Asia and Oceania

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• Tropical cyclones affect the eastern coastal regions. The season normally runs from May to November, but tropical cyclones can occur outside this period. See Natural Disasters.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General - Insurance.
  
  
• Register with the FCO’s LOCATE service before travelling. Around 80,000 British tourists visit Vietnam every year (source: Vietnamese Tourist Authority). Most visits are trouble-free and serious or violent crimes against foreigners are rare. See General - Consular Assistance - Statistics.
  

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers. British nationals should avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Most visits to Vietnam are trouble free but you should remain alert. Petty crime is not confined to the backpacker districts but also occurs in the main tourist shopping areas. Do not walk in secluded locations alone, or with people you do not know. There is low reporting of sexual assaults but tourists should travel with friends and take the normal precautions.

Violent attacks against tourists have been reported in urban areas, as well as popular tourist areas, including Cat Ba and Nha Trang in the early morning or late at night. Some reports involve tourists being attacked while on a xe om (motorcycle taxi) or during disputes about being overcharged.

Use larger metered taxis to minimise the risk of robbery or overcharging. Be on your guard against pickpockets and avoid carrying handbags or wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to store valuables, money or passports and carry a photocopy of the data page of your passport.

There have been reports of scams targeting tourists, involving fake charities, gambling and taxis.

There have also been reports of arguments over hotel, restaurant or taxi bills turning violent or abusive. To ensure you have a trouble free stay in Vietnam it is worth researching places to stay before you arrive. To avoid potential disputes you should make sure you are clear about the level of service you can expect to receive and any associated charges.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

Travel is restricted near military installations and some areas of Vietnam are fairly inaccessible.  Do not stray off main routes in rural areas and check with your tour operator before travelling. There have been reports of mountain climbing accidents in the north of Vietnam. Follow safety guidelines and procedures and ensure such activities are undertaken under the supervision of reputable guides.

There have also been fatal boat accidents, one of the most recent ones being in Halong Bay in February 2011.  Please refer to the Local Travel - Sea Travel section.

There have been reports of real firearms being fired around the Cu Chi tunnels area near Ho Chi Minh City. Undertake any activities, which include firearms at your own risk and ensure all activities are undertaken under the supervision of reputable guides.  Also be aware that there have been reports of hearing loss due to being in close proximity to these activities.

Safety and Security  - Local Travel  - Cambodia Border

To enter Vietnam from Cambodia you must obtain a visa before arriving at the border.   There are a number of local crossing points which are only open to Cambodian and Vietnamese nationals.  Check locally before travelling to these points.

To enter Cambodia from Vietnam, you can get a visa on arrival at the border.

See our Travel Advice for Cambodia.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Laos Border

Unexploded mines and ordnance are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in central Vietnam and along the Laos Border, formerly traversed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are frequently unmarked.

There are a number of local crossing points which are only open to Lao and Vietnamese nationals. Check locally before travelling to these points.

See our Travel Advice for Laos

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

A Vietnamese driving license is required to drive a car or motorcycle in Vietnam. These can be obtained from Hanoi Department of Public Works and Transportation: (tel:+84 4 3843 5325) or Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Works and Transportation (tel: +84 8 3829 0451 or 0452, fax: +84 8 3829 0458).

The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor, including public transport, and is the cause of many accidents and injuries.

Traffic accidents tend to attract a large crowd quickly. If you are involved in a traffic accident you could face criminal charges. It is not uncommon to pay large compensation to the injured person even if the injuries are minor.  Failure to pay the compensation claim can lead to full investigations by the police. If you are subject to an investigation, offer the police your full co-operation and inform the Embassy/Consulate. There have also been reports of traffic police seeking payments from motorists to compensate for traffic offences.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel - Motorbikes

Vietnam’s main mode of transport is by motorbike. Riding a motorbike can be dangerous and a number of road accidents involving British nationals have been reported.  These can result in costly medical bills as insurance usually does not cover it.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel - Taxis

Taxis are a common mode of transport and larger metered taxis are generally reliable.  If possible avoid using smaller taxis as the rates tend to increase quickly. There are many taxi operators and the meters are set at different prices for the first km. The meter should always be used and should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 VND. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to get you a licensed taxi.

