International travelers who have a criminal record often have questions about traveling to Vietnam. Many countries around the world impose entry restrictions on those with prior convictions.

Potential visitors may wish to know if they can travel to Vietnam with a criminal record. Other common queries include whether it is possible to get a visa online and if there are additional entry requirements.

Find out if foreign nationals can apply for a Vietnam eVisa with a criminal record in the quick guide below.

Can You Travel to Vietnam With a Criminal Record?

Yes, in most cases, it is possible to visit Vietnam with a criminal record.

As a rule, Vietnamese border authorities do not run a detailed background check on travelers’ criminal histories. The country’s immigration officers do not have access to criminal records in other nations.

This should not be taken for granted, however. Border officials may refuse entry to any traveler at their own discretion.

Individuals who have been involved in international crime or a person of interest in an Interpol investigation may be flagged as a security risk by Vietnam’s border forces. In these cases, it may not be possible to enter Vietnam.

Travelers who have previous convictions in Vietnam itself may be refused entry. If a foreign national is wanted in connection with a crime previously committed in Vietnam, they may be denied a visa, denied entry, or arrested on arrival.

Apart from these exceptional cases, most travelers with a criminal record will have no problem entering Vietnam.

Can a Felon Enter Vietnam?

Yes, most felons can travel to and enter Vietnam.

In most cases, visitors do not need to share details about their criminal history. Vietnamese authorities are also unable to check records in most other countries to screen travelers.

However, if an individual is on an international watchlist due to past criminal activity, they may be denied boarding a flight to Vietnam or refused entry upon arrival.

Can I Get a Vietnam Visa if I Have a Criminal Record?

Yes, it is possible for most international travelers to get a visa for Vietnam regardless of whether they have a history of criminal convictions. They must meet the usual Vietnamese eVisa requirements to complete the application online.

When applying for a Vietnam visa, a criminal record is usually not a problem. The electronic visa application form does not include any questions about previous crimes or convictions.

The traveler must simply enter their personal, passport, and contact details and state the date they plan to arrive in the country.

A Vietnam eVisa may be denied if the applicant appears on an international watchlist.

If the eVisa system denies an application, it is advisable to go to the nearest Vietnamese diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate). Embassies can often clarify if a criminal record means that an individual is banned from entering. By inquiring, travelers may be able to find out if it is possible for them to get permission to travel to Vietnam.

Do I Need a Police Check for Vietnam?

It is highly unlikely that visitors will need police clearance to enter Vietnam. In most cases, holders of eVisas can arrive in the country and clear immigration even if they have a criminal record in their country of origin. The same applies to travelers with visa exemption.

For foreign nationals who plan to move to and work in Vietnam, the rules are different. A work permit is required, regardless of the foreigner’s nationality.

Getting a Vietnam work visa with a criminal record is not impossible, but it is necessary to get a police check. This will result in a certificate detailing the individual’s past crimes (if any).

A police check and a Vietnam criminal record certificate are also required for other activities, including the following:

• Marriage registration
• Adoption

How do I get a Vietnamese criminal record certificate?

Foreign nationals must have been in Vietnam for at least one month.

They must have a valid passport and register as a temporary resident in the commune, ward, or town in which they are staying.

The following documents must be provided:

• Application form for a police clearance certificate (form 03/2013/TT-LLTP in the case of self-application or form 04/2013/TT-LLTP in the case of an authorized application)
• Valid passport (certified copy)
• Valid visa (certified copy)
• Temporary residence certificate (certified copy)

The application must be submitted to the Department of Justice in the part of Vietnam where they are staying.

Certificates are usually issued within 10 working days of submitting the application.