Can I bring my Bible to Vietnam?
I am travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, and out into the Southern Provinces. I am a Christian, but I am not doing any 'missionary work'... simply touring around and helping in orphanages where possible for a short period in a few weeks.
I have some Christian friends that have been detained long-term for distributing Bibles, and some who have been detained for short periods (1-2 weeks) for having their own Bible for personal use only.
Am I likely to face any problems?
You really need to be careful. Even helping in an orphanage can be considered a violation of your tourist visa. I found a little boy in the mountains behind my place who had a cleft lip and organized an operation for him through Operation Smile. My wife (Vietnamese) and I took him and his father to Saigon to link up with a team from Hanoi and the operation was a complete success. Two months later I had police and immigration officials arrive on my doorstep and was informed in no uncertain terms that I had violated the conditions of my tourist visa. I bit my lip, apologized, and promised to never help a Vietnamese citizen again. After checking all my paperwork, passport, visa, marriage certificate, car and motorbike licenses, insurance papers etc I was let off with a warning. Next month new laws come into affect concerning visas and work permits. I would be very careful if I were you. If you display your bible for any reason, it will be reported.There are Christian Churches all over Vietnam and more being built. Don't be fooled by that.
Christian Fellowship Tours - Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand Tour
vietnam short tours[/simpleaffiliate]
vietnam short tours[/simpleaffiliate]
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