaymakers
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These include:
- Having a passport expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive
- Have at least two blank pages on your passport
- Ensuring passport is not damaged
The Foreign Office cautioned that “British nationals have been denied entry and exit due to passport damage”.
It advised: “Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
“You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
“It is a requirement of Vietnamese authorities that visitors enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office added: “Vietnamese authorities may place an exit ban on certain individuals to prevent them from leaving the country.
“Your passport will be seized until the case is fully investigated. If you are unable to leave the country because of an exit ban, consult a lawyer and contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.”
Travellers should also ensure that the expiry date stamped on their passports upon entry is correct before leaving border control.
Any holidaymaker who encounters an issue relating to their travel documentation while abroad is advised to contact the closest British embassy or consulate.
To avoid any trouble at borders, travellers should also remind themselves of which goods they can and cannot take out of the Vienman.
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Travellers in Vietnam are prohibited from bringing certain goods into the country
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“You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty,” says the Foreign Office.
“If you’re taking prescription medication into Vietnam, carry it in your hand luggage with a copy of the prescription.
“If it has a total import value greater than 100 US dollars, you must declare it at customs.”
For further information about restrictions on medication, travellers are advised to check the website’s Health section under Vietnam.