Asia and Oceania
Vietnam
|
Still current at: 03 December 2008
|
|
Updated: 11 November 2008
|
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary, Local Travel and Natural Disasters (Tropical Storms) sections (removal of reference to forecast of heavy rain is forecast 6-8 November). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
-
Typhoons and Tropical Storms commonly occur in Vietnam between June and December. In August,September and October 2008, Northern and Central Vietnam experienced torrential rain resulting in severe flooding including in Hanoi. This has caused considerable damage to local infrastructure, including road and rail links. If you are planning to visit Northern or Central Vietnam you should check with your tour operator before travelling to the effected areas. See the Natural Disasters (Tropical Storms) and Local Travel sections of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.
-
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Vietnam have led to over 40 reported human fatalities. The last fatality was in 2008. See the Health (Avian Influenza) section of this advice and Avian and Pandemic Influenza for more details.
-
Dengue Fever is endemic to Vietnam and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of Dengue, particularly in the southern regions of the country. See the Health section of this advice for more details.
-
There is a low threat from terrorism in Vietnam. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
-
Around 100,000 British tourists visit Vietnam every year (source: Vietnamese Tourist Authority). Most visits are trouble-free and serious or violent crimes against foreigners are rare. 266 British nationals required consular assistance in Vietnam in the period 01 April 2006 – 31 March 2007. The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Vietnam in 2006-07 were for replacing lost and stolen passports (36 cases) and dealing with hospitalisations (9) and deaths, mostly from natural causes (11 cases).
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism in Vietnam. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
There is a low threat from terrorism in Vietnam. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Crime levels are low, petty street crime is increasing in the larger cities (such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi) and tourist resorts. Several violent assaults against tourists were reported on Cat Ba Island (close to Ha Long Bay) and in Nha Trang (Central Vietnam). You should take sensible precautions. Do not walk in secluded locations alone, or with people you do not know. Petty crime is not confined to the backpacker district but also occurs in the main tourist shopping areas. Bag snatchers on motorbikes can also be a problem. You should avoid carrying handbags or wearing highly visible jewellery, especially necklaces, and expensive looking watches. When possible, leave passports and valuables in a hotel safe and only carry a photocopy of the data page of your passport. You should use taxis after dark to minimise the risk of robbery by cyclo or motorbike drivers.
When travelling by bus or train, remain vigilant against petty theft. Always use licensed taxis or pre-arranged hotel pick-up when transferring from airports. Do not accept offers of free transfers to hotels, as these are likely to be bogus.
You should be aware of spiked drinks, particularly late at night in the bars. You are advised not to leave food or drink unattended or to accept food or drink from strangers.
Illegal drugs are increasingly available in major cities. You should be aware that drugs are likely to have been ‘tampered with’ or spiked.
Political situation
Vietnam operates a single party political system, which does not welcome dissent. Internal conflict is rare, although there have been some violent clashes between protestors and police in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, which resulted in a number of deaths.
Local Travel
In August and September 2008, Northern and Central Vietnam experienced torrential rain resulting in severe flooding. Tropical Storm Mekkhala brought torrential rain and strong winds to central Vietnam on 30 September. There is a risk of flooding and landslides and transport links may become affected.
Continuous heavy rains have caused serious flooding and traffic jams in many streets in Hanoi. The water level is now going down. Airport and Train Stations are operating normally: no flights or trains have been cancelled. However, some lower parts of Hanoi mostly in Dong Da, Thanh Xuan and Cau Giay Districts may still be affected.
If you are planning to visit Northern or Central Vietnam you should check with your tour operator before travelling to the effected areas.
Unexploded mines and ordnance are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in central Vietnam and along the Laos Border. In 2008, there have also been a small number of incidents that have resulted in fatalities, in southern Vietnamese provinces neighbouring Ho Chi Minh City. You should not stray off main routes in rural areas and you should check with your tour operator before travelling to affected regions.
Tragic accidents have occurred during mountain climbing excursions in the north of the country, and you should ensure such activity is undertaken under the supervision of reputable guides.
You should be aware that transport infrastructure in Vietnam can be in poor condition. Provincial authorities have warned that the Dong Nai bridge (linking Ho Chi Minh City with Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and other north-eastern provinces) is at risk of collapsing. Since 20 August 2007, vehicles seating seven or more passengers heading towards Ho Chi Minh City have been diverted to the Hoa An bridge to avoid overloading.
Road Travel
Some parts of Vietnam are fairly inaccessible. In others, widespread road construction makes driving hazardous.
The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor, including for public transport, and is the cause of many accidents and injuries. Before driving any vehicle you must obtain a Vietnamese driving licence from the Vietnamese Road Administration in Hanoi, (fax: +84 4 8571440) or, in Ho Chi Minh City, from the Department of Public Works and Transportation (tel: +84 8 829 0451 or 0452, fax: +84 8 829 0458). Vietnamese law requires the use of crash helmets for motorbike riders on major highways. You are advised to wear a crash helmet at all times when travelling by motorbike.
Pedestrians should take particular care crossing roads in major cities. Driving is erratic and sometimes dangerous. Taxis are a common mode of transport, but you should be vigilant and avoid using smaller unlicensed taxis. Always agree with the taxi driver the cost of your journey before embarking.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Sea Travel
There have been attacks against ships in the waters off Vietnam. Mariners are advised to be vigilant; reduce opportunities for attacks; establish secure areas onboard; and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.
Rail Travel
Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe (there was one serious accident in 2004). There are sometimes incidents of crime on trains and therefore you should remain vigilant.
Local laws and customs
You should avoid any involvement with drugs. Drug trafficking and possession carries heavy penalties, including the death penalty, which is enforced in Vietnam. Other crime, such as sex offences or fraud, can result in very long prison terms or a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and the standard of prisons is very poor.
When checking into a hotel, you will have to surrender your passport so that the hotel can register your presence with the local police. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of the data page from your passport, which can be used as proof of identity.
Foreign visitors to Vietnam are not permitted to invite Vietnamese nationals into their hotel rooms.
Photography of or near, military installations is generally prohibited.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
When checking into a hotel, you will have to surrender your passport so that the hotel can register your presence with the local police. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of the data page from your passport, which can be used as proof of identity.
Foreign visitors to Vietnam are not permitted to invite Vietnamese nationals into their hotel rooms.
Photography of or near, military installations is generally prohibited.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
You must obtain a visa prior to travel unless, exceptionally, prior arrangements have been made (by your tour operator or if you are an officially sponsored visitor). You should check visa validity and conditions carefully. They are usually valid for one month. There are fines and/or imprisonment if you overstay your visa. Entry to Vietnam may be refused if your passport has less than six months validity.
If you lose your passport or have over-stayed you will need to apply for a new visa from the Immigration authorities in order to leave the country. This can only be done during working hours and usually takes three to five working days.
For further information, check with your nearest Vietnamese Embassy.
Passport validity
Entry to Vietnam may be refused if your passport has less than six months validity.
Customs form
You should retain the yellow customs form on entry to Vietnam, as this is required for exit. If you lose this form you are likely to be fined on departure.
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.
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.
Health
The standard of health care in Vietnam is sufficient in the major cities for treating minor injuries, but more complicated treatment may require evacuation to a third country.
Malaria, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are common in many areas of Vietnam. In 2007 there was a marked increase, from the already high figures of 2006, in the number of reported cases of Dengue. Southern regions of the country have had particularly high levels of infection. In July 2008, Provincial Health Departments in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta reported a Dengue Fever outbreak, with many hospitals overloaded with cases. Soc Trang Province had been worst affected, with more than 1,900 cases reported in the first half of the year.
Since 2004, cases of Meningitis (mostly affecting young people under the age of 15) have increased in Vietnam and in 2006 there was an increase in cases of Rubella (which is particularly dangerous if contracted by pregnant women).
Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of cholera, typhoid and other diseases. In November and December 2007, a cholera outbreak was reported in Vietnam. Between January and June 2008 cases of cholera were reported throughout Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Do not drink tap water or water that is not bottled and sealed. Wherever possible, bottled water should be bought from reputable sources. Hygiene standards in restaurants vary. Beware of food from streetside vendors, which might be contaminated. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Vietnam you should seek immediate medical attention.
You should not drink wine without brandnames. At the end of September 2008, 9 Vietnamese nationals in Ho Chi Minh City died as a result of fatal levels of methanol in certain brands of rice wine.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 280,000 adults aged 15 or over in Vietnam were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Vietnam and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC website. and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Avian Influenza (Bird flu)
There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in at least 15 of Vietnam's 64 provinces. This has led to over 40 reported human fatalities (most recently in 2008) believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry. Vietnamese authorities are taking measures to combat these outbreaks.
Malaria, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are common in many areas of Vietnam. In 2007 there was a marked increase, from the already high figures of 2006, in the number of reported cases of Dengue. Southern regions of the country have had particularly high levels of infection. In July 2008, Provincial Health Departments in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta reported a Dengue Fever outbreak, with many hospitals overloaded with cases. Soc Trang Province had been worst affected, with more than 1,900 cases reported in the first half of the year.
Since 2004, cases of Meningitis (mostly affecting young people under the age of 15) have increased in Vietnam and in 2006 there was an increase in cases of Rubella (which is particularly dangerous if contracted by pregnant women).
Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of cholera, typhoid and other diseases. In November and December 2007, a cholera outbreak was reported in Vietnam. Between January and June 2008 cases of cholera were reported throughout Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Do not drink tap water or water that is not bottled and sealed. Wherever possible, bottled water should be bought from reputable sources. Hygiene standards in restaurants vary. Beware of food from streetside vendors, which might be contaminated. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Vietnam you should seek immediate medical attention.
You should not drink wine without brandnames. At the end of September 2008, 9 Vietnamese nationals in Ho Chi Minh City died as a result of fatal levels of methanol in certain brands of rice wine.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 280,000 adults aged 15 or over in Vietnam were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Vietnam and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC website. and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Avian Influenza (Bird flu)
There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in at least 15 of Vietnam's 64 provinces. This has led to over 40 reported human fatalities (most recently in 2008) believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry. Vietnamese authorities are taking measures to combat these outbreaks.
Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand and Turkey.
The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be low, provided you avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form easily transmissible between people.
British nationals living longer term in an Avian-Influenza affected region should take personal 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 the Avian and Pandemic Influenza.
The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be low, provided you avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form easily transmissible between people.
British nationals living longer term in an Avian-Influenza affected region should take personal 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 the Avian and Pandemic Influenza.
Natural disasters
Tropical Storms
The typhoon season in Vietnam normally runs from June to December. Flooding and landslides can occur during this time.
Visitors to Vietnam: Please check your travel arrangements prior to travel and expect some delays and difficulties moving around the country. We recommend that independent travellers take every precaution not to visit extremely isolated or rural areas. Please ensure your friends/family have a copy of your proposed travel itinerary and you stay in regular contact with them to prevent unnecessary concern.
You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). You can also access http://www.nhc.noaa.gov for updates. Please also see Tropical cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a typhoon.
Central and North Vietnam are most affected by seasonal storms and typhoons.
Tropical Storm Mekkhala and Typhoon Hagupit brought torrential rain and strong winds to Central Vietnam in September 2008. This resulted in a number of deaths.
On 3 October 2007 Tropical Storm Lekima made landfall on the Vietnam coast near Dong Hoi. There were a number of fatalities and thousands of people made homeless. There were landslides and flash floods in the affected areas and severe damage to infrastructure.
Flooding
Provincial areas are often affected by flooding, which may result in disruption to infrastructure and possible loss of life. You should check with your travel agent before travelling to affected areas.
Vietnam, particularly the Central Region and Mekong Delta, is subject to sporadic serious flooding in the monsoon season. (The timing of this varies across the country but is usually from June to October). This can cause considerable damage to the infrastructure and on occasions has left whole areas isolated, including border-crossing points into Laos.
On 8 August 2008, northern Vietnam experienced severe flooding, particularly in the Lao Cai and Yen Dai provinces, resulting in approximately 200 Vietnamese fatalities.
Vietnam, particularly the Central Region and Mekong Delta, is subject to sporadic serious flooding in the monsoon season. (The timing of this varies across the country but is usually from June to October). This can cause considerable damage to the infrastructure and on occasions has left whole areas isolated, including border-crossing points into Laos.
On 8 August 2008, northern Vietnam experienced severe flooding, particularly in the Lao Cai and Yen Dai provinces, resulting in approximately 200 Vietnamese fatalities.
Continuous heavy rains have caused serious flooding and traffic jams in many streets in Hanoi. Heavy rains stopped on Sunday 2 November and the water level is now going down. Scattered to widespread thunder storms, rain showers and light rains are expected in Hanoi, the Northern Provinces (including Halong Bay, Lao Cai and Sapa tourist areas) and Central Provinces (including Hue, Danang, Hoi An tourist areas) for the next 7 days.
If you are planning to visit Northern or Central Vietnam you should check with your tour operator before travelling to the effected areas.
General
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance (including medical evacuation) before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. For more details see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
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. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Consular Assistance
Providing prompt consular assistance is difficult outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City because of Vietnam’s poorly developed infrastructure. It is essential that you have comprehensive travel/medical insurance.
Registering with the British Embassy
If intending to stay for more than one month you should register with the British Embassy in Hanoi or the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
Money
You should bring enough money for your stay. US$ are most widely accepted. 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 distribution is still poor and limited to the major cities and tourist areas. It is possible to have funds transferred to Vietnam via international money transfer companies.
Foreign passport holders can exchange up to US dollars 500-worth of Vietnamese dong back into US dollars on departure.
Providing prompt consular assistance is difficult outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City because of Vietnam’s poorly developed infrastructure. It is essential that you have comprehensive travel/medical insurance.
Registering with the British Embassy
If intending to stay for more than one month you should register with the British Embassy in Hanoi or the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
Money
You should bring enough money for your stay. US$ are most widely accepted. 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 distribution is still poor and limited to the major cities and tourist areas. It is possible to have funds transferred to Vietnam via international money transfer companies.
Foreign passport holders can exchange up to US dollars 500-worth of Vietnamese dong back into US dollars on departure.
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Change country
contacts
Vietnam, Hanoi, British Embassy
Address:
Central Building
4th floor
31 Hai Ba Trung
Hanoi
Telephone:
(+84) (4) 3936 0500
(+84) 90340 4919 - Duty Officer Mobile
Fax:
(+84) (4) 3936 0551
Email: behanoi@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours:
Office hours, Monday-Friday:
08:30-12:30 / 13:30-16:30 (Local time)
01:30-05:30 / 06:30-09:30 (GMT)
Website: http://ukinvietnam.fco.gov.uk/
