Vietnam

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 113 for police.
• Dial 115 for ambulance.
• Dial 114 for fire brigade. 

Crime

Exercise vigilance and the same common sense security precautions you would in any major metropolitan city in the United States.

• Violent crime against foreigners is rare. However, petty crimes, such as theft, bag grabs, and pickpocketing sometimes occur. Petty crime is more common in crowded areas and tourist locations.
• Always keep your passport and other important valuables in your hotel in a safe or another secured location. Carry both photo and digital copies of your passport. 
• When using a rideshare app like Grab, make sure your vehicle and driver match the description in the app.  Do not take a ride from a person claiming to work for your matched driver.
• Some U.S. citizens have reported problems with police responsiveness to their reports of crime. 

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.       

Internet romance scams are common in Vietnam. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Passport delivery scams

Scammers may call or text you pretending to work for the passport delivery service. They might ask you to send money online, click on a link, or upload your ID as part of delivering your passport.

The real delivery service used by the U.S. Mission to Vietnam will never ask you to send money online or upload your ID before delivering your passport.

• Pay with cash only.
• Show your ID in person when you receive your passport.     

If you get a scam call:

• Hang up immediately
• Report it to U.S. Embassy Hanoi or U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City as soon as possible.
• Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
• Don’t click links from anyone claiming to be a delivery agent.     

Other common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers
• Scams related to package delivery

If using dating apps or websites in Vietnam: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.      
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 113.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.     

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.     
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.     
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.     
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones

Drones are illegal in Vietnam.

• If caught, your drone will be taken away immediately. You'll need to pay a fine of $320 to $1,200.
• If you fly a drone near a military base, border, or government building, you could be arrested, jailed, or deported.

Satellite phones and communicators

Satellite communicators (like the Garmin inReach) are heavily restricted in Vietnam.

• If you bring them into the country without government authorization, they will likely be taken away at customs.      

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.
• Standard GPS receivers, such as smartphone mapping apps, are legal and widely used in Vietnam. However, 2-way satellite communication devices are highly restricted and can be confiscated at the border.
• Using any GPS device, mapping software, or camera near military installations, border zones, or sensitive government infrastructure is strictly prohibited. Local authorities can immediately question you or you could face detention.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Adventure options in Vietnam include trekking and motorbiking in mountainous areas, cave exploration, and water activities such as swimming, diving, and boating along the coast.

Before you go

• Know your limits. Honestly assess your physical fitness and experience level for the specific activities you plan to do.
• Learn about the weather. Find out about local conditions and seasonal risks, especially during the rainy or monsoon periods.
• Choose reputable tour companies. Book with trusted operators that use licensed guides, provide safety briefings, and have appropriate equipment.
• Get travel insurance. Consider travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and rescue.
• Bring appropriate gear. Pack suitable footwear and protective gear. Stay on marked routes.
• Tell someone your plans. Give a friend or family member your schedule, itinerary, and contact information.
• Save emergency numbers. Keep the U.S. embassy or consulate phone numbers readily available in case you need help.

Mountain travel safety

• Motorcycles in the mountains can be dangerous. Mountain roads are steep and curvy, it’s hard to see ahead, and rocks and dirt often fall onto the road.
• Only ride motorcycles off-road if you have significant experience.
• Make sure your driver’s license is accepted in Vietnam before your ride.     

Cave safety

• Cave trips may involve river crossings, narrow passages, rope work, and multiday walks.
• During the rainy season, caves can flood quickly.
• Only small groups can enter caves at a time.

Beach and water safety

• Ocean conditions can change quickly. Watch out for:
  • Strong currents and riptides.
  • Sharp corals and sea urchins that can cause injury or infection.
  • Many beaches may not have lifeguards.
• For more information, please refer to Vietnam’s national tourism office website.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.     
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. 
• Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Vietnam seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.     

Drug use in Vietnam

Drug use, including marijuana and its derivatives, is illegal in Vietnam.     

• Some ingredients for common prescription drugs to treat conditions such as ADHD may be illegal in Vietnam.     
• Police sometimes check people at nightclubs and bars. If police think you might be using drugs, they may require you to take a blood test. They may also test you for drugs if they arrest you for other reasons, like fighting.
• You can be arrested if you have used drugs before coming to Vietnam. If drugs show up in your blood test, police can arrest and charge you, even if you took the drugs in another country before you arrived in Vietnam.       

