Starting July 11, non-Vietnamese citizens will be required to obtain permits from the Immigration Management Office of the Ministry of Public Security to enter certain areas along the border.

The new requirement is mentioned in a recent regulatory circular covering border region operations.

It stated that permits can be sought from the Police Chief of the border locality or the Police Chief of the province where the foreigners are residing.

Vietnamese citizens who do not live in the border areas do not need special permits to travel into limited regions, only identity cards and official documents for their vehicle.

Foreign nationals needing to work in restricted areas, should present valid documents issued by relevant authorities.

Overnight stays by both Vietnamese or non-Vietnamese citizens should be reported to police authorities in such areas as well as local military border posts.

A number of tourist spots like Co To Island, Can Gio Biosphere Reserve and Mu Cang Chai mountainous commune are included in the list of restricted border areas. 

VNS