Currently, Vietnam does not allow entry with only an ID card. All travelers, including those from ASEAN member countries, are required to present a valid passport upon arrival. There are no ID card entry agreements in place.
All travelers must present a valid passport to enter Vietnam. Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality:
Citizens of several countries, including those from ASEAN member states (such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines), can enter Vietnam without a visa for stays ranging from 14 to 30 days. Additionally, citizens of Japan, South Korea, and select European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, are granted visa-free entry for short stays (typically 15-30 days).
Citizens of over 80 countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and most European Union nations, are eligible to apply for an e-Visa. The e-Visa allows entry for up to 30 days and can be obtained online before arrival.
Travelers from countries not on the visa-exempt or e-Visa lists must apply for a visa before entering Vietnam. A valid passport and application are necessary, and visas can be obtained through embassies or consulates.
Always check the latest entry requirements based on your nationality, as visa rules may change.
Vietnam has a growing network of toll roads, particularly on highways connecting major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Tolls are used to maintain road infrastructure and vary depending on the distance traveled and the type of vehicle.
Vietnam has a diverse climate, influenced by its elongated geography. Northern Vietnam experiences a subtropical climate with distinct seasons, while the central and southern regions have tropical climates with high temperatures year-round.
Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, experiences cool to cold weather during winter, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Spring is milder and more pleasant, making it a great time for outdoor activities.
The southern regions, including Ho Chi Minh City, experience a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall during the summer months. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), symbolized as ₫. The Dong is used throughout the country for all transactions.
The Dong is available in banknotes of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000 VND. Coins are rarely used in daily transactions.
Currency exchange services are available in banks, hotels, and authorized money exchange centers. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, allowing you to withdraw VND directly from your account.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and large stores in urban areas. However, in rural areas, cash is the preferred payment method, so it’s advisable to carry VND for small transactions.