There have been reports from tourists that they have been charged more for taxi journeys from Airports than advertised.  Please check the published fare near the taxi stands before starting your journey.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel - Bus

When travelling by bus remain vigilant against petty theft. Unless prearranged do not accept offers of free transfers to hotels, as these are likely to be bogus.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Rail

Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe. The level of comfort and safety varies greatly between the national tourist and more rural routes. Be vigilant against petty theft.  There have been numerous reports of personal belongings being stolen whilst people are asleep on the Sapa to Hanoi train.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel

There are numerous coastline areas that have regular boat tours. There have been a number of fatal boat accidents in Vietnam, including 2 accidents involving foreign nationals in Halong Bay, a popular tourist area in north-east Vietnam. The most recent fatal accident was in February 2011 and the most recent accident involving foreign tourists was in May 2011. The Vietnamese Government are in the process of investigating what happened and are reviewing safety standards on board all boats in Halong Bay.  Safety regulations and standards are not at the same level as the United Kingdom and vary greatly from company to company and province to province. You should check with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats, and certification of personnel, before setting off and ensure you receive a full safety briefing when joining any boat.  Please consider carefully the standard of boat before deciding to spend the night on board a boat in Halong Bay as boats can sink quickly and without warning.

Piracy has been known to occur in coastal areas off Vietnam. Mariners should be vigilant; reduce opportunities for attacks; establish secure areas onboard; and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.

See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Vietnam Country Profile

Vietnam operates a single party political system, which does not welcome dissent. Internal conflict is rare, although there are occasional violent clashes between protestors and police. The last record of violent protests was in the Central Highlands region in 2004. There have been reports of public disorder in Muong Nhe, a remote part of Dien Bien Province in 2011. There are restrictions on internet usage, which can affect access to websites such as Facebook.

Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs can be severe and Vietnam maintains the death penalty. In Vietnamese law, anyone found in possession of even a small amount of drugs can face the death sentence.

Illegal drugs are increasingly available in major cities. Be aware that drugs are likely to have been tampered with/spiked. Drugs are much stronger and of a higher potency in Asia than in Europe and British tourists have suffered fatal overdoses in the past from very small amounts.

Crimes such as sex offences or fraud can result in being stopped from leaving Vietnam for an unlimited period without being charged, very long prison terms, or a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and the standard of prisons is very poor. The Embassy/Consulate cannot get you out of prison.

When checking into a hotel, you will have to surrender your passport so that the hotel can register your presence with the local police. Once registered ensure your passport is returned to you and keep it in a safe place. Passports should not be used as a deposit for renting hotel rooms, hiring services such as motorbikes or in place of a fine in the event of any possible traffic offence. It is advisable to carry with you a photocopy of the data page from your passport, which can be used as proof of identity. If you are staying in private accommodation, you will still be expected to register. Ask your host to assist you with this as soon as you arrive. You may be charged an administrative fine for staying without registration. The level of fine is at the discretion of the Head of the Police in the area you stay.

Foreign visitors to Vietnam are generally not permitted to invite Vietnamese nationals into their hotel rooms.

Never take photographs of or near, military installations. When entering religious or cultural sites it is a courtesy to respect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing.

See our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Passports

Entry into Vietnam may be refused if your passport has less than one month validity from the date your Vietnamese visa expires. Other countries in Asia expect six months validity.

Neither the Embassy nor Consulate can issue passports. If you require a new passport, applications are processed by the Regional Passport Production Centre in Hong Kong. Straightforward applications can take approximately four weeks.

In the event of an emergency, the Embassy/Consulate can issue Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs). Please visit our website at: ukinvietnam.gov.uk for further information about how to apply, fees and what documentation is required.

Entry Requirements - Visas

A visa is required for Vietnam. Ensure that you obtain the correct visa for the purpose and destination of your travel. We are aware that there are nearly 1000 travel companies that are able to arrange legitimate visas-on-arrival but this must be done prior to arrival in Vietnam. There have also been reports of bogus companies that claim to be able to arrange for a visa on arrival.  As the British Embassy and Consulate cannot confirm whether a company has a legitimate arrangement in place, the safest way to obtain a visa is via the nearest Vietnamese Embassy. Vietnamese visas are usually valid for only one entry. If you plan to leave Vietnam and re-enter from another country make sure you obtain a visa allowing multiple entries. Overstaying without authority is a serious matter and you may be delayed from travel until a fine is paid. Check the visa validity and conditions carefully.

