Vietnam

Recommended Vaccinations For Vietnam

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese encephalitis occurs year-round in this country with seasonal peaks from May to October, especially in the north. The highest rates occur in the northern provinces around Hanoi and northwestern provinces bordering China. Vaccination is recommended for travellers who visit the high-risk areas during the seasonal peaks and engage in extensive outdoor activities while visiting rural and/or rice farming areas.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Vietnam

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medication includes atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine. In some areas, anti-malaria drug resistance for mefloquine and chloroquine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Vietnam

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks occur all year long throughout Vietnam, with the peak season May through October.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Vietnam through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Cholera

Cholera has occurred in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya is a viral disease that occurs throughout Vietnam.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Vietnam.

For Some Travellers

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country.

Scrub Typhus

This disease generally occurs year-round in Vietnam.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Malaria

High risk areas in Vietnam include rural and forested areas. Low risk areas include the cities of Da Nang, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, and Quy Nhon.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in Vietnam through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

Zika Fever

Zika virus has occurred in this country. However, the mosquitoes that transmit Zika virus are unlikely to be found above 2,000m altitude.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to Vietnam are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Vietnam, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis occurs countrywide and year-round, especially from May to October in the northern provinces bordering China and around Hanoi. The risk for travellers of contracting Japanese encephalitis is low, but visiting the listed areas and extensive outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Vietnam

Personal Safety

Most travellers have no safety problems in Vietnam. Petty crime, such as theft or pick-pocketing, is common in Vietnam, especially from hotels, in tourist areas, and on crowded buses or trains. This is most prevalent in larger cities and may increase during major public holidays, such as Tet (Lunar New Year). Thieves on motorcycles sometimes grab bags and other valuables off of pedestrians and even other people on motorbikes. Travellers should ensure their personal belongings, valuables, and travel documents are kept safe at all times. Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as wearing expensive clothing.

Travellers should only use registered taxi services located outside the airport and check the fare with the driver before leaving. There have been reports of individuals posing as taxi drivers and forcing foreigners to withdraw money from automated banking machines. Never use a taxi if it is occupied by an unknown person other than the driver.

Never leave food or drinks unattended as there have been reports of drugging, robbery, and assault.

Scams targeting tourists occur, with gambling scams being the most common. Travellers should be aware that gambling outside of licensed casinos is illegal in Vietnam. Credit card forgery is also common in Vietnam. Travellers should be cautious when using their credit cards. Watch retailers closely and avoid using credit cards in smaller establishments.

Hotels will require guest passports in order to register them with the local authorities, however, it is not legally necessary for the hotel to keep your passport for the duration of your stay. Travellers may request their passports to be returned after hotel staff has registered them with the authorities.

Unexploded landmines are still a hazard in rural areas of central Vietnam. If travelling in these areas, do not step off of the road.

Everyone is required by law to carry photo identification at all time. Keep a photocopy of your passport, and keep your original passport in a safe place.

Safety standards for sports may not be adequate. Be cautious and have a reputable guide for adventure tourism. There have been reports of illegal tour guides offering tours that are illegal under local laws.

There is a high rate of road traffic accidents and fatalities in Vietnam. Drivers may not follow the expected rules of safe driving, and traffic laws may not be enforced. Roads may not be well maintained. Check with authorities before renting a motorbike or car. A Vietnamese driver license may be needed, and International Driving Permits may not be accepted. Rail travel is generally safe.

Extreme Violence

There is not much history of terrorism in Vietnam however, attacks cannnot be ruled out. Violent crimes targeting foreigners are rarer, but they may occur. In some cases, criminals have also used weapons such as knives and razors. Some localised violent clashes between protesters and police have resulted in casualties.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and strikes are prohibited in Vietnam and punishable with heavy penalties and jail time. Public demonstrations are rare as local authorities do not usually authorize them. Demonstrating without authorization can lead to heavy consequences. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can also turn violent. Travellers should avoid any public demonstrations and always follow the advice of local authorities.

Areas To Avoid

Considering the recent organized attacks (in June 2023) on a police station in Dak Lak province, where several police officials were killed and many were injured, increased security presence is likely in Dak Lak. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and avoid photographing the security forces or any demonstrations.