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.     

• Vietnamese authorities routinely fail to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate general in a timely manner about the arrest of a U.S. citizen. They routinely delay approval for consular officials to visit U.S. citizens.
• These delays can take multiple weeks. Review our webpage for further information. 
• Vietnamese authorities often delay or refuse to notify the embassy or consulate general when arresting a dual national U.S.-Vietnamese citizen. 
• U.S. citizens who also hold Vietnamese citizenship and are currently residing in Vietnam may wish to contact local authorities. Consider seeking competent legal advice on how local laws may affect your status. 

Detention conditions

• Detention facilities in Vietnam don’t have air conditioning or heating. Many jails are crowded, hot and humid, and don’t have good air flow. Current U.S. citizen detainees report breathing problems and skin rashes because the air is damp or there is mold.     
• You can usually see a doctor for basic health problems, though treatment and medical checks are frequently delayed, even in emergencies. Jail clinics often do not have the specific medicines you might need. Sometimes they won’t allow certain medications.  Jail clinics are often not able to treat serious conditions due to limited staffing and resources.
• Current U.S. citizen detainees in Vietnam say prisons don’t provide enough food. Most people in jail need to buy extra food from the prison store or get food from family members.
• The U.S. embassy and consulate try to bring food or clothes from family. However, some jails change their rules without warning about what items they will accept or when deliveries or visits are allowed. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.     
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.     
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.     

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:     

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Vietnam.     

• If your sex on U.S. documents is different from Vietnamese records, your U.S. passport or ID may not be accepted in Vietnam. This can make it hard to get official papers for births, marriages, or deaths.
• Vietnam may not recognize same-sex marriages. If you are a same-sex couple and have a baby in Vietnam, you may not be able to get a birth certificate that lists both parents. This creates serious problems with legal parental rights in Vietnam, the United States, and other countries.
• U.S. government documents cannot replace a Vietnamese birth certificate. Even if the U.S. embassy gives you a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), this does not work as the legal document that proves parental rights. You still need the Vietnamese birth certificate.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Vietnam prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but enforcement is uneven and real world conditions often fall short of legal standards.

• Major cities have more accessible options than smaller towns or rural areas, but even in cities, accessibility is inconsistent.
• The most common accessibility features tend to be in newer, mid- to high-end hotels, shopping centers, major museums, some tourist attractions, and international airports, where travelers may find ramps, elevators, wider doors, and some adapted restrooms or step free access.
• Accessibility is generally limited in:
  • Trains: Some major stations have separate access paths, but the height and gap between platform and train doors are large, so wheelchair users typically need physical assistance to board and get off.
  • Buses: Most city buses have high steps, narrow doors, and no lifts or ramps, making them difficult to use with a wheelchair.
  • Sidewalks and general infrastructure: Often have uneven surfaces, high curbs, and obstacles; smaller hotels and guesthouses frequently have steps at entrances, narrow doorways, and non-adapted bathrooms.
• Many people are willing to help when asked, but staff may not be trained in accessibility, so travelers often need to explain their needs clearly.
• Travelers with disabilities typically benefit from: contacting hotels and attractions directly to confirm details (entrances, bathrooms, room layout), requesting photos, booking accessible rooms early, arranging airport wheelchair assistance 48–72 hours in advance, and considering private car hire rather than relying on buses.
• You can also choose to work with tour operators experienced in accessible travel. They can help identify better routes and sites and adapt itineraries to individual mobility and health needs.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.      

Women travelers     

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

The Government of Vietnam maintains strict control over all forms of political speech - particularly dissent or speech it deems as critical of the government or party - media, and religious activity.

• U.S. citizens have been detained, put on trial, and convicted for activities considered to be sensitive or political. This includes:
  • Criticizing the Vietnamese government or its domestic or foreign policies
  • Suggesting alternatives to Communist Party rule
  • Having political books, papers, or materials
  • Religious activities the government hasn’t approved (including trying to convert people to your religion)
• Authorities have also detained U.S. citizens for posting messages on blogs, social media, or online chatrooms that are perceived to be political or critical of the government.
• U.S. citizens of Vietnamese descent should be especially careful with their online postings.
• Review the Department of State’s Vietnam Human Rights Report for the latest information on Freedom of Expression in Vietnam.     
• Review our information on Journalists.      

