The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has issued a dispatch asking tour operators to ensure safety for tourists amid volcanic eruption in Bali resort island of Indonesia.

Tourists at the Gusti Ngurah Rai international airport on Bali island on November 27

The VNAT warned international travel operators not to bring tourists to high-risk areas in accordance with the warning issued by the Indonesian authorities.

The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency of Indonesia has raised the alert status of volcano Agung to level 4, the highest level. Evacuation zone was extended to 12km, according to the dispatch.

Besides, tour operators should keep a close watch on the situation and inform tour guides and tourists of the hotline of the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia  +62811161025 in case of needing prompt assistance.

Due to developments of Mount Agung, the Vietnamese Embassy has kept watch on the situation. It recommended Vietnamese tourists not to visit Bali until the Indonesian Government downgrades the alert level.

At the regular press conference of the Foreign Ministry in Hanoi on November 30, spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia has instructed some 60 Vietnamese citizens stuck in Bali to leave dangerous areas near Mount Agung.

According to estimations of the Bali hotel association, about 800-1,200 Vietnamese tourists visit Bali each month.-VNA