Passport and property seizure

The Vietnamese authorities have on occasion seized passports and blocked the departure of foreigners involved in commercial disputes (including damage of rental motorbikes, unsettled accommodation bills etc.) and religous activities. Authorities have also seized documents, audio and video tapes, compact discs, literature and letters which are deemed to be religious, pornographic or politically sensitive in nature. They have also detained and expelled individuals believed to be engaged in such activities. There have also been instances where customs officials at entry/exit points have confiscated film and photographs. It is illegal to export Vietnamese antiques and confirmation of approval by the Ministry of Culture and Information may be sought by customs officials before any item(s) in question can be exported.