From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Vietnam
Date: 18 Nov 1992 12:49:37 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Vietnam
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Vietnam - Consular Information Sheet
 November 13, 1992

Embassy Location:  The United States does not have diplomatic ties 
with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. There is no American 
consular presence in Vietnam nor does any third country represent 
U.S. interests in Vietnam. Consequently, the United States 
Government is unable to provide normal consular protective services 
to U.S. citizens.

Country Description:  Vietnam is a poor agrarian country ruled by a 
communist government.  Tourist facilities are not well established.

Entry Requirements:  U.S. passports are valid for travel in 
Vietnam.  Visas must be obtained at a Vietnamese Embassy in the city 
from which a traveler is embarking for Vietnam.

Permission to Travel:  Visitors may travel unaccompanied in Vietnam 
without the authorization of the U.S. Treasury Department.  
Travelers may spend up to $200 a day in Vietnam only to purchase 
items related to travel.  The cost of international and intercity 
transportation and international telecommunication expenses is not 
included in the $200 per day limit.  U.S. Treasury regulations 
prohibit the use of credit and other charge cards in Vietnam.  
Visitors to Vietnam may bring back into the United States 
merchandise valued up to $100.  Informational materials are not 
limited.  A U.S. trade embargo prohibits business dealings with 
Vietnam, and purchases of other goods or services unrelated to 
travel are prohibited.  Receipts are required for any goods 
purchased in Vietnam and must be made available for U.S. Customs 
officials upon entry into the United States.  Individuals 
considering travel to Vietnam can contact the Department of Treasury 
at the following address for further information:

Licensing Section
Office of Foreign Assets Control
Department of the Treasury
Washington, D.C. 20220.

Direct Flight Prohibition:  The U.S. Treasury Department amended 
its Foreign Assets Control Regulations on December 17, 1991, to 
permit U.S. travel agents and others to arrange hotel 
accommodations, ground transportation, local tours and similar 
travel services within Vietnam.  Regulations continue, however, to 
prohibit direct flights between the United States and Vietnam as 
well as flights into or out of Vietnam by U.S. registered aircraft 
and aircraft controlled by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction.

The opening of business offices by U.S. citizens remains prohibited.

Arrest of Americans:  The Vietnamese security apparatus may place 
American visitors under surveillance simply because they are 
Americans.  Foreign visitors to Vietnam have been arbitrarily 
arrested or detained for activities that would not be considered 
crimes in the U.S.  Visitors who fail to keep their travel 
documentation in order or who engage in activities deemed suspicious 
may be detained, along with their Vietnamese contacts, relatives, 
and friends.  Involvement in politics, possession of political 
material or unsanctioned religious activities can result in 
detention.  The Vietnamese authorities do not always inform the U.S. 
Government of arrests, nor have they provided access to American 
citizens under detention.

Dual Nationality:  U.S. citizens who where born in Vietnam or are 
former citizens of Vietnam, and the children of such persons, may be 
considered dual nationals by the government of Vietnam.  They may 
therefore be subject to all Vietnamese laws that impose special 
obligations upon Vietnamese nationals, such as military service, 
taxes, etc.  Specific questions on dual nationality can be directed 
to a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, or to the Office of Citizens 
Consular Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Specific 
questions regarding health matters can be directed to the Centers 
for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone 
(404) 332-4559.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash 
payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always 
valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical insurance 
with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime is rare.  Useful information on 
guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling 
abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip 
Abroad".  it is available from the superintendent of documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict.  Convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

 No. 92-119

Newsgroups: rec.travel