Vietnam travel guide

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Vietnam set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Vietnam.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Vietnam, your passport must have:

• an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive
• at least 2 blank pages
• no damage – British nationals have been denied entry and exit due to passport damage

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

It is a requirement of Vietnamese authorities that visitors enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport.

Check the visa expiry date written in your passport is correct before leaving border control. If it is wrong, you could be accused of overstaying. Your passport is stamped upon entry which will specify the date by which you need to leave Vietnam.

Visa requirements

You can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business.

If you want to stay longer than 45 days, you can:

• book with a travel agent in Vietnam and ask them to apply for a visa pre-approval letter – your agent will tell you when to collect your visa from the embassy
• apply for other visa types from the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK
• apply for an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries

E-visas restrict you to the entry and exit points you select when you apply. If you get an e-visa while in Vietnam, you must exit the country and re-enter to start your e-visa.

The British Embassy will not assist with visa extensions.

Work or study

If you want to work or study, check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Read about visas and work permits if you live in Vietnam.

If you overstay your visa or work illegally, the authorities can prevent you from leaving until you pay a fine. You could be deported and prevented from visiting Vietnam in the future.

Travelling through Vietnam

If you transfer from an international flight to a domestic flight in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you must go through immigration and enter Vietnam. You must do this even if your final destination is outside Vietnam. Check with your airline before departing.

Exit requirements

You cannot leave Vietnam without a valid visa and must enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport.

Exit bans

Vietnamese authorities may place an exit ban on certain individuals to prevent them from leaving the country. Your passport will be seized until the case is fully investigated. If you are unable to leave the country because of an exit ban, consult a lawyer and contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.

An exit ban can relate to investigations into: 

• an individual, their family or an employer
• criminal and civil matters, such as business disputes or motor vehicle accidents 
• employment without a work visa
• unpaid financial debts

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guide

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Vietnam. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

If you’re taking prescription medication into Vietnam, carry it in your hand luggage with a copy of the prescription. If it has a total import value greater than 100 US dollars, you must declare it at customs. For information about restrictions on medication, see Health.

Taking money into or out of Vietnam

If you’re taking cash into or out of Vietnam, you must declare amounts over:

• 15 million Vietnamese dong
• 5,000 US dollars (or the same value in other currencies)

If you’re leaving the country with more than these amounts, declare the money at customs and show either:

• confirmation you’re carrying cash abroad, issued by an authorised credit institution
• written approval to carry cash, issued by the State Bank of Vietnam

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad. 

Terrorism in Vietnam

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Vietnam, attacks cannot be ruled out. 

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Vietnam has a single-party political system, which does not welcome people disagreeing with the government. Some protests in recent years have turned violent or been violently suppressed by the authorities. Avoid all protests.

Internet censorship

Within the Vietnamese territory, local authorities can block access to: 

• websites 
• social Media

You should not expect internet privacy. Local authorities can review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices.

Freedom of expression

British nationals should be cautious of political activities, including criticizing the government or its domestic and foreign policies or advocating alternatives to Communist Party rule. Possession of political material, and non-sanctioned religious activities including proselytizing could lead to a temporary ban on leaving the country, a prison sentence, or a full travel ban.  

British nationals of Vietnamese descent should be especially careful with their online postings.

Civil unrest

Political dissent is rare in Vietnam and protests are generally not tolerated. You should avoid any protests or demonstrations. Follow any instructions issued by authorities.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Violent crime against foreigners is rare, however petty crimes such as theft and Pickpocketing occur regularly. Bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas and in places visited by tourists. Typically, there is a rise in petty crime during the Christmas and Tet Lunar New Year seasons.

Bag-snatching by thieves on motorcycles is common, hold bags in front of you or on the opposite side of the traffic to make them difficult to steal. Be aware of motorcycles approaching as you walk. Be prepared to surrender your valuables rather than risk being injured in a struggle.

There is a risk of petty theft on buses and trains, particularly while asleep on overnight trains.

Do not give your passport to others as a guarantee – for example, to motorcycle rental shops or landlords. They can hold your passport against claimed damage.

Keep your passport safe and other valuables in your hotel or in another secured location at all times and carry both photo and digital copies of your passport. You should immediately report a lost or stolen passport to the  British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

Drink spiking and sexual assault

British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in tourist areas and places where foreigners live. Women have also reported indecent assaults and harassment. These include inappropriate touching and groping, particularly while walking alone.

Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked.

Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, and gum  from new  people. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk.

In Vietnam there is a higher burden of proof for victims than in the UK. Victims must show they did not consent, particularly if they drank alcohol or knew the alleged attacker.

