Vietnam

Översikt

Vietnam has a low threat environment. The largest threats to foreigners are micro-security risks such as travel safety, crime, natural disasters, poor infrastructure and health concerns. Most crime in Vietnam is petty crime such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, and occurs in most areas frequented by tourists. Violent crimes, including armed robberies, kidnappings, and murder, against tourists remain rare. Drug use is on the rise and is the largest contributing factor to the crime rate. Since 2011, several violent incidents related to anti-Chinese sentiments have occurred, leading to injuries and deaths. The country is also susceptible to extreme weather events especially typhoons that usually hit in between June and November.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Vietnam. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Dengue occurs year-round in Vietnam, with peak transmission from April to October in the north and June to December in the south. Elevated risk occurs throughout the Red River Delta and Mekong Delta, and the coastal district and provincial capitals of central Vietnam.

Malaria risk is present throughout Vietnam, excluding urban areas. There is no risk in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Qui Nhon, the Red River Delta and the coastal area north of Da Nang. Risk is present in rural areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

Vietnam has risk of Chikungunya and Zika virus transmission. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Japanese Encephalitis is endemic countrywide, seasonal epidemics occur in the northern provinces. Highest rates of disease in the northern provinces around Hanoi and northwestern and northeastern provinces bordering China.

Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended when going outside the areas usually visited by tourists such as traveling extensively in the interior of the country, for persons on working assignments in remote areas, or travellers visiting for extended periods of time.

The HIV epidemic is concentrated among key populations, particularly people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and female sex workers and their sexual partners. An estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS is approximately 250.000.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Vietnam.

Most medical facilities in Vietnam are not of international standards, and communication problems can exist since medical staff outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City speaks little or no English. Due to the general lack of medicines and supplies, most health clinics, including international ones, can treat no more than minor illnesses and injuries. Medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore will often be required to handle serious illnesses and injuries. It is advisable to acquire a comprehensive travel health insurance before travel, although this insurance is unlikely to cover medical costs at most facilities as most doctors and hospitals expect direct cash payments. In emergency, visitors should dial 113 for police, 114 for fire and 115 for ambulance. Visitors should be aware that emergency medical responses are generally unreliable.

Although many medications can be purchased at pharmacies without having prescriptions, some imported medications are not available in Vietnam. Travellers should bring their own medications, enough for their stay in Vietnam.

Pass

Visitors to Vietnam must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure.

Visum

Visitors need to be aware of the validity and conditions of the visas since overstaying on expired visas will lead to fines and/or imprisonment. An expired visa must be renewed by the Immigration authorities before leaving Vietnam. Visitors to Vietnam must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months. Nationals from 47 countries, including a number of EU member states and the US are eligible.

Vietnam has visa waiver programs for over 20 countries, including the ASEAN states and a number of European countries. Under these programs tourist or business travellers can enter Vietnam for a maximum of 15 days without a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

The yellow customs forms given on entry to Vietnam must be retained, as they are required for exit. Visitors will be fined if the forms are not present.

Non-Vietnamese nationals must register with local police on arrival. Hotel guests are automatically registered by their hotels. Failure to register can result in a fine of 2 million dong.

Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in Vietnam, visitors arriving from countries where the disease is present are required to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.