Cross-Border Driving Between Vietnam and Laos Requires Valid Documents

Drivers operating vehicles across the border between the Government of Vietnam and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic must possess valid documents listed in Article 7 of Circular 88/2014/TT-BGTVT as follows:

Illustrative image (source: internet)

- A national or international driving license appropriate for the type of vehicle being operated.- A passport or a document substituting for a passport and a visa issued by a competent authority (except for visa-exempt subjects).- In the case where the driver's passport and the vehicle registration certificate are not issued by the same contracting party, a certified copy of an employment contract with a term of 01 year or more accompanied by an English translation or a translation into the destination country's official language, with the driver’s company, cooperative, or a temporary residence card or diplomatic ID card, is required.

Additionally, this Circular stipulates that during each trip, the vehicle is only permitted to stay in the territory of the other contracting party for no more than 30 days from the date of entry. In case of exceeding the specified period with a legitimate reason, an extension may be granted once for a maximum of 10 days.

Furthermore, vehicles are allowed to operate in the provinces and cities of the other contracting party and circulate through the border gates in accordance with the Protocol on facilitating motor vehicle operation across the Vietnam-Laos border. Vehicles are not permitted to transport goods or passengers between two points within the territory of the other contracting party.

Details are available at: Circular 88/2014/TT-BGTVT, effective from March 1, 2015.

Thu Ba

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