Question:
Hi there! I am an Irish student travelling Asia for the Summer (12 weeks). When I left Ireland on the 30th of May my passport was valid for another 6 months, however now it only valid for 4. It expires on the 5th of December 2011. I am terrified this will create problems for me as I wish to move from Laos, where I currently am, to Vietnam. The transition will be made over land. I have spent the day looking up this on the internet and most places say that I will need 6 months validity beginning on my entry into Vietnam (WHICH I DO NOT HAVE). There is no point in me applying for a passport extension as it will take too long. I wish to spent a week in Vietnam and then fly from Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok. A small number of internet sites didnt mention the 6 month validity issue but did instead say that a month passport validity upon leaving Vietnam is necessary. (this would not create any problems for me). Im not sure if this is exactly your field of expertise but I urgently need to know anything that could help me. Can you give me any insight as to this subject. I have tried contacting the embassy in Laos but it was too late and it will be closed at the weekend. I also tried to contact the Vietnamese embassy in London with no luck, unfortnately. I would really appreciate any help or advice you could give me, Thank you!
Answer:
Dear Ciara
6-month validity remaining on passport is mandatory for any entry to Vietnam, so in order to avoid any problems at both departure and arrival airports, we suggest that you contact a nearest Irish embassy renew your passport before you travel to Vietnam.
The Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam is accredited to Laos. Should you require advice or assistance, or in the event of an emergency, please contact the Embassy in Hanoi on +84 4 3974 3291.
Hope that helps.