Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Vietnam. 

 

Crime

 

Most visits to Vietnam are trouble free but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

 

Carry a photocopy of the pages from your passport with your personal details and visa for ID, and leave the original document in a safe place.

 

There has been a reported increase in incidents of personal belongings and bags being snatched, including from people travelling on motorbikes. Thieves cut the straps or bottoms of bags. Some thieves have resorted to physical violence, though this is not common. You should remain alert and take care of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and places visited by tourists where pick pockets and bag snatchers operate.

 

Sexual assaults are rare, but you should take sensible precautions and travel with friends when possible.

 

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

 

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

 

Local travel

 

Travel is restricted near military installations and some areas of Vietnam are fairly inaccessible. Don’t stray off main routes in rural areas and check with your tour operator before setting off. There have been mountain climbing accidents in the north of Vietnam. You should follow safety guidelines and procedures and make sure you are supervised by a reputable guide.

 

Undertake any leisure activities which include firearms at your own risk and make sure you are supervised by a reputable guide. There have been reports of hearing loss from those close to these activities. Genvisec advise against using firearms due to poor quality weapons and ammunition  that may explode on you and lack of range safety.

 

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 often unmarked.

 

Road travel

 

To drive a car or motorcycle, you will need to get a Vietnamese driving licence from the Hanoi Department of Public Works and Transportation (telephone:+84 4 3843 5325) or the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Works and Transportation (telephone: +84 8 3829 0451 or 0452). Don’t use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles or in place of a fine in the event of a traffic offence.

 

The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. There are frequent accidents and fatal crashes. Accidents can result in costly medical bills and you may not be covered by your insurance. It’s illegal to be on a motorbike without a helmet. Helmet safety standards vary.

 

Traffic accidents tend to attract a large crowd. If you are involved in a traffic accident you could face criminal charges and you may need to pay compensation to the injured person even if the injuries are minor. You will be given a receipt for any official fine. If you are subject to an investigation, offer the police your full co-operation and inform  your embassy.

 

Metered taxis from larger firms are generally reliable. There are many taxi operators and meters are set at different prices. The meter should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 VND. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi.

 

There have been reports of overcharging for taxi journeys from airports. Check the published fares near the taxi stands before starting your journey.

 

Bus and coach crashes are not unusual. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. The risk of death or injury on the road increases if you travel at night. When travelling by bus be vigilant against petty theft. Don’t accept offers of free transfers to hotels unless organised in advance, as these are likely to be bogus.

 

Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe. Be vigilant against petty theft. There have been numerous reports of personal belongings being stolen while people are asleep on the train between Hanoi and Sapa.

 

Sea travel

 

There have been a number of fatal boat accidents in Vietnam, some involving foreign nationals in Halong Bay, including a major incident in October 2012. Safety regulations and standards vary greatly and are not at the same level as the United Kingdom. Check with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats, and the certification of personnel before setting off. Make sure you receive a full safety briefing when joining any boat. Consider safety standards carefully before taking an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay as some boats have sunk 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.

 

Political situation

 

Vietnam has a single party political system, which does not welcome dissent. Internal conflict is rare. Some protests in May turned violent. You should avoid all protests.

 

Consular assistance

 

Providing prompt consular assistance is difficult outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City because of poorly developed infrastructure. Some places are a flight away with only 1 daily flight.

 

Local laws and customs

Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs can be severe. Anyone found in possession of even a small amount of drugs can face the death sentence.

 

Illegal drugs are increasingly available in major cities and are often tampered with or spiked. Drugs are much stronger and of a higher potency than in Europe and foreign tourists have suffered fatal overdoses in the past from very small amounts.

 

Crimes like sex offences or fraud can attract very long prison terms, or a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and the standard of prisons is very poor. You could be prevented from leaving the country for an unlimited period without being charged.

 

There are restrictions on internet usage, which can affect access to social media websites.

 

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

 

Never take photographs near military installations.

 

When entering religious or cultural sites respect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing

 

Money

The local currency is Vietnam Dong (VND), but US dollars are also accepted. It is almost impossible to change VND into US dollars without a flight ticket showing your onward destination.

 

Only change money at official money exchange counters with a clear sign showing this status. Illegal exchange places like gold shops may offer a higher rate you may risk losing your money.

 

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

 

ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.

 

You can have funds transferred to Vietnam via international money transfer companies like Western Union or Moneygram.

 

Health

Health care in the cities is adequate for minor injuries. More complicated treatment may require evacuation to another country. Healthcare 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.

 

If you are taking prescription medication into Vietnam, carry it in your hand-luggage with a copy of the prescription. Some specific medicines can be hard to find in Vietnam and many medications on sale are counterfeit.

 

Beware of food from street-side vendors, which might be contaminated.

 

Don’t drink wine without recognised brand names. There have been deaths caused by fatal levels of methanol in rice wine.

 

Since early April 2014, Vietnam has experienced a higher than normal number of measles infections, including cases involving young children with severe symptoms. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

 

There has been an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever that have been reported in Vietnam.

 

There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Vietnam in recent years. A small number of people have died from Avian Influenza since January 2014. The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is low. You should, however, avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds, and make sure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

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. 

 

Natural disasters

Tropical cyclones affect the eastern coastal regions. The season normally runs from May to November, but tropical cyclones can occur outside this period. Monitor approaching storms on the Japan Meteorological Agency website and follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

 

See our tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a storm.

 

Entry requirements

Visas

 

You will need a visa to enter Vietnam. Make sure you get the correct visa for the purpose and destination of your trip.

 

The safest option is to get a visa from the Vietnamese Embassy before you travel. If you plan to leave Vietnam and re-enter from another country make sure you get a multiple visit visa.

 

There are legitimate companies that can arrange visas on arrival, but you must organise this before you arrive in Vietnam. We have been told that the personal information of multiple applicants can be included in letters confirming visa approval, which is normal procedure for the Vietnamese Immigration Department and any alteration to the letter would invalidate visa approval. If you are concerned about this you should apply for a visa through the nearest Vietnamese Embassy. There are also a number of bogus companies claiming to offer this service. The Embassy and Consulate General cannot confirm whether a company has a legitimate arrangement in place.

 

Overstaying your Vietnamese visa 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 about visa requirements, check with the Vietnamese Embassy in your home country.

 

Land borders

 

There are a number of local crossing points on the borders with Cambodia and Laos which are for nationals of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Check locally before travelling to these points.

 

Passports validity

 

Entry into Vietnam may be refused if your passport has less than 1 month validity from the date your Vietnamese visa expires.

 

The Vietnamese authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Registration

 

When checking into a hotel, you will have to surrender your passport so that the hotel can register your presence with the local police. Make sure your passport is returned and keep it in a safe place. Don’t use your passport as a deposit for renting a hotel room. If you are staying in private accommodation, you will still be expected to register. Ask your host to help you with this as soon as you arrive. You may be fined if you don’t register.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Vietnam. You will still need to meet the relevant visa requirements.

 

If your ETD has been issued in Vietnam, you will need an exit visa from the Vietnam Immigration Department before you can travel out of Vietnam. This process normally takes 3-5 working days. Contact the Immigration Department directly for further information.