Foreign tourists allowed to bring motorized vehicles to Viet Nam from this May

Foreign tourists will be permitted to bring their motorized vehicles participating in road traffic in Viet Nam from May 1, 2024.

The above policy is specified in the Government’s Decree No. 30/2024/ND-CP on management of motorized vehicles registered abroad and brought into Viet Nam by foreign travelers.

Foreigners who want to drive their vehicles in Viet Nam must work with international travel service businesses who are capable of making requests for the authorities’ approval of organizing the participation of foreign drivers and motorized vehicles in the local traffic.

The approval documents must be obtained from the Ministry of Public Security.

Foreign drivers must meet certain conditions, including their road motorized vehicles meeting requirements defined in Clause 1, Article 3 of this decree, and having valid vehicle registration certificates and license plates as well as valid safety and environmental inspection certificates for motorized vehicles or equivalent documents (for automobiles). These above-said documents must be issued by the competent authority of the country of registration.

Automobiles with right-hand drive must obtain a diplomatic note from diplomatic missions, consular offices, or international intergovernmental organization offices in Viet Nam.

The note is sent to the Ministry of Public Security, requesting permission and stating the reasons for the vehicle to participate in traffic in Viet Nam.

The automobiles are only allowed temporary entry or re-export through international border gates via road, sea, inland waterway, rail, or air routes as approved by the ministry.

Regulations on customs, temporary entry, or re-export procedures are implemented in accordance with customs laws immediately at the border gates.

The maximum duration allowed for traffic participation in Viet Nam is no more than 45 days. In exceptional circumstances, a stay of no more than 10 additional days is permitted, subject to regulations.

The foreign drivers are required to own valid passports or internationally recognized travel documents and visas, and valid residence documents in Viet Nam, except for cases exempted from visas under the immigration, emigration, transit, and residence law for foreigners in Viet Nam.

If foreigners enter the country under unilateral visa exemption, their passport must be valid for at least six months before expiry; while those using electronic visas must enter through international border gates decided by the Government.

In addition, they must have valid driving licenses issued by a foreign country suitable for the type of vehicle being driven, and undergoing entry, exit, and residence procedures in accordance with Vietnamese law.