Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Vietnam Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, vietnam - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.                    Exercise normal precautions in Vietnam.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Vietnam.

 If you decide to travel to Vietnam:

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Vietnam.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Travel Advisory Levels

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travel to vietnam cdc

  • Info for travelers on Covid-19 in Vietnam

Starting from 0:00 on May 15, all Vietnam destinations are open, no self-isolation is required, and all regulations for SARS-CoV-2 testing required before entering will be temporarily suspended.

Here are critical points of the new guidelines: Visa + travel insurance are now accepted for entry.

Live Fully in Vietnam

VISA EXEMPT

Visitors from the following countries may enter visa free, and stay for the indicated number of days.

  • ASIA Brunei, Myanmar - 14 days. Japan, South Korea (ROK) - 15 days. The Philippines - 21 days. Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand - 30 days.
  • EUROPE Belarus, Denmark, Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom - 15 days.

To stay beyond this number of days, you may apply for a visa extension upon your arrival in Vietnam.

VISA REQUIRED

Simply apply online for your tourist E-visa , valid for 30 days. E-visa fee is USD 25, the processing time is 3 working days. You will receive your code by email to print your visa.

Screening centers and health hotlines

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or are concerned that you may have been exposed, call Vietnam’s health hotline 1900 3228   immediately.

Vietnam has appointed 323 authorized testing facilities to carry out testing and diagnosis of COVID-19. See the full list .

Health requirements

Incoming travelers need to follow the below guideline from the Ministry of Health :

Starting from 0:00 on May 15, temporarily suspend pre-entry SARS-CoV-2 test requirements.

No requirement for quarantine.

Within 10 days from the date of entry: self-monitor your health, if you have symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose, stuffy nose; body aches, fatigue, chills; decreased or lost taste; decreased or lost sense of smell; pain, headache; diarrhea; difficulty breathing; respiratory inflammation...) must immediately notify the nearest medical facility for instructions.

These are based on guidelines from the Ministry of Health .

How to Apply for Vietnam's e-Visa:

Step 1:  Prepare the required materials:

  • One 4x6 passport photo in .jpg format with a white background, without glasses.
  • One photo in .jpg format of your passport data page.
  • A passport is valid for at least six months.
  • Your temporary address in Vietnam and points of entry and exit.
  • Debit or credit card for payment.

Step 2: Click this link or access https://immigration.gov.vn/ and go to 'E-visa Issuance' then click on the link for 'Outside Vietnam foreigners'.

Step 3:  Upload your .jpg images (passport data page and passport photo) and fill out the required fields on the form completely. Submit your form.

Step 4: Pay the e-Visa fee of 25 USD. Copy down the document code provided.

Step 5: Within three working days you should receive news of your e-Visa application via email. If not, you can also run a search for your e-Visa at this link .

Step 6: Use your document code to locate your e-Visa online. Download and print the e-Visa in two copies for extra safety.

Live Fully in Vietnam

TIP: Travelers with an e-Visa can go directly to immigration counters at their point of entry and do not need to queue at Visa on Arrival counters.

Insurance requirement: 

Purchase medical/travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage: $10,000. This typically costs about USD 40.

Health checks on departure

Domestic travel: Travelers are required to:

  • During 10 days from the date of entry, tourists are requested to continue to self-monitor health. If having signs and symptoms of SARS-COV-2, must immediately notify the nearest medical facility.
  • Comply with the Ministry of Health’s 4K message: khau trang (face masks), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distancing), khong tu tap (no gatherings).
  • Currently, domestic flights restrictions have been reduced until the new update. However, please notice that all requirements might have resulted in changes requirements of the different destinations.

International travel: These follow the guidelines and procedures published by the country you are returning to.

Health and safety precautions for travelers

Visitors to Vietnam are encouraged to take sensible precautions against COVID-19 during their trips.

The World Health Organization outlines these basic practices to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:

Avoid traveling if you have a fever and cough.  If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, alert health-care services and share with them your recent travel history.

Maintain social distancing. Stay a meter or more away from others, especially those who are sneezing or coughing, or have a fever. 

Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to spray your hands frequently.

Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of dirty tissues immediately and wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. 

Avoid contact with live animals. Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch live animals or animal products in markets.

Eat only well-cooked food. Make sure your meals, especially animal proteins and dairy products, are thoroughly cooked and prepared in a sanitary environment. 

Discard single-use masks.  If you choose to wear a single-use mask, ensure it covers your nose and mouth, avoids touching the mask, and wash your hands after removing it.

“Any travelers experiencing symptoms of the virus − fever, cough and difficulty breathing − should immediately call Vietnam’s health hotline: 1900 3228 . Vietnam has appointed 323 authorized testing facilities to carry out testing and diagnosis of COVID-19 disease. See the full list . For a full overview of the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam as it relates to travelers, as well as daily updates, please see our updated travel advisory. ”

The information above is compiled by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Guidelines may change at any time based on conditions, as determined by the Vietnam government.

travel to vietnam cdc

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CDC Warns Against Travel to Vietnam Weeks Before Country Opens Its Borders

The warning for Vietnam comes just weeks before the country plans to open its borders to travelers on March 15.

travel to vietnam cdc

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has raised its warning on travel to Vietnam, just weeks before the country is set to reopen to tourism.

The agency classified Vietnam as a "Level 4" destination, indicating a "very high" level of COVID-19 transmission in the country and telling Americans to "avoid" going there. The change is the latest update to the CDC's travel advisory list, which it re-evaluates each week .

The warning for Vietnam comes just weeks before the country plans to open its borders to travelers on March 15. The planned date is three months earlier than initially expected.

