How are tourists classified in Vietnam?

Pursuant to the provisions of the Law on Tourism 2017, tourist is a person who travels for either tourism or for other purposes combined with tourism, except for those travel to study or work.

Tourists are classified into four basic categories:

- Tourists include domestic tourists, inbound tourists and outbound tourists.

- Domestic tourists are Vietnamese citizens and foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam who travel within the territory of Vietnam for tourism purposes.

- Inbound tourists visiting Vietnam are foreigners, overseas Vietnamese visiting Vietnam for tourism purposes.

- Outbound tourists are Vietnamese citizens and foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam who travel abroad for tourism purposes.

How are tourists classified in Vietnam? (Internet image)

What are the rights of tourists in Vietnam?

Pursuant to Article 11 of the Law on Tourism 2017, tourists are entitled to:

- Use tourism services provided by organizations and individuals doing tourism business or travel on their own.

- Request organizations or individuals doing tourism business to provide necessary information on tour programs, tourism services and destinations under the signed contract.

- Be enabled to enter, exit, transit, follow customs procedures, stay and travel within the territory of vietnam in accordance with regulations of law and international treaties to which the socialist republic of vietnam is a signatory.

- Have lawful rights and interests protected under the contract signed with the organizations and individuals doing tourism business and providing tourism services.

- Be fairly treated; have the safety of their lives, health and property ensured while using tourism services; have their honor and dignity respected; be rescued in case of emergency.

- File a complaint or lawsuit against any acts against the law on tourism.

- Send complaints to operators of tourism areas and tourist attractions, tourism service providers and competent authorities about matters in connection with tourism activities.

- Be compensated for the damage in accordance with regulations of law.

What are the obligations of tourists?

Pursuant to Article 12 of the Law on Tourism 2017, tourists have the following obligations:

- Observe laws of Vietnam and laws of the host country; behave in a civilized manner, respect local customs and practices, cultural identity, protect and preserve tourism resources and environment; cause no harm to the image and cultural tradition of Vietnam

- Comply with regulations of tourism areas, tourist attractions and tourism service providers.

- Pay tourism services charges under the contract and other fees and charges in accordance with the regulations of law.

- Be compensated for the damage in accordance with regulations of civil law.

Assurance of safety for tourists in Vietnam

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 13 of the Law on Tourism 2017, the competent authority shall take measures within its competence to ensure security, social order and security in tourism areas and tourist attractions.

The operators of tourism areas and tourist attractions shall take preventive measures against risks and establish units to provide guard and rescue services for tourists.

Organizations and individuals doing tourism business shall be responsible for warning tourists about dangers; promptly informing and providing guidance for tourists in case of emergency; taking necessary measures and cooperating with the relevant organizations and individuals in providing rescue services for tourists.

Mai Thanh Loi

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