New decree on visits of foreign military vessels issued

French cruiser Vendemiaire anchors in Sai Gon Port on March 24, 2012 - Photo: Dinh Nguyen

According to the decree, all foreign military ships must be permitted by Viet Nam’s competent agencies before arriving in the country’s territorial areas and must obey Vietnamese laws.

During their stay in Viet Nam, crewmembers have to follow the approved action programs. Any changes of these programs must be informed and permitted by Vietnamese competent agencies.

Foreign military ships must hang Viet Nam’s national flag together with their own national flag during their stay.

If foreign military ships arrive Viet Nam on a visit, they have to anchor and operate within licensed harbors. All guidance and instructions from local Vietnamese competent agencies must be strictly obeyed.

According to the decree, crewmembers of foreign military ships are only allowed to go ashore after completing all migration procedures.

In addition, the decree specifies activities which cannot be conducted by foreign military ships in Viet Nam.

The decree will take effect from January 20, 2013, replacing Decree 55/CP dated October 1, 1996.

By Thuy Dung