The agency classifies destinations as "Level 4" if there are more than 500 COVID-19 cases reported per 100,000 people over the last 28 days.

The CDC recommends that anyone who does travel to a "Level 4" destination is "vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before travel," but warns, "Even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19."

Currently, more than 130 destinations are considered "Level 4," including some of the most popular tourist spots like Mexico , Canada , Aruba, Spain, Italy, and France .

Currently, the country is seeing a spike in new COVID-19 cases, reporting more than 95,000 new infections per day, according to Reuters .

When Vietnam does open, international travelers will be expected to be fully vaccinated within the past six months as well as test negative for COVID-19 before their departure and then again upon arrival in the country. Travelers will also be required to quarantine for the first day of their trip and carry travel medical coverage for up to $10,000.

U.S. travelers will be required to obtain a visa for travel to Vietnam.

Vietnam's decision to open comes as several other neighboring destinations have started welcoming Americans. Last month, the tourist hotspot Bali reopened to travelers, the Philippines reopened to fully vaccinated visitors, and Thailand reintroduced quarantine-free travel to the country.

The CDC's latest warning comes days after the agency eased mask recommendations for a large swath of the U.S.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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Vietnam Travel Requirements & Vaccinations

Vietnam is a country in southern Asia on the Indochina Peninsula that, in recent years, has become one of the fastest growing tourist destinations. Officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, it is bordered by China to the north and Thailand to the southwest. Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam with French being the most commonly spoken second language. English is gaining popularity but is not yet widely used.

Due to marked variety in the terrain of Vietnam, the climate can vary greatly based on location. Temperatures tend to be higher in the plains and cooler in the mountainous regions and plateaus. During the winter season – November through April – monsoon winds usually blow from the northeast, picking up considerable moisture. The country is also affected by tropical depressions, tropical storms and typhoons. Vietnam has a uniquely high level of biological diversity and is home to approximately 840 different species of birds and 310 species of mammals.

Some popular tourist destinations include:

  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Hanoi, the capital city
  • Ha Long Bay
  • Nha Trang, a popular beach destination with a tropical climate

Recommended Vaccinations for Vietnam Travel

  • Hepatitis A
  • Japanese encephalitis

*Rabies vaccination is typically only recommended for very high risk travelers given that it is completely preventable if medical attention is received within 7 – 10 days of an animal bite.

Travelers may also be advised to ensure they have received the routine vaccinations listed below. Some adults may need to receive a booster for some of these diseases:

  • Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
  • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)

Older adults or those with certain medical conditions may also want to ask about being vaccinated for shingles and/or pneumonia.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a travel medicine professional. Not all of the vaccines listed here will be necessary for every individual.

Talk to the experts at UH Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health to determine how each member of your family can obtain maximum protection against illness, disease and injury while traveling, based on age, health, medical history and travel itinerary.

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Vietnam Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Vietnam

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

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Find flights to vietnam, find stays in vietnam, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Vietnam from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Vietnam.

Can I travel to Vietnam if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Vietnam without restrictions.

Can I travel to Vietnam without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Vietnam without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Vietnam?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Vietnam.

Can I travel to Vietnam without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Vietnam?

Mask usage in Vietnam is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Vietnam?

Restaurants in Vietnam are open. Bars in Vietnam are .

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CDC in Vietnam

At a glance.

CDC has worked with the Government of Vietnam since 1998. CDC provides direct technical support and expertise to the Vietnam Ministry of Health to build high-quality, sustainable public health systems and scale up programs that address priority diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and influenza. CDC works to strengthen laboratory and surveillance systems, epidemic preparedness and response, public health workforce capacity, and provide guidance on emergency management systems that strengthen global health security.

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CDC has worked with the Government of Vietnam since 1998. CDC works closely with the Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH) and partner organizations to address the following public health areas:

  • Laboratory systems strengthening, including antimicrobial resistance

Emergency response

Workforce development, immunizations, global health security, strategic focus.

CDC's global health security work in Vietnam focuses on reaching the goals outlined in the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and strengthening the country's public health systems across the following core areas:

Laboratory systems strengthening

CDC has helped Vietnam develop national strategic plans, a public health reference laboratory network, a biosafety and biosecurity system, whole genome sequencing capacity and improved the capacity of clinical laboratories to detect antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.

International Accreditation‎

Decades of investment in global health security, partnerships, HIV and TB control, and pandemic preparedness efforts have built strong foundations that Vietnam leveraged to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vietnam was at the forefront of global efforts to detect COVID-19 outbreaks. The country was a leader in the rapid deployment of vaccines—successfully achieving a 95 percent adult vaccination rate for primary doses. CDC's technical staff continue to partner with the MOH to ensure emergency preparedness for public health threats by:

  • Developing national guidelines for surveillance, quarantine, laboratory testing, and infection prevention and control (IPC).
  • Assisting in investigations to protect communities.
  • Providing data analysis to the government to make informed decisions.
  • Providing training on sample collection, biosafety, and testing.
  • Supporting vaccine equity, increased demand, and distribution.
  • Supporting risk assessments regarding border surveillance and testing requirements.

CDC supports training public health professionals through the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) in all 63 provinces in Vietnam. Through FETP, CDC strengthens Vietnam's workforce capacity to identify and stop outbreaks before they spread.

Worker walks outside an outside clinic dressed in blue PPE.

Key achievements

  • As of 2023, CDC helped develop a surveillance system for antimicrobial resistant pathogens that is used in 54 laboratories across the country.
  • CDC provided training on COVID-19 testing, biosafety, and sample collection at hospitals in all 63 provinces during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Since 2021, 34 trainees have graduated from the 9-month FETP-Intermediate.
  • A 12-month FETP-Advanced is planned to launch in 2024.

