The Australian Embassy in Hanoi is located at 8 Dao Tan Street, Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi (phone: +84 24 3774 0100), and the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City operates at 20th Floor, Vincom Center, 47 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1 (phone: +84 28 3521 8100). For 24-hour emergency consular assistance, Australian citizens can contact the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) at +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 from within Australia. Both locations provide passport services, notarial services, and emergency support for Australian teachers and citizens working in Vietnam, operating 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Where Is the Australian Embassy Located in Hanoi?
The Australian Embassy in Hanoi is located at 8 Dao Tan Street, Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam. The embassy operates from 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. You can reach the embassy at +84 24 3774 0100 or via email at consular.hanoi@dfat.gov.au for consular and passport enquiries. The fax number is +84 24 3774 0111.
The embassy is situated in the Ba Dinh District, adjacent to Lotte Center and opposite Thu Le Park and Hanoi Daewoo Hotel, making it accessible from central Hanoi. For general enquiries during business hours, call the main switchboard at +84 24 3774 0100.
What Are the Operating Hours for Passport and Notarial Services in Hanoi?
Passport services at the Australian Embassy Hanoi are available by appointment only. Notarial services operate on a strict appointment-only basis during the following hours: Mondays 1:30pm to 4:00pm, and Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:30pm to 4:00pm. The embassy is closed on weekends and all public holidays. Clients without appointments will only be seen in exceptional emergency circumstances.
To book an appointment for notarial or passport services, contact the embassy at consular.hanoi@dfat.gov.au or call +84 24 3774 0100. From January 22, 2024, the embassy accepts card payments only and no longer accepts cash for any services.
Where Is the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City?
The Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City is located on the 20th Floor, Vincom Center, 47 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The consulate operates 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Contact the consulate at +84 28 3521 8100 or email consular.hcmc@dfat.gov.au for consular assistance, or passports.hcmc@dfat.gov.au for passport-specific enquiries. The fax number is +84 28 3521 8101.
The postal address for mail-in applications is: PO Box 659, Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City. The consulate is accessible only via the office lifts on Ly Tu Trong Street.
What Security Procedures Should I Expect When Visiting the Consulate in HCMC?
Visitors to the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City must enter the Vincom Center building using a QR code. If you have a passport or notarial service appointment, the QR code will be sent to you via email. Walk-in visitors without appointments must register their details with the Vincom Reception desk in the lobby to obtain access.
Airport-style security screening is in place at the consulate. Dangerous items including cigarette lighters, flammable liquids, and sharp objects are prohibited. If you carry any of these items, you must leave them at the guard’s desk upon entry and can collect them when leaving the consulate. Only payment by card is accepted for all services.
What Are the Operating Hours for Passport and Notarial Services in HCMC?
Passport and notarial services at the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City are available by appointment only from 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays). Appointments are not required for document collection. To book an appointment, visit the official booking system at acghcmc.setmore.com or contact the consulate at passports.hcmc@dfat.gov.au with a contact number for further enquiries.
What Is the Emergency Contact Number for Australian Citizens in Vietnam?
For 24-hour emergency consular assistance, Australian citizens in Vietnam should call the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) at +61 2 6261 3305 when calling from overseas, or 1300 555 135 when calling from within Australia (charged at the cost of a local call). You can also send an SMS to +61 421 269 080 for emergency assistance.
If you need emergency consular assistance outside of the embassy’s normal business hours (8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday), the CEC in Canberra provides 24-hour support, 7 days a week, for Australians with serious and urgent needs. The CEC is also an advisory line for concerned family members in Australia.
How Do I Contact the Embassy After Hours for Emergencies?
After normal business hours, you can contact the CEC by calling the embassy switchboard at +84 24 3774 0100 (Hanoi) or +84 28 3521 8100 (HCMC) and following the prompts for emergency consular assistance. Alternatively, contact the CEC directly by dialling +61 2 6261 3305 (international call charges apply).
Emergency consular assistance is provided for serious situations including arrests, serious illness or injury, death of an Australian citizen, and natural disasters. The CEC cannot assist with routine passport renewals, visa enquiries, or non-urgent matters during after-hours periods.
How Do I Contact the Australian Embassy for Passport or Visa Services?
For passport and consular enquiries in Northern Vietnam (Hanoi and north of Thua Thien Hue province), contact +84 24 3774 0100 or email consular.hanoi@dfat.gov.au. For passport services in Southern Vietnam (Thua Thien Hue province and southward, including Ho Chi Minh City), contact +84 28 3521 8100 or email passports.hcmc@dfat.gov.au.
For Australian visa enquiries (visas to enter Australia), do not contact the embassy phone numbers or consular email addresses. Instead, use the web-based Australian Immigration Enquiry form available at the Australian Home Affairs website, or call the Home Affairs Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm local time). All correspondence including visa decisions will be sent from a “nil-reply” email address—do not reply to these emails.
