Conditions for use of foreign vehicles in Viet Nam

Under the decree, foreigners who wish to bring foreign vehicles to Viet Nam for general use shall have to obtain approval from relevant authority.

Foreign nationals shall have to request a Vietnamese travel agency to carry out procedures for approval if they wish to bring passenger cars with right-hand or left-hand drive (up to eight seats excluding driver's seat), mobile homes, and two-wheeled motorbikes.

Foreign nationals shall have to submit a diplomatic note from diplomatic mission, consular office or representative office of an inter-governmental international organization in Viet Nam. The diplomatic note shall have to specify the reasons for use of foreign vehicles (for carrying passengers, not intended for tourism).

A foreign vehicle operating in Viet Nam shall have to meet the following conditions:

- Having valid registration certificate and valid number plate issued by the relevant authority in the country where the registration certificate is issued.

- Having valid certificate for technical safety and environmental protection or equivalent papers issued by the relevant authority in the country where the registration certificate is issued.

Conditions for foreigners to operate foreign vehicles in Viet Nam

A foreigner who wishes to operate foreign vehicle in Viet Nam shall have to meet the following conditions:

- Having valid passport, visa or other recognized paper for international travel, and valid residence status in Viet Nam, unless exempted from visa or restricted from entry into Viet Nam under the Vietnamese immigration law.

In case of unilateral visa exemption, foreign national's passport must remain valid for at least six months prior to entry.

- Having valid driving license suitable for the type of vehicle approved to operate in Viet Nam.

A foreign national shall also have to bring the following documents when he/she drives foreign vehicle in Viet Nam:

- Valid passport or recognized paper for international travel, and papers proving their residence status in Viet Nam;

- Valid driving license suitable for the type of vehicle permitted to operate in Viet Nam;

- Valid technical safety and environmental protection certificate or equivalent papers issued by relevant authority in country of registration;

- Valid vehicle registration certificate issued by relevant authority in the country of registration;

- Civil liability insurance certificate for the vehicle, valid in Viet Nam;

- Temporary import-export customs declaration for the vehicle.