CDC supports the Government of Vietnam to improve vaccine coverage and ensure equitable access to vaccines through hepatitis B elimination activities, support of future new vaccine introductions, and targeting hard-to-reach populations in Vietnam for delivery of routine immunizations.

  • CDC has provided technical support to pilot routine immunization screening in schools to identify children who have missed required vaccine doses.
  • In 2017, CDC established a national public health reference laboratories network in three major cities, which supports state-of-the-art diagnostic capacities and the ability to characterize new diseases with whole genome sequencing.

As a key implementer of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) , CDC supports Vietnam to reach HIV epidemic control through:

  • Providing technical support to the MOH, academic institutions, provincial HIV programs, community organizations, and the private sector.
  • Prioritizing continuity and quality of HIV services.
  • Advancing scientific innovations and equity for key populations.
  • Supporting Vietnam's National TB Program (NTP) to strengthen the capacity of laboratories and TB screening and detection for children and adolescents.
  • Providing technical assistance to strengthen efforts to find, cure, and prevent TB, HIV-associated TB, and multidrug-resistant TB.
  • Building capacity to operationalize new and existing TB control tools and using evidence to propel data-driven TB control and prevention activities.

CDC Vietnam continues to support the transition of HIV and TB services to domestic financing and program responsibility.

  • As of 2024, 96% of people living with HIV receive antiretroviral therapy through the Government of Vietnam's social health insurance.
  • CDC leads the national implementation of HIV recency testing to rapidly mobilize resources and technical assistance to signals of active HIV transmission as part of a provincially-led public health cluster response.
  • In treatment sites supported by CDC, 99% of patients with HIV viral load testing in the past year are virally suppressed.
  • With CDC support, over 37,000 clients have started PrEP in CDC-supported PEPFAR sites since in 2019.
  • In 2023, over 95% of people living with HIV in CDC-supported PEPFAR sites initiated and completed TB preventive therapy.
  • CDC supported local partners to conduct 146 community TB screening events across five provinces to improve TB detection where it's needed most.
  • CDC also helps scale up HIV diagnostics, routine viral load monitoring, and innovations such as recency testing and TB diagnostics.

Two animal health workers in a bird market take sample from a bird.

CDC has partnered with Vietnam to provide support for influenza preparedness since 2005. CDC helped establish two National Influenza Centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City that can rapidly detect novel or seasonal influenza viruses. CDC supports influenza surveillance, such as in severe acute respiratory infections, and supports improved testing quality through domestic and international training as well as a proficiency testing program. CDC also strengthens national capacity to detect avian influenza outbreaks through activities such as live bird market surveillance, and to respond to novel influenza viruses.

Annually, over 2,000 specimens from hospitalized patients in 3 of 4 regions in Vietnam are tested for influenza viruses. Selected human and poultry specimens with positive influenza A results are sent to the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center in Atlanta for further characterization and potential inclusion as candidate vaccine strains.

CDC also facilitates collaboration between human and animal health sectors.

  • Between September 2019 and 2023, Vietnam vaccinated more than 400,000 healthcare workers in 35 provinces with IVACFLU-S, locally produced influenza vaccine produced by a local manufacturer licensed since 2019.
  • Due to Vietnam's and CDC's surveillance-strengthening efforts, the Department of Animal Health, detected its first in-country cases of H5N8 avian influenza in poultry and live bird markets in June 2021.
  • Supported revitalization of influenza surveillance in Vietnam. A hospital-based surveillance system for influenza was established in 2022 in 3 of 4 regions of Vietnam to facilitate sharing of human influenza specimens to a WHO Collaborating Center (WHO CC) and reporting of influenza surveillance data to an international platform. In December 2023, the first samples since 2018 were shared with a WHO CC. These samples and data are critical for informing selection of candidate viral strains for influenza vaccine.
  • More than 20 publications on influenza surveillance and research, including H5 virus circulation in live bird markets in Vietnam.
  • Annual sharing of approximately 2,000 influenza positive specimens from poultry to CDC Atlanta to support pandemic preparedness.

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Vietnam

Passport Health offers a variety of options for travellers throughout the world.

Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination.

Visitors looking to be swept away by gorgeous landscape will be can see jungles, caves, grottoes, and immense limestone pillars. Those looking to explore new flavors and foods will be thrilled with the cheap and delicious street food.

Even those looking to experience a new culture will be able to indulge in Vietnam’s unique blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Southern Chinese, and French influences.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Vietnam? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Vietnam? What is the Climate Like in Vietnam? How Safe is Vietnam? Visiting the Củ Chi Tunnels What Should I Take To Vietnam? Canadian Embassy in Vietnam

Do I Need Vaccines for Vietnam?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Vietnam. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Vietnam: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , Japanese encephalitis , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

  • Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers
  • Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
  • Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
  • Japanese Encephalitis – Mosquito – Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October.
  • Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
  • Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
  • TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
  • Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
  • Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
  • Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
  • Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
  • Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
  • Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Share your itinerary with a travel medicine specialist to see if there are other steps you can take to prevent malaria , including taking prescription medicine. Antimalarials are highly recommended when visiting rural areas.

Japanese encephalitis vaccination is recommended for many travellers going to Vietnam. The mosquito-borne virus is potentially deadly and poses a risk to all travellers.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

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Passport health – travel vaccines for vietnam, do i need a visa or passport for vietnam.

All travellers to Vietnam must have a passport and visa for entry. Passports must be valid for at least six months past a traveller’s intended departure date from the country.

Sources: Embassy of Vietnam and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

What is the Climate Like in Vietnam?

There are various climate zones within Vietnam. The far north experiences a dry season from October to March and a wet season from April to September. It can get particularly cold during December and January, but is otherwise pleasant.