For further information, check with the Vietnamese Embassy in London.

If you have your passport lost/stolen you will need to apply for both a replacement passport and a replacement Vietnamese visa from the Immigration authorities in order to leave the country. This can only be done during normal working hours and usually takes three to five working days. Neither the Embassy nor the Consulate can expedite replacement Vietnamese visas.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with Children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

There is a sufficient standard of health care in the cities for treating minor injuries; more complicated treatment may require evacuation to a third country. Health care in rural areas is extremely basic. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Complete the next of kin details in the back of your passport. Whilst most clinics and hospitals provide adequate health care; food and comforts are usually provided by friends or family.

If you are taking prescription medication into Vietnam, we advise carrying it in your hand-luggage and carrying a copy of your prescription.  In the unlikely event of missing luggage, be aware that some specific medications can be hard to obtain in Vietnam and many medications on sale are counterfeit.

Beware of food from street side vendors, which might be contaminated. In June 2010, there were 120 unverified cases of diarrhoea and vomiting reported by tourists. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Vietnam you should seek immediate medical attention.

Do not drink wine without brand names. At the end of September 2008, nine Vietnamese nationals in Ho Chi Minh City died as a result of fatal levels of methanol in certain brands of rice wine.

There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in poultry in at least 15 of Vietnam’s 64 provinces, with several provinces declaring epidemics. Two people have died of the disease in southern Kien Giang and Soc Trang provinces. British nationals living in an Avian-Influenza affected region should take responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.  You should read this advice in conjunction with our Avian and Pandemic Influenza page.

In the 2010 report on Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 270,000 adults in Vietnam were living with HIV, 0.4% of the population compared to 0.2% in the UK.  Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information see our HIV and AIDS page.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 115 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Our Travel Health pages offer further advice on how to stay healthy when overseas.

The most common natural disasters in Vietnam are monsoons, cyclones and typhoons that can lead to flooding.

If you are travelling or living in Vietnam, monitor weather reports and limit your movement around the country if adverse weather is reported. In rural/isolated areas, take normal precautions (such as stocking a reasonable amount of bottled water/looking at alternative flights etc) in case the weather makes it difficult to leave your home/hotel.

Independent travellers should avoid extremely isolated or rural areas if a typhoon system is forecast or affecting that area. Ensure friends/family have a copy of your travel itinerary and stay in regular contact with them to prevent unnecessary concern.

Vietnam’s climate is recognised to have two monsoon seasons - the southwest monsoon from March or April to September and the northeast monsoon from October to late March or early April. Infrastructures of the major cities can sometimes be heavily affected by longer periods of rain, which can result in flooding, fluctuations of power and fresh water to certain areas and on occasions, landslides which can affect roads and rail links. It can sometimes take days for the water to recede completely, and all areas of the local infrastructure may become affected.

Check your travel arrangements prior to travel and expect some delays and difficulties moving around the country.

 Tropical cyclones page 

Tropical cyclones affect the eastern coastal regions. The season normally runs from May to November, but tropical cyclones can occur outside this period. The Japan Meteorological Agency provides information and forecasts (in English) about approaching storms in the region. Follow local advice and see our Tropical cyclones page for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a typhoon.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance (including medical evacuation) before travelling.  Check that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Consular registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. 

If you are a British national and plan to stay for an extended period in Vietnam register with the British Embassy or Consulate via LOCATE upon arrival.

General - Consular Assistance

Providing prompt consular assistance is difficult outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City because of Vietnam’s poorly developed infrastructure. Some places are a flight away with only one daily flight. 

General - Consular Assistance - Statistics

45 British nationals required consular assistance in Vietnam in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011, for the following types of incident; 12  deaths; 20 hospitalisations; and three arrests.

General - Money

The currency for Vietnam is Vietnam Dong (VND).  However, US dollars are accepted.  It is near impossible to change VND into USD, without the use of flight tickets to demonstrate your onward destination.

Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, but outside main centres you may find cash the only acceptable currency and find it difficult to cash travellers’ cheques.

ATM’s are available in major cities and tourist areas.

It is possible to have funds transferred to Vietnam via international money transfer companies such as Western Union or Moneygram. Only exchange money at official Money Exchange Counters with a clear sign showing this. Illegal exchange places like gold shops may offer a higher rate but there are risks of losing your money.