Decree 234/2025/ND-CP stipulates that foreign military ships to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and military ships of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to go abroad will take effect from October 12.
This Decree stipulates the authority, order, and licensing procedures; procedures for entry, exit, and port change; inspection and supervision; ensuring security, safety, reception work, and state management responsibilities for foreign military ships to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as foreign military ships to Vietnam) and military ships of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to go abroad (hereinafter referred to as Vietnamese military ships to go abroad).
The subjects of application include:
Foreign military ships to Vietnam; Vietnamese military ships going abroad and members on the ship; Vietnamese state management agencies, organizations and individuals related to the activities of foreign military ships to Vietnam and Vietnamese military ships going abroad.
Official ships equipped with military weapons of a country or territory; ships of an international military organization to Vietnam to conduct visits, carry out other cooperative activities or repair.
Regarding the principle of application to foreign military ships arriving in Vietnam and Vietnamese military ships going abroad, for foreign military ships arriving in Vietnam, the provisions of Article 95 of the 2015 Law on November 15, amended and supplemented in 2018, 2023 and the following provisions shall apply:
Foreign military vessels arriving in Vietnam who violate the provisions of this Decree and other provisions of Vietnamese law shall be resolved diplomatically on the basis of Vietnamese law or international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
The Head of the Company or the Captain of a foreign military ship to visit Vietnam is responsible for the consequences of the illegal acts of the members on the ship during their service in Vietnam.
Members of foreign military vessels arriving in Vietnam who violate Vietnamese law will be handled according to the provisions of Vietnamese law (except for those who are entitled to diplomatic incentives and exemptions).
When a maritime accident occurs with a ship or another accident or incident related to maritime safety and maritime security is discovered, the Head of the Group or Captain of a foreign military ship to Vietnam is responsible for immediately notifying the Port Border Guard and reporting the maritime accident according to regulations.
The handling of maritime accidents involving foreign military vessels coming to Vietnam shall comply with the provisions of the Vietnam Maritime Code and relevant international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
For Vietnamese military ships going abroad:
Comply with the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's policies and laws, and the regulations of the Ministry of National Defense on international integration and defense diplomacy.
Comply with the operation plan of the ship, forces, weapons and technical equipment approved by the Minister of National Defense.
Strictly comply with regulations on the protection of state secrets and military secrets.
Respect and strictly comply with the legal regulations of the host country where the ship arrives and international treaties to which the host country and Vietnam are both members.
Regarding the operation of foreign military vessels to Vietnam conducting trips, the Decree clearly states that foreign military vessels to Vietnam conducting trips are anchored and operating at licensed seaports and military ports; must comply with the provisions of this Decree, other relevant provisions of Vietnamese law and the guidance of specialized state management agencies at the port.
Military ships of the same country to visit Vietnam:
No more than 03 times in 01 year.
No more than 03 ships may be staying at the same port at the same time, the stay period shall not exceed 07 days.
In special cases, the Minister of National Defense reports to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision.