In north Vietnam there are four distinct seasons: winter, where temperatures reach below 20.

In central Vietnam the weather is hot and dry from mid-January to late August. During the winter there is significant rainfall, occasionally typhoons, and much cooler temperatures.

In South Vietnam the temperatures are constant all year. There is a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to November.

How Safe is Vietnam?

Crime does occur in Vietnam and the Overseas Security Advisory Council ranks Hanoi as medium in Overall Crime and Safety Situation.

Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and theft occurs often. Travelling alone after dark is not recommended. Violent crime has been growing, mostly in urban areas.

Scams are common. Foreign travellers should be very careful, particularly when entering motorcycle taxis, as there are many fake ones.

Visiting the Củ Chi Tunnels

The Củ Chi tunnels are a huge network of underground tunnels located in Ho Chi Minh City. They are a small part of a network of tunnels that exist under most of Vietnam. The tunnels played a great importance during many wars and battles. The government of Vietnam has turned the Củ Chi tunnels into a war memorial park.

Visitors can crawl into the tunnels and see the various traps that soldiers rigged to protect themselves. One can even visit underground conference rooms where various military campaigns were planned. Above ground, visitors can see monkeys or visit a shooting range.

What Should I Take To Vietnam?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Indonesia:

  • Money Belt – These are a great way to avoid pickpocketing while in Vietnam.
  • Mosquito Repellent – Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases are common in many parts of Vietnam. Make sure you’re protected from these bugs while travelling.
  • Walking Shoes – Visitors can walk the streets to explore the street vendors or beautiful wildlife, making good shoes a must.

Canadian Embassy in Vietnam

When travelling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the Canadian Embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.

Canadian Embassy Hanoi – Consular Annex 31 Hung Vuong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam Telephone: 84 (4) 3734-5000

If you have any questions about travelling to Vietnam or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online today .

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Vietnam

Passport Health offers a variety of options for travelers throughout the world.

Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination.

Visitors looking to be swept away by gorgeous landscape can see jungles, caves, grottoes and immense limestone pillars. Those looking to explore new flavors and foods will be thrilled with the cheap and delicious street food.

Even those looking to experience a new culture will be able to indulge in Vietnam’s unique blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Southern Chinese, and French influences.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Vietnam? Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Vietnam Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Vietnam? What Is the Climate Like in Vietnam? Is It Safe to Travel to Vietnam? Visiting Halong Bay What Should I Take to Vietnam? U.S. Embassy in Vietnam

Do I Need Vaccines for Vietnam?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Vietnam. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Vietnam: typhoid , hepatitis A , polio , Japanese encephalitis , chikungunya , rabies , hepatitis B , influenza , COVID-19 , pneumonia , meningitis , chickenpox , shingles , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

  • Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
  • Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travelers.
  • Polio – Food & Water – Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination.
  • Japanese Encephalitis – Mosquito – Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October.
  • Chikungunya – Mosquito – Active transmission is reported in the region but is uncommon. Due to issues with the local healthcare system, vaccination is recommended.
  • Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals.
  • Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travelers to most regions.
  • Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
  • COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic.
  • Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
  • Meningitis – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
  • Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
  • Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
  • Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
  • TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
  • Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.

See the table below for more information:

Specific Vaccine Information

  • Typhoid – Typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and safe food and water precautions.
  • Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective shot that provides immunity against the virus, usually given in two doses.
  • Japanese Encephalitis – Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection affecting the brain, prevalent in rural Asia. It can cause neurological symptoms and, in severe cases, death. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine, administered via injection, effectively prevents the virus, recommended for people living in or traveling to endemic areas.
  • Chikungunya – Chikungunya, spread by infected mosquitoes, can be prevented through mosquito bite prevention and vaccination. The chikungunya vaccine is considered the best form of protection.
  • Rabies – Rabies is a lethal disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, and vaccination is the key to prevention. Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for individuals at risk, and immediate post-exposure vaccination is crucial if one encounters a potentially rabid animal.
  • Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious viral infections. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, ensures strong immunity, reducing the risk of disease transmission and protecting both individuals and the broader population from these potentially severe illnesses.

Malaria in Vietnam

Malaria in Vietnam is limited to rural areas. Rare cases have been reported in the Mekong and Red River Deltas. Travelers to these regions may need antimalarials based on their specific travel plans.

Travelers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Share your itinerary with a travel medicine specialist to see if there are other steps you can take to prevent malaria , including taking prescription medicine. Antimalarials are highly recommended when visiting rural areas.

Japanese encephalitis vaccination is recommended for many travelers going to Vietnam. The mosquito-borne virus is potentially deadly and poses a risk to all travelers.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Vietnam

Prevent bug bites in vietnam.

Protect yourself from bug bites by wearing long clothing and using CDC-recommended repellents like DEET or picaridin. Avoid bug-prone areas during peak hours to reduce the risk.

Food and Water Safety in Vietnam

When abroad, ensure food safety by avoiding street vendors, practicing hand hygiene, and opting for thoroughly cooked dishes. Choose bottled or canned drinks with intact seals. To prevent travelers’ diarrhea , maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at trustworthy restaurants.

Infections To Be Aware of in Vietnam

  • Avian/Bird Flu – Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is a contagious virus that affects birds and can spread to humans. Preventing it involves vaccination of poultry, strict biosecurity on farms, safe handling and cooking of poultry, surveillance for outbreaks, and raising public awareness.
  • Dengue – Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue to millions globally, prevention is the best defense. The disease can strike multiple times due to its four strains, underscoring the need for mosquito bite prevention like netting and repellents.
  • Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, a prevalent tropical parasitic disease, spreads through contact with contaminated water. To combat it, avoid infected water sources and use protective clothing.

