Vietnam
Health
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.
Emergency medical number
Dial 115 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Health risks in Vietnam include:
- mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus, dengue fever, malaria and Japanese encephalitis
- air pollution – see information on air quality on TravelHealthPro
Medication
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.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Some medicines can be hard to find in Vietnam and many are fake.
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 prescription should be:
- in English or Vietnamese
- include your name and age
- list the medicine name, volume and dosage
- include the doctor’s signature or 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 facilities in Vietnam
FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Vietnam.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Vietnam.
COVID-19 healthcare in Vietnam
You must wear a mask on public transportation. Vietnam has not declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.