Foreign military vessel regulation

All foreign military ships require permission from authorised Vietnamese agencies before arriving in the country’s sovereign territory. They must observe Vietnam’s laws and honour any agreements signed between their countries of origin and Vietnam.

Captains and crewmembers are responsible for following an approved schedule during their time in Vietnam. If schedule changes are desired, Vietnamese State management agencies and other authorised bodies must first be informed and grant their permission.

Foreign military ships must also hang Vietnam’s national flag on equal footing with their own national flags throughout their stay. All guidance and instructions from Vietnamese State management agencies must be strictly obeyed.

The decree states foreign military ships are only allowed to leave Vietnam after completing all migration procedures and following relevant regulations on seaports and maritime travel.

In addition, the decree specifically stipulates what activities are forbidden while foreign military ships are in Vietnam. It includes regulations concerning naval visits via diplomatic channels.

The decree will take effect from January 20, 2013, replacing the 1996 decree.