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Vietnam?

All travelers to Vietnam must have a passport and visa for entry. Passports must be valid for at least six months past a travelers’ intended departure date from the country.

Sources: Embassy of Vietnam and U.S. State Department

What Is the Climate Like in Vietnam?

There are various climate zones within Vietnam. The far north experiences a dry season from October to March and a wet season from April to September. It can get particularly cold during December and January, but is otherwise pleasant.

In north Vietnam there are four distinct seasons: winter, where temperatures reach the low 60’s.

In central Vietnam the weather is hot and dry from mid-January to late August. During the winter there is significant rainfall, occasionally typhoons, and much cooler temperatures.

In South Vietnam the temperatures are constant all year. There is a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to November.

Is It Safe to Travel to Vietnam?

Crime does occur in Vietnam and the Overseas Security Advisory Council ranks Hanoi as medium in Overall Crime and Safety Situation.

Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and theft occurs often. Traveling alone after dark is not recommended. Violent crime has been growing, mostly in urban areas.

Scams are common. Foreign travelers should be very careful, particularly when entering motorcycle taxis, as there are many fake ones.

Visiting Halong Bay

Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs, insect-borne disease are a threat throughout the world., keep the bugs away with passport health’s repellent options .

Halong Bay is a beautiful place in Vietnam that many tourists visit. People go there to see the amazing views of over 1,600 islands and take pretty pictures. Tourists can ride on different types of boats, like wooden ones or fancy ones, to explore the islands and caves. They can also go kayaking to get close to the cliffs or explore caves.

Some of the islands in Halong Bay have beaches where people can swim, sunbathe and relax. Halong Bay has many caves that tourists can visit, learn about the history of the region, and see unique rock formations. Visitors can also try the fresh seafood, which is delicious.

What Should I Take to Vietnam?

Vietnam is a beautiful country with hot and humid weather. When packing for a trip to Vietnam, it’s important to bring lightweight, breathable clothes made from cotton or linen. You should also pack comfortable shoes for walking and flip-flops for the beach.

Don’t forget to bring a universal adapter for electronics and a power bank to charge your devices on the go. If you need prescription medication, be sure to bring enough for your trip. You should also pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and bugs.

It’s a good idea to bring some cash in case credit card machines are not working. But, you can also exchange currency at banks and exchange offices in Vietnam. Remember to pack light and leave room for souvenirs!

U.S. Embassy in Vietnam

When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.

U.S. Embassy Hanoi – Consular Annex 170 Ngoc Khanh Ba Dinh District Hanoi, Vietnam Telephone: +(84) (4) 3850-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(84) (4) 3850-5000 or (04) 3850-5000/3850-5105 Fax: +(84) (4) 3850-5010 Email: [email protected]

Visit the Embassy to Vietnam website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.

If you have any questions about traveling to Vietnam or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online today .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Vietnam travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 5, 2024 06:24 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, vietnam - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Vietnam due to high rate of petty crime.

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Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and may increase during major public holidays, such as Tet (Lunar New Year).

Criminals work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings. They may try to grab your bag and other valuables while passing on a motorbike or slash your bag in crowded streets and markets. 

Theft is frequent:  

  • in popular tourist areas
  • in markets, shopping centres and commercial streets
  • on public transportation including sleeper trains
  • in transportation hubs such as airports and train stations
  • in restaurants, including patios and outdoor cafés
  • at beaches and seaside destinations

While travelling:

  • ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • keep a digital copy of your identity and travel documents
  • avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery 
  • avoid carrying large sums of cash
  • avoid isolated areas, especially at night
  • pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
  • be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Violent crime

Although violent crimes targeting foreigners are rarer, they may occur. In some cases, criminals have used weapons such as knives and razors. Threats of physical injury related to personal disputes also occasionally occur.

  • If you are involved in a dispute, contact the police as soon as possible
  • If you are threatened by robbers, don’t resist

Residential break-ins

Residential break-ins occur, especially in large cities and may increase before and during the Tet holiday (Lunar New Year). Burglars may target houses or apartments rented or owned by tourists and foreigners.

  • Stay in accommodations with adequate security measures  
  • Make sure you lock doors and windows at night and when you’re away

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Sexual assault and harassment do occur, including:

  • in beach destinations
  • in bars, nightclubs and entertainment districts
  • on taxis and public transportation

Local authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are a victim of sexual assault:

  • seek immediate medical assistance, whether or not you appear to have been physically harmed
  • contact the local police and ensure they file a report
  • inform consular officials at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate

Advice for women travellers

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs frequently.

  • Avoid using your credit card in small establishments
  • Consider using a card with a small credit limit
  • Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
  • Pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
  • Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
  • Use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
  • Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

  • Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks
  • Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
  • Be cautious when posting information on social media
  • Be especially vigilant if you decide to meet someone you met online
  • Don’t click a suspicious link in an email or text message asking for your credit card details

At the airport

Criminals posing as taxi drivers have targeted foreign visitors at Nội Bài International Airport in Hanoi and robbed them by forcing them to withdraw money from ATMs.

Travellers have also been robbed by drivers who greeted them upon arrival with a placard showing their name.

  • Arrange your pickup with your hotel before arrival, or use authorized airport taxis
  • Confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car

Gambling scams

Tourists have been victims of gambling scams in Hanoi, as well as in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in the Pham Ngu Lao neighbourhood.

The scam consists of a friendly invitation sent to the victim to go to someone’s home in order to meet a relative interested in visiting Canada. While waiting for the relative, the scammers suggest a casual game of cards involving an initial small wager. Some victims have lost thousands of dollars over the course of an evening.

Be wary of unsolicited proposals from strangers.