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vietnam Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 115 for emergency medical services.      

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available in major cities. Outside of the city, injured or very ill travelers should contact the nearest hospital for ambulance services.

• Ambulances, even in large cities, are not usually equipped with advanced medical equipment. They often have little or no medical equipment.     
• Ambulances are generally not staffed with trained paramedics.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Vietnam. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Vietnam.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Private and public hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.     
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in all major cities. It may be difficult to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of clinics and hospitals Medical Assistance - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Vietnam. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics may lack basic resources and supplies.     
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• U.S. citizens have filed many complaints about unethical business practices. They have expressed concern about high prices and collection methods from some private hospitals in Vietnam. Before agreeing to any medical care, travelers should gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.       
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.

• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Vietnam.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.     
• Although Vietnam has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Vietnam, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.      

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. The prescription should be authenticated and translated into Vietnamese for use in Vietnam.

• Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Vietnam.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places like hospital-based pharmacies.
• Vietnam prohibits or strictly restricts medications containing narcotics, psychotropic substances, and drug precursors such as high-dose codeine, pseudoephedrine, and strong sedatives. This is even when accompanied by a prescription. Please review Vietnam rules on medication here.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

U.S. citizens have experienced serious complications, including death, while receiving care from unlicensed or non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Vietnam.

• We strongly recommend against participating in treatments offered by unverified practitioners, including unlicensed herbal remedies, spiritual healing, or other practices lacking medical oversight.
• Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in case of complications.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Vietnam to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• In vitro fertilization is available to married couples and single women in Vietnam. One or both parents must be a Vietnamese citizen to conduct IVF in Vietnam.  Sperm, egg, and embryo donations are required to be anonymous.
• Surrogacy is strictly regulated and generally illegal for foreigners in Vietnam. Only altruistic surrogacy is allowed, and the surrogate mother must be a relative of the intended parent (either mother or father is acceptable).     
• Decree-207-2025-ND-CP provides more information about surrogacy law.  For additional information, visit the Vietnamese Ministry of Health website.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Vietnam via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. Be aware that people who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences. 

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water in Vietnam is not considered safe to drink anywhere, including in major cities.
• Use tap water only for washing or bathing, not for drinking.
• In some areas such as during the dry season or in coastal regions with saltwater intrusion, tap water may not run every day. It may have very low pressure.     
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve boiled water by default. For safety, ask specifically for bottled water instead.     
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• If you cannot get bottled water, make water safe by boiling it for at least 1 minute. You can also filter, disinfect, or distill it. Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Vietnam.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.

Air pollution is a significant problem in Vietnam’s major cities, especially Hanoi. You should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact that poor air quality may have on you.

• Review our Medicine and Health page for general health information.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Emergency phone numbers

Police handle accidents and traffic control. Ambulances transport injured people to hospitals.

• Dial 113 for traffic police
• Dial 115 for ambulance services
• Dial 1900-54-55-70 for Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC hotline)

Major highways

Expressways have:

• Emergency call boxes every 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km)
• Security cameras
• Traffic control centers

Dangerous driving conditions

Night driving is risky, especially:

• On rural highways without street lights.
• During rainy season because of flooding and poor visibility.
• On long-distance night buses.
• Drive slowly and stay alert in these conditions.

Traffic signs and safety rules

Vietnam has traffic signs, including lights, stop signs, warning signs, and road markings. The law requires vehicles to pass safety inspections and not carry too much weight.

Traffic police check vehicles to make sure they follow these rules.

In case of an accident

If you are in an accident, you must:

• Stop immediately
• Help injured people
• Stay at the scene
• Keep everything as it is until police arrive
• Report the accident to police

People nearby are required by law to:

• Help injured people
• Protect the accident scene
• Call police or ambulance
• Give information to police

Bystanders usually help first before professional emergency workers arrive.

What to carry in your vehicle

We strongly recommend carrying emergency items, like:

• Flashlight
• Reflective vest
• Phone charger or power bank
• Basic tools (jack, wrench, screwdriver)
• Roadside help is limited in Vietnam, so having these items is important. 

Traffic laws     

Driver license requirements

U.S. driver's licenses and International Driving Permits do not work in Vietnam.

