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.

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 4-6 weeks prior to departing for Vietnam. Travellers should also have the following vaccines up to date: influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT).

Certificate of a yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an infected area. (See Visa Section).

The following vaccinations are recommended: Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Tuberculosis, Rabies, Meningococcal Meningitis, Japanese B Encephalitis and Tick-borne Encephalitis.

Malaria, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are common in many areas of Vietnam.

Malaria risk exists in rural parts of the country. To reduce the risk of infection travellers are strongly advised to obtain one of the anti-malarial narcotics such as atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline. It has been proven that chloroquine is not an effective anti-malarial drug in Vietnam and should not be taken to prevent malaria in the region.

Vietnam has not been immune to the outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza. To reduce the potential risk of infection, visitors are advised to avoid poultry farms, contact with live animals, and consumption of undercooked poultry and egg dishes.

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. The Vietnamese government has also announced that it will extend its electronic visa program for foreign visitors until February 2021. 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.