If you’ve been scammed:

  • get to a safe location immediately
  • take note, as soon as possible, of the name and address of the facility where you were held
  • notify the police and obtain a report
  • if a bank card was involved, report the scam to your banking company, which will likely request a copy of the police report to cancel the transaction

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

  • Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
  • Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

Unregulated alcohol

Some people died after consuming unregulated and adulterated rice wine due to high levels of methanol.

  • Be cautious if you choose to drink alcohol
  • Only consume reputable alcohol brands
  • Avoid buying alcohol from individuals or street vendors
  • Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick

Alcohol, drugs and travel

Demonstrations

Current situation in dak lak.

An increased police presence in Dak Lak continues, after organized attacks on a police station in June 2023.

If you are in the area, do not photograph security forces.

Public demonstrations are rare since local authorities don’t usually authorize them. Demonstrating without authorization can lead to heavy consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Don’t photograph demonstrations
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Internet censorship and surveillance

Within the Vietnamese territory, local authorities block access to several:

  • social media
  • search engines
  • online services

You shouldn’t expect internet privacy.

Local authorities may monitor your communications at any time. They may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices. They may also place certain foreigners under electronic surveillance. They can search your home or hotel room without your knowledge or consent.

Cyber security while travelling

Foreign journalists and other media workers in Vietnam may face considerable restrictions in the context of their work. The Vietnamese government may employ measures such as:

  • physical and electronic surveillance
  • delaying or refusing renewals of press cards and visas
  • intimidation and harassment

Be particularly vigilant if researching or reporting on subjects critical of or sensitive to the government.

Landmines and war remnants

Landmines and unexploded ordnance still pose a serious risk in several areas, particularly:

  • in the province of Quảng Trị
  • along the border with Laos
  • in North and Central Vietnam

Unmarked minefields are common. If you plan travelling outside of major tourist destinations:

  • pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines
  • remain on paved roads
  • avoid open fields, roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
  • report any suspicious items to local authorities

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as trekking, zip-lining, rock climbing, speleology, or parasailing and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, especially during the rainy season.

Tour operators may not always adhere to international safety standards.

If you intend to practice adventure tourism:

  • never do so alone, and do not part with your expedition companions
  • consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
  • obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out  
  • buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation   
  • ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity  
  • avoid venturing off marked trails  
  • ensure that you’re adequately equipped and bring sufficient water   
  • stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard  
  • refrain from using facilities or equipment if you have doubts on their safety  
  • inform a family member or friend of your itinerary  

Water activities

Tidal changes and strong winds can cause hazardous currents and riptides.

Swimming and diving

Beaches are not always supervised.

Corals, sea urchins, jellyfish and other aquatic life found along reefs may be poisonous. A sting to the touch can cause poisoning or infection.

If you plan to dive:

  • choose a reputable company 
  • always respect warning flags advising of dangerous conditions
  • ask about the presence of dangerous species
  • seek immediate medical attention in case of injury
  • wear swimming shoes to protect yourself from reefs, rocks, corals or sea urchins
  • keep a safe distance from boats and restricted areas
  • avoid beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
  • avoid diving into unknown waters, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
  • follow the advice of the local authorities

Boat accidents have occurred due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels, including in Ha Long Bay.

  • Choose a reputable boating company
  • Ensure that your tour operator follows up-to-date safety regulations
  • Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy

Water safety abroad

Although rare in Vietnam, pirates commit attacks and armed robbery against ships in coastal waters.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

Road safety

Road safety is poor throughout the country. 

Fatal accidents are frequent. They frequently involve motorcycle and pedestrians are commonly victims.

Always use elevated walkways or pedestrian bridges when available.

Road conditions

Road conditions are poor throughout the country.

Driving can be dangerous due to:  

  • poorly maintained roads and vehicles
  • traffic jams and heavy traffic, especially in urban areas
  • potholes 
  • slippery roads during the rainy season

Driving habits

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws.  

Some vehicles, especially motorcycles, drive against the flow of traffic and on the sidewalks.

If you plan to travel by car in Vietnam, you should consider hiring a driver.

If you choose to drive:

  • always drive defensively
  • avoid travelling after dark or during adverse weather conditions
  • avoid driving a motorcycle
  • Make sure you have proper insurance and a valid licence

Public transportation

Official taxis are generally safe.

Motorcycle taxis (known as “xe oms”) are not safe.

  • Avoid motorcycle taxis
  • Use only official taxis or a trusted ridesharing app
  • Negotiate the fare in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter
  • Never share a taxi with a stranger
  • Be familiar with your hotel’s address and the neighbourhood to avoid being brought to a wrong location

Bus and coach accidents are common.

Trains are generally reliable.

Thefts have been reported on certain train lines, including sleeper trains.

Ticket stub is required to exit the train station. Passengers without a ticket stub will be required to pay the fare again.

Retain your ticket stub when travelling by train.

Ferry accidents have occurred due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels, particularly on the line connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau.

Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Transport within Vietnam - Vietnam Tourism

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Vietnamese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Vietnam.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required Work visa: required

E-visa authorization

If you have a valid Canadian passport, you may be eligible to apply online for an e-visa. This can be a single-entry or multiple-entry electronic tourist visa, valid for a maximum of 90 days. It allows you to enter Vietnam via the port of entry indicated in the visa approval notice only. Some restrictions apply.

For visits longer than 90 days, you must get a visa from the nearest Vietnamese embassy before departure.

Apply for an e-visa  - Immigration Department of Vietnam

Visa exemptions

Canadian spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens may be eligible for a visa exemption certificate.

Contact the Embassy of Vietnam in Canada for more information on this process.