Local authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are a victim of a sexual assault, you should reach out to the British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City

Methanol poisoning

There is a risk of methanol poisoning from home brewed alcohol or counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands. Affected drinks may include:

• local spirits, including rice wine
• spirit-based mixed drinks such as cocktails
• counterfeit brand-name spirits

To protect yourself from methanol poisoning you should:

• buy alcoholic drinks only from licensed liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
• check bottle seals are intact
• check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling

If the label, smell or taste seems wrong, do not drink the alcohol. These are signs it is illegal and could contain methanol. TravelHealthPro lists the symptoms of methanol poisoning.

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning.

Job scams

Be wary of job offers that appear too good to be true. People have arrived in the Mekong region and have been illegally transported to neighbouring countries on the promise of high-paying jobs, which turn out to be scams.

There have been incidents of:

• passports being confiscated by scammers
• victims being held in poor living conditions
• coercion into undertaking wider online scamming activity

Before signing an employment contract or travelling to Vietnam for work, verify the true nature of the work you’re offered.  

Check for:

• unacceptable employment conditions 
• the correct visa and work permits
• living arrangements your potential employer has offered
• professional legal advice before signing any contract

Never hand over your passport to your employer, even for safekeeping. Reputable businesses will never ask you to hand over your passport.

Transfers from airports and stations

Be cautious about offers of free bus transfers to hotels, unless organised in advance. These may be scams.  

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must always carry photographic ID. The authorities will accept a printed copy of the photo page of your passport and visa.

Illegal drugs penalties

Penalties for possessing, distributing or manufacturing drugs are severe. You can get the death sentence if you’re found with even small amounts. 

Illegal drugs are often tampered with or spiked and can be much stronger than in Europe. British nationals in Vietnam have suffered severe psychiatric problems because of drug use. 

Recreational drugs available in Vietnam can be extremely dangerous and can result in death. Drugs sold in Vietnam may be fake, synthetic, or laced with toxic ingredients undetectable to the buyer. This includes nitrous oxide balloons widely available in nightlife establishments.

Cigarettes and alcohol from street vendors 

You should avoid purchasing liquor or cigarettes from street vendors or strangers, as the authenticity cannot be assured.

LGBT+ travellers

Vietnam is a generally tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers. There are no criminal penalties for same-sex sexual activity or changing gender. Same-sex marriage is not recognised in law.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Dress code

Respect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing when entering religious or cultural sites. This usually means covering your shoulders and knees. You’ll often see signs outside religious or cultural sites that tell you the dress code.

Money change counters

Only change money at official money exchange counters with a clear sign showing this status. Changing money elsewhere is illegal and you risk losing your money.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or collect protected wild animal or plants. If you’re caught buying or trafficking these items, you could get a fine or long prison sentence.

Restricted areas

There are restrictions on travel near military bases in Vietnam. Do not take photos near bases.

If you want to visit a village, commune or ward close to the border, you may need permission from the provincial police department. Contact the local authority for more information.

Check with local authorities before visiting border areas to see if you need to obtain a travel permit issued by local authorities. These areas are not always marked, and there are no warnings about prohibited travel.

Legal system

People convicted of sex and drug offences can receive very long prison sentences or the death sentence. Even minor crimes, such as theft, have the possibility of carrying a prison sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed, and the standard of prisons is very poor.

If you are under criminal investigation, you can be detained for long periods without evidence. There can be long delays before you can contact lawyers, British Embassy officials or family. Legal representation is far below UK standards.

Foreign nationals involved in traffic accidents have been stopped from leaving Vietnam until the police have completed their investigations. This process can take a long time, and foreign nationals have been asked to agree out of court financial settlements. FCDO advises you to get professional legal advice and representation if you are in this situation. See Getting help.

Internet access

There are sometimes restrictions on internet use, which can temporarily affect access to social media websites. Most social media sites are normally available.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Transport and tour operators’ safety and maintenance standards may not meet the standards you find in the UK. British nationals have died or been injured in Vietnam while engaged in adventure tourism in rural and mountainous areas.

Risks include:

• dangerous terrain
• remote areas that are difficult for rescue services to reach
• flooding, swollen rivers and landslides, especially during the rainy season
• lower safety standards than in the UK

To reduce your personal risk:

• follow safety guidelines and always use availably safety gear provided
• stay on main routes
• take a reputable guide – in some places it is illegal to go without a guide
• use approved adventure tourism companies – check local authority websites
• avoid  using facilities or equipment if you have doubts about their safety
• check weather forecasts
• make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activity
• inform a friend or family member of your itinerary

Illegal tour guides have been known to offer tours and activities prohibited under local regulations.

Firearms activities

If you take part in leisure activities involving firearms, make sure a reputable guide supervises you. There is a risk of hearing loss.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Vietnam, see information on driving abroad and driving rules in Vietnam.

You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit and your UK driving licence with you in the car. It is illegal to drive without third-party insurance.