• If you drive without a Vietnamese license, you can be fined, arrested, or sent to jail.
• To get a Vietnamese driver's license, contact the Traffic Police Office of the Provincial Public Security. You may need to take a medical exam.
• For more information, please refer to Vietnam’s Public Service Portal, Ministry of Public Security (Vietnamese language only).

Required documents

You must carry these documents while driving:

• Valid driver's license
• Vehicle registration
• Personal identification

Traffic police can stop you and check your documents. If you don't have them, you will be fined. Although bribery is illegal, some people report being asked for informal payments for minor violations. Always ask for an official receipt and follow proper procedures.

Driving culture

Vietnam's roads are crowded and chaotic. Most people drive motorcycles. Drivers often:

• Change lanes frequently
• Honk their horns frequently
• Cut in front of other vehicles
• Sometimes ignore traffic signals

Although laws require helmets, following speed limits, and zero alcohol while driving, many people don't follow these rules consistently. The government is cracking down with higher fines and cameras in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Traffic police now have cameras and speed detectors, and some speak English to explain violations to foreign drivers.

The traffic system is improving but can feel like "organized chaos." Drivers rely on watching each other and making quick decisions rather than strictly following traffic rules.

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis and ride-share applications such as Grab, Vinasun, Mai Linh, and Green SM are widely available and commonly used throughout Vietnam.     

• Verify driver identity and vehicle information matches the app before entering.
• Be aware that traffic in major cities can be extremely congested and chaotic. There are many motorbikes on the road.
• Avoid motorbike taxis unless necessary. If using motorbikes, always wear a helmet and understand local traffic laws are different from U.S. practices
• Ensure seat belts are worn when available

Public and commercial transportation

Public transportation in Vietnam is widely available and commonly used. It includes buses, trains, domestic flights, ride-hailing services, and, in major cities, urban metro systems.

• Intercity trains operated by Vietnam Railways are generally reliable for long-distance travel.
• Buses connect most urban and rural areas.
• In cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, traffic congestion is common, and road conditions, driving practices, and limited adherence to traffic laws can pose safety risks.
• Motorbike traffic is dense, and accidents involving motorbikes are a leading safety concern. Be cautious when crossing streets and when using informal or unregulated transport services.
• U.S. government employees are advised to use trusted services, such as licensed taxis or established ride-hailing applications, and to avoid unverified or informal transport services.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

There are currently no standing prohibitions or restrictions on airline use by U.S. Mission employees due to safety concerns for official or personal travel.

• Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia. It can experience significant congestion during peak travel periods.
• Allow extra time for check-in and security procedures.
• During emergency situations or public health crises, the Government of Vietnam may have extra screening measures or temporary travel restrictions.

Maritime travel

If you plan to travel by boat in Vietnam, be careful and stay informed about current conditions.

Major waterways and ports

• The Saigon River goes to Ho Chi Minh City's port and has heavy commercial shipping traffic.
• The Red River and its smaller rivers connect Hanoi to inland waterways and regional ports for cargo and local river traffic.
• Major ports like Haiphong in the north and Da Nang in central Vietnam handle international shipping.

Safety considerations

• Recreational boats and ferries operate in these areas.
• There is heavy commercial ship traffic, so follow all local maritime rules.
• Weather conditions during monsoon season can be dangerous.
• Make sure your boat is properly registered and follows Vietnamese maritime law.
• Keep communication equipment working and check local weather and navigation warnings regularly.

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Vietnam by sea should check the following:     

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Vietnam’s has 3 different climate zones, each with its own weather risks.

Tropical cyclones and typhoons

Storms hit the Central and Northern coasts from June to December. The worst storms typically occur from September to November.

Flooding

Urban and flash flooding happens during monsoon seasons:

• May to October in the South and Central Highlands.
• September to December along the Central Coast.

Extreme heat

Heat waves occur across the country:

• March to May in the South.
• May to August in the North and Central regions.

These weather events can disrupt travel, but most are seasonal and you can plan around them.

Safety apps and resources

Consider downloading these apps to stay safe:

• Vietnam Weather KTTV app. Gives you real-time alerts about storms, landslides, and flash floods across the country.
• UDI Maps app (in Ho Chi Minh City). Helps you track street flooding and high-tide alerts.
• Zalo –Vietnam's main communication app. You can follow official government weather channels for emergency broadcasts and safety updates.

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 113 for police.
• Dial 114 for fire and rescue.
• Dial 115 for ambulance services. 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates