Travel restrictions for tourists and expats in Vietnam

As part of increased security at certain airports, and for passengers travelling to certain destinations, security personnel may require passengers to turn on their electronic devices including mobile phones, lap top computers, tablets and e-readers among others. If the devices do not have power, they will not be allowed on the aircraft and will be couriered to the passenger’s destination, at their expense.

Airports and destinations where checks will take place remain unconfirmed by officials. This means that all passengers should be prepared to have their mobile phones checked by security staff at the security check area, and at the gate. The checks will be random.

Passengers will be informed of the new regulations at the check in desk and they will be given ample opportunity to either stow their electronic devices into their hold luggage or to retrieve a charger from their hold luggage.
We recommend that you ensure that your electronic devices are fully charged before you depart for the airport. Always carry a charger in your hand luggage. Bigger airlines aircraft have USB and plug points in every seat making charging your phone easier.

Plug points can be found at airports around the world, you may have to carry an adapter plug with you. If you find yourself with an uncharged phone see if there is an electronics retailer nearby that will allow you to use one of their chargers to give your mobile phone a bit of battery life. Many airports have charging stations installed with power cables that fit all the mayor smartphone brands.

How you can conserve your mobile phone battery    

• If you own a smartphone turn it to “Airplane mode” when charging, your phone will charge faster.

• Turn your cellular data off and use only Wifi, if you’re in an area with Wifi. Your battery will last twice as long.

• If you turn your wifi and cellular data off, your phone battery life will be extended considerably.

• Avoid playing games on your mobile phone.

You might also be interested in:

• Airports in Vietnam

• Taking a taxi in Vietnam

• Bringing your pet to Vietnam

Dragon Air has a list of items that are prohibited on board their aircraft that may well apply to other airlines. However if you are unsure about what you can and cannot bring to Vietnam their customs website has a Q&A section where you can email in to ask a specific question. The question and answer will be published on their website to benefit all.

From DragonAir

• For safety and security reasons, dangerous goods such as those listed below, must not be carried in passenger's baggage (checked or unchecked):

• attaché briefcases with installed alarm devices; or incorporate lithium batteries and/or pyrotechnic material;

• explosives, munitions, fireworks, toy fireworks and flares;

• compressed gases (flammable, non-flammable or poisonous) such as butane, propane, aqualung cylinders, lighter fuels or refills, aerosols, chemical irritant aerosols;

• electric stunning device;

• flammable liquids such as paints, thinner, adhesives;

• flammable solids such as "strike anywhere matches", charcoal, phosphorus and articles which are easily ignited;

• oxidizing substances such as bleaching powder and peroxides;

• toxic substances, poisons such as arsenic, cyanides, insecticides, weedkillers;

• infectious substances such as biological products;

• radioactive materials;

• corrosive materials such as mercury (which may be contained in thermometers or blood pressure gauges), acids, alkalis and wet cell batteries;

• any other substances which, during a flight, present a danger not covered above, such as magnetized, offensive or irritating materials.

• Medicines and toiletries in limited quantities which are necessary for your journey, such as hair sprays, perfumes and medicines containing alcohol, may be carried on board. Further information is available on request.

• Inflated objects, including inflated balls for sporting purposes such as basketballs, are restricted to be carried on board unless those objects have been fully deflated before boarding.