Do not use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles or as a guarantee you will pay a fine for a traffic offence.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Vietnam. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.

Compliance with road laws is poor – keep your speed down and stay alert.

If you’re involved in an accident, you could face criminal charges and may need to pay compensation to injured people, even if the injuries are minor. There is also the possibility of a travel ban while the investigation is carried out. Offer the police your full co-operation and inform the British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

Motorbike safety

Travelling by motorbike in Vietnam is much riskier than in the UK. Motorbike accidents are common and have killed and injured British nationals.

Do not hire a motorbike if you’re not an experienced rider. Always:

• check your motorbike thoroughly
• rent from a reputable organisation
• use a good helmet – it is illegal for drivers and passengers to ride without a helmet

Make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activity.

Taxis

Metered taxis from larger firms are generally reliable. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi. Always make sure the driver identifies themself before setting off. If you book taxis using the Grab app, which is similar to Uber – you can make sure the details of the vehicle and driver match those given by the company.

Buses and coaches

Bus and coach crashes are not uncommon and are more likely at night. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. Night bus drivers may become tired but continue driving, resulting in sometimes fatal crashes.

Sea travel

Check with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats, and the certification of staff. Make sure you get a full safety briefing and have a life jacket when joining any boat. 

Consider safety standards carefully before taking an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay. Overcrowding and poor safety standards have led to accidents in past years. Some boats have sunk quickly and without warning.

Piracy in coastal areas of Vietnam is very rare. See piracy and armed robbery at sea for precautions you could take.

Landmines and unexploded weapons

Landmines and other unexploded weapons are a hazard in former battlefields. Areas of particular risk include central Vietnam and along the Laos border, formerly crossed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are often unmarked.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones affect the eastern coastal regions of Vietnam, with a risk of:

• strong winds
• heavy rainfall and flooding
• disruption to transport

The season normally runs from May to November, but tropical cyclones can happen at other times. Monitor approaching storms on the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting and Japan Meteorological Agency websites. Follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

If you decide to travel to Vietnam during this period: 

• know that you may expose yourself to serious safety risks 
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice 
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts 
• carry emergency contact information for your airline, tour operator and insurer 
• follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders

Rain season

The rain season extends: 

• from June to September in the north and south 
• from October to December in central Vietnam

Seasonal flooding occurs in October and November in central Vietnam. It is also common:

• in and around Hanoi, particularly along the Red River 
• in the Mekong River Delta regions in the south

Seasonal flooding can disrupt overland travel and reduce the availability  of essential services. Roads may become blocked due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged.

• remain vigilant, especially in areas around major rivers 
• stay away from flooded areas 
• monitor weather reports
• monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions 
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Check the Mekong Flood and Drought Forecasting and the Mekong River Commission Forecasting and the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Heat waves

Humid and heat may be severe, particularly during the rainy season. Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, both of which can be fatal.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Make sure your policy covers the following: 

• existing health conditions  
• an air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home by this means 
• full medical cover (medical bills can be expensive) 
• repatriation of your remains in the event of death 
• repatriation of your family in the event it is necessary for you to return home due to illness or injury

The British Embassy do not pay medical bills and cannot provide medical assistance.

Emergency medical number

Dial 115 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest vaccine recommendations for Vietnam in TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Vietnam, including:

• mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus, dengue, malaria and Japanese encephalitis
• air pollution – see information on air quality on TravelHealthPro

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Vietnam. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Medication

Some medicines can be hard to find in Vietnam and many are fake.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Vietnam has restrictions on medicines it classifies as ‘addictive’ or ‘psychotropic’. These include medicine used to treat of addiction, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other conditions.

It is illegal to have more than the amount prescribed by a doctor for 7 days (addictive medicine) or 10 days (psychotropic medicine). You should carry the prescription with your medication and a letter from your doctor stating how much of the medication you need during your trip.

The letter can be in English and should:

• include your name and age
• list the medicine name, volume and dosage
• include the doctor’s signature and address

If you’re unsure if your medication falls within these categories or you need to bring more medication than is usually allowed, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK before travelling.

Healthcare in Vietnam

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Vietnam where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Vietnam.

Travel and mental health

Vietnam has no Mental Health Act and as such support is very limited for foreign nationals.

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Vietnam

Ambulance: 115

Fire: 114

Police: 113

National search and rescue: 112 

Hotline for child protection: 111

Emergency numbers in Vietnam are operated in Vietnamese only. 

Take a translator with you when you report a crime to the local police. Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. Inform a friend or family member about your insurance provider and policy number should they need to act on your behalf.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Vietnam
• dealing with a death in Vietnam
• being arrested or imprisoned in Vietnam
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Vietnam and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Hanoi or the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Vietnam on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.