Important Things To Note When Returning To Vietnam For Tet Celebration As A Vietnamese In Canada

Returning to Vietnam for Tết is a joyful journey, but also one filled with challenges in terms of preparation. To ensure a smooth trip and avoid unnecessary complications, here are 5 key areas to pay attention to:

Administrative Documents and Immigration Procedures
This is the top priority to ensure smooth entry and exit:
• Passport: Check the expiration date (it must be valid for at least 6 months from the departure date). If you're using a Canadian passport, check the visa exemption status or apply for an E-visa in time.
• 5-Year Visa Exemption: If you don’t have citizenship or are using a Canadian passport, make sure this document is still valid.
• Cash Regulations: If you bring more than $5,000 USD (or equivalent foreign currency) into Vietnam, you must declare it to customs to avoid complications when returning to Canada.

Financial Planning and Early Ticket Booking
• Airline Tickets: Tết is the peak season, so book your tickets at least 3-5 months in advance. Pay attention to layovers in Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan to ensure your connection time isn’t too short, in case of flight delays due to snowstorms in Canada.
• Budgeting: In addition to the ticket cost, list other expenses while in Vietnam and especially include a "contingency fund" for emergencies.

Health and Adapting to the Weather
The sudden change from sub-zero temperatures to tropical heat can be a shock to your immune system:
• Clothing: Wear layered clothing. At Canadian airports, dress warmly, but pack light clothes in your carry-on to change into upon arrival in Vietnam.
• Medications: Bring basic medications from Canada (Tylenol, Advil, digestive meds, allergy medications), as your body is accustomed to these.
• Vaccinations: Check the necessary vaccines, especially for children born in Canada who may not have immunity to certain tropical diseases.

Managing Your Home in Canada While Away
• Heating System: Never turn off the heating completely to avoid frozen pipes. Set it to a minimum of 15°C to 17°C.
• House Sitter: Ask family or neighbors to check the house regularly, collect mail to avoid a full mailbox, which can signal your absence to potential burglars.• Home Insurance: Review your home insurance policy, as some packages require someone to check the house every 24-48 hours during your absence in winter.