How Do I Book an Appointment for Passport Services?
All passport applications require appointments and must be submitted in person, except for eligible adult and child passport renewals which can be mailed in. To book a passport appointment:
- For Hanoi: Contact consular.hanoi@dfat.gov.au or call +84 24 3774 0100 during business hours.
- For Ho Chi Minh City: Book online at acghcmc.setmore.com or email passports.hcmc@dfat.gov.au with your contact number. Appointments are available 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Ensure you have all required supporting documents before attending your appointment. The consulates accept card payments only—cash is not accepted.
What Consular Services Does the Australian Embassy Provide for Teachers in Vietnam?
The Australian Embassy and Consulate-General provide the following services for Australian teachers working in Vietnam:
- Passport Services
- First-time passport applications (by appointment only)
- Passport renewals (some eligible for mail-in submission)
- Emergency passports for immediate travel needs
- Lost or stolen passport replacement
- Passport for children (different requirements based on age)
- Notarial Services (by appointment only)
- Certifying true copies of documents
- Authentication and apostille services for Australian public documents
- Witnessing signatures on Australian documents
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI)
- Statutory declarations and affidavits
- Note: Damaged or laminated documents are not accepted for certification or authentication services
- Emergency Consular Assistance
- Assistance if arrested or detained by Vietnamese authorities
- Emergency travel documents for immediate return to Australia
- Contact with family members in Australia during emergencies
- Information about Vietnamese legal system and local lawyers
- Support during serious illness, hospitalization, or death
- Referral Services for Australian Citizens
- Lists of English-speaking doctors and hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Recommendations for English-speaking lawyers
- Interpreters and translators directory
- Counselling and psychological services contacts
- Local funeral directors information
- Death overseas procedures and checklists
- Consular Services Charter
- The Consular Services Charter outlines how and when the embassy can help Australians overseas
- Available on the Smartraveller website
How Long Does It Take to Get an Australian Passport in Vietnam?
Emergency passports take 2 working days to process. Emergency passports have 12-month validity and 4 visa pages, and are designed to facilitate Australians returning to Australia as soon as possible. Some countries may not allow entry to emergency passport holders.
Standard passport renewals submitted by mail require a minimum of 6 weeks to receive the new passport once payment has been taken and a complete application has been received. To minimise processing time, ensure your application includes all required supporting documents.
Standard passport applications lodged in person (first-time applications, renewals not eligible for mail-in) also take approximately 6 weeks for processing.
Can I Renew My Australian Passport by Mail from Vietnam?
Yes, some Australian passport renewals are eligible for mail-in submission. Adult passport renewals are eligible if your passport:
- Was issued when you were aged 16 or older
- Was issued on or after January 1, 2006
- Had at least 2 years’ validity when issued
- Has your current name, date of birth, place of birth, and gender
- Has not been reported lost, stolen, or cancelled
If you meet all these criteria, complete your PC7 passport renewal application online and mail it to the consulate. Applications must be lodged within 6 months of completion.
Child passport renewals (PC8) can be mailed in if the applicant is aged up to 15 years old and has held a previous Australian passport. First-time child applications and applicants aged 16-17 must be lodged in person by appointment only.
Mail your application to: Australian Consulate-General, Passport Section, 20th Floor, Vincom Center, 47 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
When Is the Australian Embassy Closed for Public Holidays in 2025?
The Australian Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City are closed on the following public holidays in 2025:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| January 27 | Monday | Vietnamese New Year (28 Tet) |
| January 28 | Tuesday | Vietnamese New Year (29 Tet) |
| January 29 | Wednesday | Vietnamese New Year (1st day of Tet) |
| January 30 | Thursday | Vietnamese New Year (2nd day of Tet) |
| January 31 | Friday | Vietnamese New Year (3rd day of Tet) |
| April 7 | Monday | Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 30 | Wednesday | Vietnamese Reunification Day |
| May 1 | Thursday | International Labour Day |
| September 1 | Monday | Additional day for Vietnamese National Day |
| September 2 | Tuesday | Vietnamese National Day |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Friday | Boxing Day |
Both the embassy and consulate are closed during these holidays. No passport, notarial, or consular services are available on public holidays. If you need emergency passport services, plan to apply at least 2-3 weeks before major holiday periods, especially the 5-day Vietnamese New Year (Tet) closure from January 27-31, 2025.
What Payment Methods Does the Australian Embassy Accept?
From January 22, 2024, both the Australian Embassy in Hanoi and the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City accept card payments only. Cash payments are no longer accepted for any services including passport applications, passport renewals, notarial services, or other consular services.
Accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. All fees are payable in Vietnamese Dong, but payment is processed by card. For mail-in passport applications, complete the Credit Card Deduction Authority form and include it with your application. Payment is made in Australian Dollars (AUD) only for mail-in applications.
How Can Australian Teachers Get Document Authentication for Vietnam Work Permits?
Australian teachers needing to authenticate educational certificates, police clearance certificates, and other documents for Vietnamese work permit applications should follow this process:
For Documents to Be Used in Vietnam:
- Notarization in Australia: Have your documents (degrees, teaching qualifications, police checks) notarized by an Australian notary public. Original documents are required.
- DFAT Authentication: Submit documents to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for authentication. This can be done in person in Sydney or Melbourne, or by post.
- Vietnamese Embassy Legalization: Have documents legalized by the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia, or at Vietnamese authorities in Vietnam after arrival.
For Teachers Already in Vietnam:
The Australian Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City provide notarial services including:
- Certifying true copies of Australian documents
- Authentication services for documents issued in Australia
- Apostille services on original Australian public documents
Important: Damaged or laminated documents are not accepted for certification or authentication services. Contact consular.hanoi@dfat.gov.au (Hanoi) or passports.hcmc@dfat.gov.au (HCMC) to book a notarial appointment and confirm which documents the embassy can authenticate.
Similar to how British teachers can access UK Embassy Services for British Teachers in Vietnam, Australian teachers have comprehensive document authentication support, though processing times vary depending on the complexity of your requirements.
What Should I Do If My Australian Passport Is Stolen in Vietnam?
If your Australian passport is lost or stolen in Vietnam:
- Report to Vietnamese Police Immediately: Obtain a police report documenting the loss or theft. This is required for your passport replacement application.
- Contact the Australian Embassy or Consulate:
- Hanoi (northern Vietnam): +84 24 3774 0100 or consular.hanoi@dfat.gov.au
- HCMC (southern Vietnam): +84 28 3521 8100 or passports.hcmc@dfat.gov.au
- Book an Appointment: Schedule a passport appointment for lost/stolen/damaged passport replacement. In HCMC, book at acghcmc.setmore.com.
- Choose Passport Type:
- Emergency passport: 2 working days processing, 12-month validity, 4 visa pages, designed for immediate return to Australia
- Full validity passport: Approximately 6 weeks processing with full 10-year validity
- Required Documents:
- Police report of lost/stolen passport
- Completed passport application form
- Two recent passport photos (less than 6 months old)
- Proof of Australian citizenship
- Identification documents
- Payment by card (card payments only)
Your lost/stolen passport will be cancelled immediately upon reporting. Emergency passports facilitate your return to Australia but some countries may not allow entry to emergency passport holders.
Can the Australian Embassy Help If I’m Arrested in Vietnam?
Yes, the Australian Embassy provides consular assistance if you are arrested or detained in Vietnam. However, the embassy cannot get you out of jail, pay legal fees, or override Vietnamese law. Australian citizens in Vietnam are subject to Vietnamese laws and legal processes.
What the Embassy CAN Do:
- Visit you in detention (though Vietnamese officials may delay consular access for several weeks)
- Provide a list of English-speaking lawyers in Vietnam
- Contact your family or friends in Australia on your behalf
- Provide information about the Vietnamese legal system and your rights
- Monitor your welfare and treatment while detained
- Check that you are treated in accordance with local laws
What the Embassy CANNOT Do:
- Get you out of jail or detention
- Pay for lawyers, legal fees, or fines
- Provide legal advice or representation
- Override Vietnamese law or court decisions
- Give you special treatment because you are Australian
- Interfere with Vietnamese legal processes
Your Rights If Arrested:
Australian citizens detained or arrested by local authorities have the right to consular access. Immediately insist upon contact with the embassy or consulate. For emergency situations after business hours, call the embassy switchboard (+84 24 3774 0100 in Hanoi or +84 28 3521 8100 in HCMC) and follow prompts to reach the after-hours duty officer.
Being Australian does not exempt you from Vietnamese laws. When you travel in Vietnam, you are required to obey local laws and regulations whether they relate to drugs, religion, work permits, visa requirements, or other matters.
How Does the Australian Embassy Compare to the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam?
The Australian Embassy provides similar services to the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam, including passport services, notarial services, and 24-hour emergency consular assistance. Both embassies operate during similar hours (8:30am-4:00pm for Australia, 8:00am-4:30pm for Canada) and require appointments for most services.
Key Similarities:
- Both provide 24-hour emergency contact numbers
- Both require appointments for passport and notarial services
- Both offer document authentication for work permit applications
- Both have strict protocols for emergency passports
- Both assist with arrests, serious illness, and death situations
Key Differences:
- Location Coverage: Australia operates two locations (Hanoi embassy + HCMC consulate-general), while Canada operates only from Hanoi. Australian citizens in southern Vietnam benefit from local HCMC consulate access for faster service.