Visa extension

You must have a visa to enter Vietnam.

If required, you can request a visa extension at:

  • the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
  • certain local travel agencies and tour companies

Vietnamese visas in expired Canadian passports are not valid. The visa needs to be transferred to the new passport.

Overstaying your Vietnamese visa or having the wrong type of visa is a serious matter. You may be delayed from onward travel until a fine is paid.

Check the visa validity and conditions carefully.

Registration

You must report your presence to local authorities upon arrival.

Commercial accommodations will generally file the declaration on your behalf. If you're staying in a non-commercial accommodation, you must do so with the nearest police station.

Make sure you request the return of your passport once it has been registered by hotel staff.

The hotel staff may ask to see your passport at check-in. They may make copies of it. They may also insist on holding your passport until you leave. There is no legal reason for this.

  • Never leave your passport or any other ID document with anyone
  • Ask for your documents to be returned to you as soon as check-in is complete

Travel restrictions

Travel near military facilities is restricted:

  • in some parts of the central highlands
  • in some border area

If you wish to visit a village, commune or ward that is close to the border, you must obtain permission from the provincial police department.

Contact the relevant local authority to confirm these requirements.

Health screening

Upon entry, you may be subject to a body temperature check.

Vietnamese authorities may place an exit ban on certain individuals to prevent them from leaving the country.

An exit ban can relate to investigations into:

  • an individual, their family or an employer
  • criminal and civil matters, such as business disputes or motor vehicle accidents
  • employment without a valid work permit
  • unpaid financial debts

It is difficult to obtain information on bans from Vietnamese authorities. An exit ban can be requested by people involved in any of these circumstances. You may not be aware that authorities have placed an exit ban on you until you try to leave the country. Your passport may be seized until the case is fully investigated and settled.

If you're unable to leave the country because of an exit ban, consult a lawyer and contact the closest office of the Government of Canada.

  • Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
  • Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

  • travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
  • making multiple trips to endemic areas
  • staying for extended periods in rural areas
  • visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
  • engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

  • In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

  • visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
  • working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
  • hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
  • working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
  • working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited. The quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Both medical facilities and supplies are limited outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Private clinics and hospitals are usually better equipped. Services can be expensive, but they usually have qualified medical staff who speak English or French well.  Emergency and ambulance services response times may be slow du to traffic congestion. In case of emergency, you may consider taking a taxi or private vehicle to go to the hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Medical evacuation is very expensive. You may need it to neighbouring countries in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Vietnam.

  • Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
  • Always keep your medication in the original container
  • Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
  • Carry a copy of your prescriptions

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

No transfer of offenders treaty exists between Canada and Vietnam. If you’re convicted of a serious crime, you must serve your jail sentence in Vietnam. You may also have to remain in Vietnam for a parole period after your release.

Penalties for possession, use, production or trafficking of drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, jail sentences or the death penalty.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Local authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

  • Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all times
  • Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or seized
  • Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Gambling outside of licensed casinos is illegal in Vietnam.

You must hold of a foreign passport to gamble in these licensed establishments.

Political activities

There are severe restrictions on political activities, including:

  • participating in public protests
  • publishing messages critical of the government on social media

If you engage in political activities you may face detention, deportation and travel ban to Vietnam in the future.

Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

  • military sites
  • border crossings

These sensitive areas are not always identified.

  • Refrain from photographing military installations or personnel even if no sign is posted
  • Comply with all requests from local authorities

Religious activities

There are restrictions on certain religious activities, such as preaching, distributing literature and associating with unapproved religious groups.

Sexual and intimate activities

As a foreigner, you are not allowed to invite Vietnamese nationals of the opposite sex into your hotel room to stay overnight unless you are married.

You are allowed to stay with a Vietnamese family only if you have obtained permission from local authorities.

Importation, possession and distribution of pornographic material is illegal.

Exportation of antiques

Vietnamese law restricts the export of antiques, but these laws are vague and unevenly enforced. If you purchase items that may be considered as antiques:

  • keep receipts and all paperwork provided by the seller
  • ensure you have the proper exportation permits from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam General Department of Customs

If you can't present the required paperwork, the items may be confiscated.

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam  (in Vietnamese)

Dress and behaviour

The Vietnamese society is conservative.

When visiting religious and culturally places to avoid offending local sensitivities:

  • dress conservatively
  • behave discreetly
  • respect religious and social traditions
  • seek permission from locals before photographing them

Tet celebrations

The lunar new year is celebrated between the end of January and the end of February. Theses celebrations usually last several days and can have an impact on the availability and provision of essential services such as:

  • banking services
  • public services including healthcare
  • food distribution

Plan your trip accordingly if you travel to Vietnam during this period.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Vietnam.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Vietnam, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

Mandatory military service

Canadians with Vietnamese citizenship may be subject to mandatory military service and other national obligations.

Confirm this requirement before travelling to Vietnam.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Vietnam.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Vietnam by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Vietnam to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

  • International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Request emergency assistance

Doing business in Vietnam

Disputes related to business agreements or arrangements are costly and take time to resolve. You may be subject to a travel ban restricting you from leaving the country until matters are resolved.

If you plan on doing business in Vietnam:

  • seek legal advice in Canada and in Vietnam before making commitments
  • choose your own lawyer
  • ensure that all documents are translated so that conditions, terms and limitations are well understood

There are many teaching opportunities in Vietnam. However, make sure you are well informed before signing a contract.

  • Consult a local lawyer or professional
  • Ensure that the contract specifies the maximum number of classroom hours per day and per week, maximum workdays per week, and vacation periods
  • Confirm the living arrangements if any are included
  • Ensure that you possess the right visa for the activities you will perform
  • Ensure you understand any liabilities linked to early termination of a contract

You must hold a valid Vietnamese driver's licence to drive a vehicle with an engine of 50CC or more. This includes most motorcycles. Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear a helmet.

