Vietnam

Your passport must be the original document and should be valid for at least 6 months from the end date of the trip. A Passport Card is not valid for international air travel.

U.S. citizens traveling to Vietnam must obtain the appropriate visa or eVisa before entry, unless they qualify for a visa exemption under specific regulations. Travelers who are not U.S. citizens, who use a Green Card, travel document, or special passport must check visa requirements based on the nationality of their passport.

Take photos of your passport, visa/eVisa, flight tickets, travel insurance, hotel information, and tour leader’s phone number. Save them on your phone/cloud and send one copy to a trusted family member.

Do not place your passport, cash, bank cards, personal medication, or important documents in checked luggage.

When entering Vietnam, answer briefly and accurately regarding the purpose of your trip: a Catholic pilgrimage combined with sightseeing through a Carnival US tour.

Important: If missing documents prevent you from departing or result in denied entry, Carnival US is not responsible, and the tour cancellation policy will still apply. Travelers should carefully check all required documents before the departure date and before going to the airport.

COMMON IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS

QUESTION

SUGGESTED ANSWER

What is the purpose of your visit?

I am on a Catholic pilgrimage and sightseeing tour organized by Carnival US.

Where will you be staying?

I will stay at the hotels arranged by Carnival US. I can show the hotel list if needed.

How long will you stay in Vietnam?

I will stay according to the tour itinerary.

Who packed your luggage?

I packed my own luggage.

Did anyone ask you to carry anything?

No. I packed my own bags and no one has given me anything to carry.

Each traveler is usually allowed 1 checked bag, 1 carry-on bag, and 1 personal item. Specific baggage rules always depend on the airline listed on your ticket.

Pack neatly and practically because the tour travels through different climate regions: Northern Vietnam, the mountain area of Sapa, Central Vietnam, the Central Highlands, Southeastern Vietnam, and the Mekong Delta.

Bring at least 2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes that you have already worn before. Do not use brand-new shoes, as many sites require walking, climbing steps, walking on stone surfaces, boarding boats, or moving through crowded areas.

Prepare a light jacket, thin raincoat, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small water bottle, a shawl for entering churches, and a waterproof pouch for your phone.

Recommended medications to bring: headache medicine, digestive medicine, allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, bandages, medicated oil, and any prescribed medication you are currently using.

Power banks must be kept in your carry-on bag and must not be placed in checked luggage.

SMALL DAILY BAG

During each sightseeing day, travelers should use a front-worn bag or a lightweight crossbody bag. The bag should only carry essential documents, small-denomination cash, a phone, personal medication for the day, tissues, a small bottle of water, and a thin raincoat. Avoid carrying a heavy backpack when visiting Sapa, Ha Long, Phat Diem, La Vang, Ta Pao, or any sites that require climbing steps.

Vietnam is generally a welcoming and enjoyable destination for travelers, but visitors should still remain aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas, markets, airports, train stations, pilgrimage sites, and tourist attractions.

Keep your passport, cash, bank cards, phone, and important documents secure at all times. Do not place all valuables in one bag, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash when walking around. A crossbody bag or front-worn bag is recommended for daily sightseeing.

Be careful when crossing streets, especially in major cities where motorbike traffic can be busy. Walk slowly, stay alert, follow the tour guide’s instructions, and cross with the group whenever possible.

Do not accept packages, luggage, food, drinks, or personal items from strangers. Travelers should only carry their own belongings and should not agree to transport anything for another person.

When visiting natural sites, mountain areas, caves, boat docks, rivers, or places with stone steps, wear comfortable shoes with good grip and follow safety instructions. Surfaces may become slippery during rain or humid weather.

At hotels, keep valuables in a safe place and lock your room when leaving. If you go out during free time, inform the tour leader or travel with others when possible.

Carnival US is not responsible for lost personal belongings, accidents caused by personal negligence, or issues resulting from failure to follow safety instructions.

BAGGAGE REGULATIONS

Q&A: HOW MANY CHECKED BAGS MAY TRAVELERS BRING?

For the pilgrimage, travelers may bring:

One (1) checked bag
One (1) carry-on bag
One (1) personal item

FOR CHECKED BAGGAGE:

Checked baggage should include most of your belongings, such as clothing, shoes, personal items including toothpaste, towels, toothbrushes, fruit knives, metal items, razors, food, drinks, and liquid items.