- Payment Methods: Since January 22, 2024, Australian locations accept card payments only with no cash option. Canadian Embassy still accepts both card and cash payments.
- Mail-In Passport Renewals: Both embassies allow eligible passport renewals by mail, with processing times of approximately 6 weeks for standard renewals and 2 working days for emergency passports.
For teachers working in Vietnam, both embassies provide essential support for document authentication, emergency assistance, and passport services needed to maintain legal work status.
FAQ: Common Questions About Australian Embassy Services
Can I Walk In to the Australian Embassy Without an Appointment?
No, the Australian Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City require appointments for all passport and notarial services. Clients without appointments will only be seen in exceptional emergency circumstances. Book appointments by contacting consular.hanoi@dfat.gov.au or +84 24 3774 0100 (Hanoi), or book online at acghcmc.setmore.com for Ho Chi Minh City services, or email passports.hcmc@dfat.gov.au.
Appointments are not required for document collection only at the HCMC consulate.
Does the Australian Embassy Provide Visa Services for Vietnam?
No, the Australian Embassy does not process Vietnamese visas for Australian citizens. Australian teachers and citizens must apply for Vietnamese work permits and visas through Vietnamese immigration authorities or their Vietnamese employer/sponsor.
The embassy provides document authentication services for Australian educational certificates, police clearances, and other documents required for Vietnamese work permit applications, but does not issue Vietnamese visas directly.
What Should I Do If I Need Time-Sensitive Passport or Notarial Services?
If you require time-sensitive notarial or emergency passport services at the Embassy in Hanoi, contact consular.hanoi@dfat.gov.au or +84 24 3774 0100 to explain your urgent situation. Emergency passports take 2 working days to process but require an appointment and proper documentation.
For certificate of no impediment to marriage applications in HCMC, processing takes 24-48 hours. If you require authentication of a large number of documents, the consulate may require a 24-hour turnaround time.
Plan ahead for passport renewals, especially before extended public holiday periods like Vietnamese New Year (Tet, January 27-31, 2025) when embassy services are completely suspended for 5 consecutive days.
Can the Embassy Help With Medical Emergencies?
The Australian Embassy provides support during medical emergencies including:
- Contact your family or friends in Australia on your behalf
- Provide lists of English-speaking doctors and hospitals in Hanoi and HCMC
- Coordinate with hospitals for emergency treatment
- Facilitate medical evacuation arrangements if needed
- Provide contacts for counselling and psychological services
However, the embassy cannot pay medical bills or hospital fees. Australian teachers working in Vietnam should maintain comprehensive international health insurance as required for work permit applications under Vietnamese labor law.
For urgent medical assistance outside business hours, contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre at +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).
How Do I Provide Feedback on Embassy Services?
The Australian Embassy and Consulate-General welcome feedback on consular services. Your comments help identify areas for improvement and assist other Australians in understanding how and when consular services can help.
Submit feedback through the embassy contact form or by writing directly to the consulate. Details on feedback options are available on the Smartraveller website at the Contact Us section. Your experiences may help other Australian teachers avoid difficulties while working overseas.
The Australian Embassy in Hanoi (8 Dao Tan Street, +84 24 3774 0100, consular.hanoi@dfat.gov.au) and the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City (20th Floor, Vincom Center, 47 Ly Tu Trong Street, +84 28 3521 8100, consular.hcmc@dfat.gov.au) provide essential services for Australian teachers and citizens working in Vietnam. Both locations operate 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, with passport and notarial services available by appointment only.
For 24-hour emergency assistance, contact the Consular Emergency Centre at +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas), 1300 555 135 (from within Australia), or send SMS to +61 421 269 080. Emergency passports take 2 working days, while standard passport renewals require a minimum of 6 weeks processing time.
Plan ahead for passport renewals and document authentication, especially before major public holidays including Vietnamese New Year (Tet, January 27-31, 2025) and Vietnamese National Day (September 1-2) when embassy services are suspended. All services require card payment only since January 22, 2024—cash is not accepted.
Save these emergency numbers now: +84 24 3774 0100 (Hanoi), +84 28 3521 8100 (HCMC), and +61 2 6261 3305 (24-hour CEC).
Stay Informed About Safety and Emergency Resources in Vietnam
Foreign teachers working in Vietnam need reliable information about emergency contacts, embassy services, legal requirements, and safety protocols. For comprehensive guidance on healthcare access, emergency procedures, legal compliance, and support services, explore our dedicated SAFETY & EMERGENCY category. Stay prepared with up-to-date information on embassy contacts, medical facilities, legal assistance, and emergency response procedures specifically designed for teachers living and working in Vietnam.
