Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvlmactxt/VIETNAM.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 6KB | 107 lines

Vietnam - Consular Information Sheet
March 21, 1994

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

Entry Requirements:  U.S. passports are valid for travel in Vietnam.  Visas
are required and may be obtained at a Vietnamese Embassy in the city from
which a traveler is embarking for Vietnam or from a travel agent organizing
travel in Vietnam.

Lifting of the Embargo:  On February 3, 1994, the United States lifted the
trade embargo against Vietnam and authorized new financial, trade and other
transactions with Vietnam and Vietnamese nationals.  U.S. visitors to
Vietnam are no longer subject to spending limitations.  Vietnam is now
listed under U.S. export controls applicable to Country Group Y and any
export controls applicable to Country Group Y would apply to Vietnam.
Business  representatives must comply with all normal Commerce Department
export requirements.  For additional information contact:

The Bureau of Export Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
1400 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20230
Tel. [phone]

Property or assets that were previously frozen as of February 3, 1994,
remain frozen until a bilateral agreement between Vietnam and the United
States is reached.  For more details contact:

The Office of Foreign Assets Control
U.S. Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20220
Tel. [phone]

Arrest of Americans: Vietnamese security personnel may place foreign
visitors under surveillance.  Foreign visitors to Vietnam have been
arbitrarily arrested or detained for activities that would not be considered
crimes in the U.S.  Visitors 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 generally inform the
U.S. Government of arrests, nor have they normally provided access to
American citizens under detention.  Some Americans involved in traffic
accidents have not been allowed to leave the country before paying
compensation --often determined arbitrarily --to Vietnamese nationals who
suffered injuries or property damage.

Dual Nationality:  U.S. citizens who were born in Vietnam or are former
citizens of Vietnam, and the children of such persons, are generally
recognized only as Vietnamese 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 abroad, or to the Office of Citizens Consular Services,
Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities do not meet U.S. hygenic standards
and frequently lack medicines and supplies.  The Vietnamese National
Administration of Tourism has created a program to provide emergency medical
assistance, including evacuations, to all visitors holding valid tourist
visas and traveling in groups.  Specific questions regarding health matters
can be directed to the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers
hotline, telephone [phone].  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 has recently increased dramatically in Ho
Chi Minh City.  Pickpocketing attempts are common, particularly on the
city's main streets, and assaults have been reported in outlying areas.
Some pedicab drivers have reportedly kidnapped passengers and extorted
money;  it therefore can be risky to hire pedicabs not associated with
hotels or other establishments.  Other parts of Vietnam are generally safe,
though visitors should exercise caution.  Lost or stolen passports should be
reported to the local police.  Obtaining a replacement passport is difficult
because a traveler must apply in person at a U.S. consulate outside Vietnam.
 To obtain replacement passports, U.S. citizens should contact the Consular
Section at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, located at 95 Wireless Road,
Bangkok, Thailand, telephone number (66-2) 252-5040, fax number (66-2) 254-
1290.  Useful information on safeguarding 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:  Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of
the country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use and
trafficking in illegal drugs are strict.  Convicted offenders can expect
jail sentences and fines.

Embassy Location:  The United States does not have diplomatic relations with
the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.  Currently 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.

No. 94-033

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued on July 16, 1993, to
reflect changes in connection with the U.S. Department of Treasury's lifting
of the embargo.