Unexploded mines and ordnance are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in centra

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Safety and Security Crime section (increase in theft of handbags), the Road Travel Motorbikes section (it is illegal to operate or be a passenger on a motorbike how long is the tour de france without a helmet), the Health section (Hand, Foot and Mouth disease) and further editorial amendments throughout. The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are no travel restrictions in place in this travel advice for Vietnam.
There is a low threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, how long is the tour de france including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers. British nationals should avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.
how long is the tour de france Most visits to Vietnam are trouble free but you should remain alert. Petty crime is not confined to the backpacker districts but also occurs in the main tourist shopping areas. Do not walk in secluded locations alone, or with people you do not know. There is low reporting of sexual how long is the tour de france assaults but tourists should travel with friends how long is the tour de france and take the normal precautions.
Violent attacks against tourists have been reported in urban areas, as well as popular tourist areas, including Cat Ba and Nha Trang in the early morning or late at night. Some reports involve tourists being attacked while on a xe om (motorcycle taxi) or during disputes about being overcharged.
There has been a recent increase in reports of handbags being stolen in Ho Chi Minh City.   To minimise how long is the tour de france risk, be on your guard against pickpockets and avoid carrying handbags or wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to store valuables, money or passports and carry a photocopy of the data page of your passport.
There have also been reports of arguments over hotel, restaurant or taxi bills turning violent or abusive. To ensure how long is the tour de france you have a trouble free stay in Vietnam it is worth researching places to stay before you arrive. To avoid potential disputes you should make sure you are clear about the level of service you can expect to receive and any associated how long is the tour de france charges.
Travel is restricted near military installations and some areas of Vietnam are fairly inaccessible.  Do not stray off main routes how long is the tour de france in rural areas and check with your tour operator before travelling. There have been reports of mountain climbing accidents in the north of Vietnam. Follow safety guidelines and procedures and ensure such activities are undertaken under the supervision of reputable guides.
There have been reports of real firearms being fired around the Cu Chi tunnels area near Ho Chi Minh City. Undertake any activities, which include firearms at your own risk and ensure all activities how long is the tour de france are undertaken under the supervision of reputable guides.  Also be aware that there have been reports of hearing loss due to being in close proximity to these activities.
To enter Vietnam from Cambodia you must obtain a visa before arriving at the border.   There are a number of local crossing points which are only open to Cambodian and Vietnamese nationals.  Check locally before travelling to these points.
Unexploded mines and ordnance are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in central Vietnam and along the Laos Border, formerly traversed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are frequently unmarked.
A Vietnamese driving licence is required to drive a car or motorcycle in Vietnam. These can be obtained from Hanoi Department how long is the tour de france of Public Works and Transportation: (tel:+84 4 3843 5325) or Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Works and Transportation (tel: +84 8 3829 0451 or 0452, fax: +84 8 3829 0458).
Traffic accidents tend to attract a large crowd quickly. If you are involved in a traffic accident you could face criminal charges. It is not uncommon to pay large compensation to the injured person even if the injuries how long is the tour de france are minor. Failure to pay the compensation claim can lead to full investigations by the police. If you are subject to an investigation, offer the police your full co-operation and inform the Embassy/Consulate. There have also been reports of traffic police seeking payments from motorists how long is the tour de france to compensate for traffic offences.
Vietnam's main mode of transport is by motorbike. Riding a motorbike can be dangerous, there are accidents daily, how long is the tour de france which have resulted in injury or death. These can result in costly medical bills as insurance usually does not cover it. It is illegal to operate or be a passenger on a motorbike without a helmet.  Helmet safety standards vary please ensure you have adequate protection if you do undertake a motorbike journey.
Taxis are a common mode of transport and larger metered taxis are generally reliable.   There are many taxi operators and the meters how long is the tour de france are set at different prices for the first km and some rates can increase quickly. The meter should always be used and should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 VND. Where possible get hotels how long is the tour de france or restaurants to get you a reputable taxi.
There have been reports from tourists that they have been charged more for taxi journeys how long is the tour de france from airports than advertised.  Please check the published fare near the taxi stands before starting your journey.
