Vietnam’s Phu Quoc tightens rental vehicle checks after accidents involving foreign tourists

Colonel Nguyen Hai Duong, head of the advisory division of the An Giang provincial police department, disclosed the figures at a press briefing on Wednesday.

He said An Giang provincial police and Phu Quoc police had detected and handled four traffic accidents involving foreign nationals who had rented vehicles to drive themselves on the island since the beginning of the year.

Three of the foreign drivers involved did not have driver's licenses.

In response, police have stepped up inspections of car and motorbike rental businesses and required five operators on the island to sign commitments to comply with traffic safety regulations.

Rental businesses must check tourists' identification documents and driver's licenses, including whether the licenses are recognized in Vietnam and valid for the vehicles being rented.

Authorities have also strengthened efforts to raise awareness of traffic regulations, including licensing requirements, helmet use, and speed limits.

Police have intensified patrols and enforcement at major tourist destinations, including Duong Dong, An Thoi, Cua Can, Cua Duong, and Ganh Dau, as well as roads connecting seaports, airports, resorts, and tourist attractions.

Duong said authorities would verify foreign tourists' driver's licenses, including the issuing country, validity period, and vehicle categories covered, and handle violations in accordance with regulations.

The measures are part of broader efforts to improve tourist safety on Phu Quoc.

82 docking facilities, 74 vessels suspended

Authorities have also tightened oversight of tourist waterway transport following a speedboat capsizing off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island on July 11.

Duong said provincial police had advised the An Giang administration to review waterway transport and tourism management, with interagency inspection teams established to identify safety violations.

Authorities conducted 70 inspections at 12 passenger boat terminals, recorded 17 violations, and imposed fines totaling more than VND32 million (US$1,240).

They also suspended operations at 82 docking facilities and 74 vessels that failed to meet operating requirements.