ALLOWED SIZE:

The total length + width + height must not exceed 62 inches / 158 cm.
Economy Class: One (1) checked bag weighing up to 50 lbs / 23 kg
Business Class: Two (2) checked bags, each weighing up to 75 lbs / 32 kg.

FOR CARRY-ON BAGGAGE:

Carry-on baggage may include small electronic devices such as phones, cameras, laptops, regular travel cameras, money, and other valuable items.

ALLOWED SIZE:

One (1) bag: length + width + height must not exceed 42 inches / 106 cm.
The bag must not exceed 17 lbs / 8 kg.

Q&A: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY BAGGAGE IS LOST?

If your baggage is lost, please go immediately to the airport’s Lost and Found office to complete a lost baggage report. The tour guide will assist travelers with filling out the form. Please keep all documents provided by the airline. Once the baggage is found, the airline will deliver it to the hotel. Please provide the exact address shown on the luggage tag issued by Carnival US before departure.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents returning from Vietnam may generally bring back up to $800 worth of goods duty-free, as long as the items are for personal use and accompany the traveler upon return to the United States. For travelers who wish to bring back more goods, a flat duty rate of 3% may apply to the next $1,000 worth of purchases.

Travelers should keep all purchase receipts in case U.S. Customs officers request a declaration upon return to the United States.

Travelers must declare food, plants, seeds, medicine, large amounts of cash, and valuable items purchased abroad when required. Certain fresh fruits, meats, plants, seeds, and agricultural products may be restricted or prohibited from entering the United States.

For more details, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website:
https://www.cbp.gov/travel

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong, abbreviated as VND or shown with the symbol ₫. Cash is still very useful for small shops, local markets, drinks, tips, restrooms, candles, Catholic items, and small snacks.

Visa and MasterCard are accepted at hotels, shopping malls, larger restaurants, and some tourist sites, but travelers should not rely completely on cards.

It is recommended to prepare small-denomination bills for buying water, fruit, postcards, Catholic items, or small souvenirs.

Do not exchange money with strangers on the street. If you need to exchange money or withdraw cash from an ATM, follow the guidance of the hotel, tour guide, or a reputable currency exchange location.

Divide your cash and keep it in different places. Do not keep all your cash, passport, and bank cards in the same bag.

When purchasing high-value items, keep the receipt and ask clearly about the return/exchange policy and packaging before making payment.

Vietnam offers VAT refunds for eligible foreign travelers on qualifying goods purchased at participating stores. To qualify, travelers usually need to spend at least VND 2,000,000 on eligible purchases at the same store, keep the original receipts, and request the proper VAT refund documents at the time of purchase.

Only certain goods are eligible for VAT refund. Services such as hotels, meals, tours, transportation, and personal services are generally not refundable. Purchased goods may need to be unused, in original packaging, and available for inspection at the airport before departure.

Travelers should keep all receipts, VAT refund forms, passport, and purchased items easily accessible in carry-on luggage. The VAT refund process is usually completed at designated international airports before leaving Vietnam.

Refund rules, eligible stores, airport procedures, and refund amounts may change. Travelers should check with the store, tour guide, airport staff, or official customs/tax information before making large purchases.

• When entering churches, pilgrimage centers, or sacred places, shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Avoid sleeveless tops, overly short pants/skirts, overly thin clothing, or clothing inappropriate for worship spaces.
• Bring a thin shawl to cover shoulders when needed, especially when the weather is hot but modest dress is still required.

• A Vietnam eSIM or international roaming plan is convenient. It is best to install it before leaving the United States or immediately upon arrival at the airport.
• Hotel, restaurant, and cafe Wi-Fi is common, but service may be weaker in mountain areas, rural regions, crowded pilgrimage sites, or during long transfers.
• Save hotel addresses, tour guide phone numbers, meeting points, and document photos offline.

• Emergency numbers in Vietnam are commonly: 113 police, 114 fire, 115 ambulance. In any situation, notify the group leader or tour guide immediately for local and language support.

• Vietnam uses 220V/50Hz electricity. Outlets are often two round pins or two flat pins; bring a universal adapte

Vietnam is generally a welcoming and enjoyable destination for travelers, but visitors should still remain aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas, markets, airports, train stations, pilgrimage sites, and tourist attractions.