Bus/ Coach crashes are not unusual, especially at night. The risk of death or injury on the road increases if you travel at night. When travelling by bus remain how long is the tour de france vigilant against petty theft. Unless prearranged do not accept offers of free transfers to hotels, as these are likely to be bogus.
Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe. The level of comfort and safety varies greatly between the national how long is the tour de france tourist and more rural routes. Be vigilant against petty theft. There have been numerous reports of personal belongings being stolen whilst people are asleep on the Sapa to Hanoi train.
There are numerous coastline areas that have regular boat tours. There have been a number of fatal boat accidents in Vietnam, some involving foreign nationals how long is the tour de france in Halong Bay, a popular tourist area in north-east Vietnam. The most recent fatal accident was on 3 October 2012. The Vietnamese Government are in the process of investigating what happened. Safety regulations and standards are not at the same level as the United Kingdom and vary greatly from company to company and province to province. You should how long is the tour de france check with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats, and certification of personnel, before setting off and ensure you receive a full safety briefing when joining any boat.  Please consider safety standards carefully before deciding how long is the tour de france to take an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay as boats can sink quickly and without warning.
Piracy has been known to occur in coastal areas off Vietnam. Mariners should be vigilant; reduce opportunities for attacks; establish secure areas onboard; and report how long is the tour de france all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.
Vietnam operates a single party political system, which does not welcome dissent. Internal conflict is rare, although there are occasional violent clashes between protestors and police. There are restrictions on internet usage, which can affect access to websites such as Facebook.
Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs can be severe and Vietnam maintains the death penalty. In Vietnamese law, anyone found in possession of even a small amount of drugs can face the death sentence.
Illegal drugs are increasingly available in major cities. Be aware that drugs are likely to have been tampered with/spiked. Drugs are much stronger and of a higher potency in Asia than in Europe and British tourists how long is the tour de france have suffered fatal overdoses in the past from very small amounts.
Crimes such as sex offences or fraud can result in being stopped from leaving how long is the tour de france Vietnam for an unlimited period without being charged, very long prison terms, or a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and the standard of prisons is very poor. The Embassy/Consulate cannot get you out of prison.
When checking into a hotel, you will have to surrender your passport so that the hotel can register how long is the tour de france your presence with the local police. how long is the tour de france Once registered ensure your passport how long is the tour de france is returned to you and keep it in a safe place. how long is the tour de france Passports should not be used as a deposit for renting hotel rooms, hiring services such as motorbikes or in place of a fine in the event of any possible traffic offence. It is advisable how long is the tour de france to carry a photocopy how long is the tour de france of the data page from your passport, which can be used as proof of identity. If you are staying in private accommodation, you will still be expected to register. Ask your host to assist you with this as soon as you arrive. You may be charged an administrative fine for staying without registration. The level of fine is at the discretion of the Head of the Police in the area you stay.
Neither the Embassy nor Consulate can issue passports. If you require a new passport, applications are processed by the Regional Passport Production Centre in Hong Kong. Straightforward applications can take approximately four weeks.
In the event of an emergency, the Embassy/Consulate can issue Emergency how long is the tour de france Travel Documents (ETDs). Please visit our website at: ukinvietnam.gov.uk for further information about how to apply, fees and what documentation is required.
how long is the tour de france A visa is required for Vietnam. Ensure that you obtain the correct visa for the purpose and destination of your travel. There are nearly 1000 travel companies that are able to arrange legitimate visas-on-arrival but this must be done prior to arrival in Vietnam. We are aware of reports of bogus companies that claim to be able to arrange for a visa on arrival. As the British Embassy and Consulate cannot confirm whether a company has a legitimate arrangement in place, the safest way to obtain a visa is via the nearest Vietnamese Embassy. Vietnamese visas are usually valid for single entry. If you plan to leave Vietnam and re-enter from another country make sure you obtain a multiple visit visa. Overstaying without authority how long is the tour de france is a serious matter and you may be delayed from travel until a fine is paid. C