Vietnam
Safety and security
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.