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View from the Bac Sum climb over the valley

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Licence, insurance & permits for Ha Giang

Updated 6 October 2026

Photo: Sketyl / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Short answer

To ride a motorbike legally you need a licence valid in Vietnam: a Vietnamese licence of the right class, or an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention that covers motorcycles, carried together with your national licence. Riding without one can void your travel insurance. The north of the Loop runs along the border with China: foreigners need a police permit for land border areas, except tourism and service areas — confirm before you go off the main route.

Motorbike licence

Since 1 January 2025 the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety sets the licence classes:

  • Class A1: motorcycles up to 125 cc, or electric motorcycles up to 11 kW.
  • Class A: motorcycles above 125 cc.

As a foreign visitor you can ride legally with:

  • a Vietnamese licence of the right class, or
  • an International Driving Permit (1968 Vienna Convention) that covers motorcycles, carried together with your national licence.

Police checks on licences have become more frequent along the route. If you don’t hold a valid licence, see Ha Giang without a motorbike licence: travel with an easy rider, by car or hire a driver.

Travel insurance

Many travel insurance policies exclude accidents that happen while riding without a valid licence, or without a helmet. Read your policy before you ride.

Border-area permits

The northern part of the Loop, around Lung Cu, Dong Van and Meo Vac, runs along the border with China, and many communes there are land border areas. Under the border-area regulation (Decree 34/2014, amended by Decree 299/2025, in force since 17 November 2025):

  • foreigners entering a land border area need a permit from the provincial police — except in tourism areas, service areas and economic zones;
  • the permit is applied for through the inviting organisation (for example your tour operator), takes up to 5 working days and costs USD 10;
  • carry your passport at all times.

Which places count as tourism areas is not always clear to visitors. Before you head to remote villages off the main tourist route, ask your accommodation or tour operator, or the local police.

Visas

Check your visa requirements for Vietnam on the official e-visa portal before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP valid in Vietnam?

Vietnam recognises International Driving Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Check which convention your IDP was issued under before you rely on it.

Which licence class do I need for a motorbike?

Under the law in force since 1 January 2025, class A1 covers motorcycles up to 125 cc (or electric up to 11 kW); bigger bikes need class A. A foreign IDP must cover motorcycles.

Do I need a permit for Ha Giang?

Foreigners entering a land border area need a permit from the provincial police, except in tourism areas, service areas and economic zones. The permit is applied for through an inviting organisation, takes up to 5 working days and costs USD 10. Ask your accommodation or tour operator before visiting places off the main tourist route.

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