Keep your passport, cash, bank cards, phone, and important documents secure at all times. Do not place all valuables in one bag, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash when walking around. A crossbody bag or front-worn bag is recommended for daily sightseeing.

Be careful when crossing streets, especially in major cities where motorbike traffic can be busy. Walk slowly, stay alert, follow the tour guide’s instructions, and cross with the group whenever possible.

Do not accept packages, luggage, food, drinks, or personal items from strangers. Travelers should only carry their own belongings and should not agree to transport anything for another person.

When visiting natural sites, mountain areas, caves, boat docks, rivers, or places with stone steps, wear comfortable shoes with good grip and follow safety instructions. Surfaces may become slippery during rain or humid weather.

At hotels, keep valuables in a safe place and lock your room when leaving. If you go out during free time, inform the tour leader or travel with others when possible.

Carnival US is not responsible for lost personal belongings, accidents caused by personal negligence, or issues resulting from failure to follow safety instructions.

Vietnamese cuisine is not only about food; it reflects family, community, and local identity. Each region has its own flavor: the North is often light and refined, Central Vietnam is stronger and spicier, and the South is more generous, slightly sweeter, and rich in vegetables, fruit, and river-style dishes.

REGIONAL FLAVORS

• Northern Vietnam: Pho, bun cha, fried spring rolls, banh cuon, cha ca, sticky rice, sweet soup, and egg coffee. Flavors are usually light, aromatic, and less sweet than in the South.
• Northwest/Sapa: Highland vegetables, stream fish, grilled meats, bamboo rice, and local mountain products. Food may be simple but closely connected to the cool climate and ethnic minority culture.
• Ninh Binh: Mountain goat, crispy rice, forest vegetables, and countryside dishes are local highlights.
• Central Vietnam: Bun bo Hue, com hen, banh beo, banh nam, banh loc, nem lui, mi Quang, and Da Nang seafood. Flavors are often stronger, saltier, and spicier; ask in advance if you do not eat spicy food.
• Central Highlands: Buon Ma Thuot coffee, grilled chicken, bamboo rice, forest vegetables, grilled dishes, and mountain products. Coffee culture is an important local identity.
• Southeastern Vietnam & Mekong Delta: Fish, shrimp, seasonal fruit, hotpots, caramelized fish, banh xeo, hu tieu, coconut water, and local cakes connected to river life.

SAFE AND COMFORTABLE DINING

• Drink sealed bottled water and limit unknown drinks or ice from places where hygiene is uncertain.
• If you have a sensitive stomach, eat moderately during the first few days and avoid too many raw, spicy, or unfamiliar foods at once.
• Group restaurant menus may be arranged in advance. Food allergies, vegetarian meals, no beef, seafood restrictions, dairy, gluten, or special requests should be reported to Carnival US before the trip.
• At markets or local areas, choose clean, busy stalls, hot cooked foods, and ask the price before ordering.
• Bring digestion medicine, probiotics, or personal medication if you often feel uncomfortable when changing food or time zones.

Vietnam is a land where faith, history, culture, and natural beauty come together in a deeply meaningful way. This pilgrimage journey invites travelers to experience not only the famous landscapes of Vietnam, but also the spiritual heritage that has shaped Catholic life across the country.

From the historic streets of Hanoi to the misty mountains of Sapa, from the limestone wonders of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh to the sacred sites of Phat Diem, La Vang, Ta Pao, and Nui Cui, each destination offers a different window into Vietnam’s story. Travelers will encounter ancient traditions, local communities, regional cuisine, historic churches, Marian pilgrimage centers, and places where faith has been preserved through generations.

This journey is not only about visiting beautiful places, but also about walking with a prayerful heart. It is an opportunity to reflect, give thanks, strengthen one’s faith, and better understand the Catholic presence in Vietnam. Along the way, travelers will also experience the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality, the diversity of regional cultures, and the peaceful rhythm of daily life from the mountains to the rivers of the Mekong Delta.

This handbook is designed as a destination guide, not a day-by-day itinerary. It provides background, cultural notes, pilgrimage guidance, clothing suggestions, safety reminders, and practical travel information to help travelers prepare well and experience the journey with respect, comfort, and spiritual openness.