The country has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving or cycling. Penalties for drinking and driving or cycling include:

  • licence suspension
  • heavy fines

If you are involved in a traffic accident as a driver, you may:

  • face criminal charges as a driver
  • have to pay compensation to the victims
  • face a travel ban preventing you from leaving the country until compensation is paid

There are restrictions on vehicles crossing from and into neighbouring countries.

Contact the Department of Transport in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for information on for licences or restrictions.

Department of Transport in Ho Chi Minh City (in Vietnamese)

The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND).

Cash declarations

Upon arrival, you must declare if you have:

  • more than 15 million Vietnamese dong, more than US$5,000, or the equivalent in any other currency, in cash
  • more than 300 grams of gold, including jewellery, gold bar and raw gold

Upon departure, you must:

  • declare if you have more than 15 million Vietnamese dong, more than US$5,000, or the equivalent in any other currency, in cash
  • present a written approval to carry foreign currency or Vietnamese dong in cash abroad, issued by an authorized Vietnamese credit institution in accordance with the laws on foreign exchange control or the State Bank of Vietnam

Rainy season

The rainy 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’s also common:

  • in and around Hanoi, particularly along the Red River
  • in the Mekong River Delta regions in the south

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable 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
  • Mekong Flood and Drought Forecasting  - Mekong River Commission
  • Forecasting  - National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting

Typhoons usually occur from June and December. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major typhoons.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

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, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
  • stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
  • carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
  • follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
  • Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
  • Large-scale emergencies abroad

Humidity and heat may be severe, particularly during the rainy season.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

Forest fires may occur.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

  • stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
  • follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
  • monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation

Air pollution

Smog and other types of air pollution can be hazardous in urban areas. Air quality can also be affected in rural areas due to agricultural burning.

Air pollution levels can change quickly.

During periods of high pollution:

  • limit your outdoor activities, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions
  • monitor local media
  • follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Air pollution in Hanoi  - World Air Quality Index
  • Air pollution in Ho Chi Minh City  - World Air Quality Index

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 113
  • medical assistance: 115
  • firefighters: 114

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Vietnam, in Hanoi, or the Consulate General of Canada to Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Vietnam vaccination requirements: do I need a vaccine to travel to Vietnam?

If you have travel plans for Vietnam , you should know the requirements and recommendations to enter the country. Local authorities suggest vaccinations for Vietnam entry as there are health risks, especially visiting rural areas. It’s also important to be up to date on the current COVID-19 protocols visiting Vietnam. Most travelers will need a visa to travel to Vietnam.

This may seem like a lot, but don’t worry. iVisa is here to make travel easy for you , and we will help you with all the information you need about routine vaccinations, health risks, and Vietnamese authorities' entry and exit requirements.

Vietnam vaccination requirements

You can count on our services for a hassle-free eVisa application and get the documents to enter the country easily and quickly. The entire process is online, so you don’t need to visit an embassy or consulate, and the document will arrive in your email. Remember that without a visa, you will be denied entry.

Read below for more information about disease control protocols, vaccinations for Vietnam, and the steps to get the travel documents you need.

Vietnam vaccine requirements

Vaccinations for vietnam: do i need a vaccine to travel to vietnam.

The Vietnamese Government's local laws don’t require specific vaccinations to travel to Vietnam. However, some vaccines are strongly recommended to visit the country as there is a higher risk of some diseases, especially in rural areas.

You should avoid mosquito bites and be vaccinated against yellow fever, malaria, and Japanese Encephalitis. These are all insect-borne diseases.

Other health risks include infected animals, which is why the rabies vaccination is among the recommended vaccines. Check the vaccines you should have up to date:

Routine vaccines : Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Shingles.

Hepatitis A ,

Hepatitis B ,

Japanese Encephalitis ,

They aren’t vaccinations needed to enter the country, but the government can request them if you come from other countries that have a Malaria risk or if you will visit rural areas, for example.

Click here to read all the CDC website recommendations. And remember to take simple measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and avoiding exposed skin in areas with an increased risk of infected mosquitos.

DO I NEED A COVID VACCINE OR VACCINATION CERTIFICATE TO ENTER VIETNAM?

No, you don’t. Currently, COVID-19 vaccination passports or certificates are not mandatory to enter Vietnam. Since information may change quickly, we advise you to contact your local embassy before departure to check the latest medical care protocols.

COVID-19 restrictions

Does the vietnamese government request a covid-19 test to enter vietnam.

No, travelers no longer need to take a COVID-19 test before traveling to Vietnam.

ARE THERE ANY QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS TO VIETNAM?

Like the other COVID-19 requirements, the government does not have any quarantine restrictions. There is no quarantine requirement on arrival .

Vietnam Visa

Many travelers can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa to visit the country. This electronic visa was introduced by the Vietnamese immigration department in 2017, intending to facilitate travel for tourists. The Vietnam visa policy enables travelers needing visas to obtain one online without going to a Vietnam embassy.

The Vietnamese e-Visa is now available for citizens of over 80 countries who wish to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days Per Entry . Travelers must get a Vietnam tourist visa, even for short stays.

Regular passport holders of 25 countries don’t need a visa for Vietnam . The length of stay varies between 14-90 days for each nationality. Those passengers can simply show their passports at border control to get a visa on arrival.

Vietnamese citizens with a Permanent US Resident Card can apply for a Visa Exemption Certificate instead of a visa. Visit Vietnam’s government site for further information.

Some countries may not be eligible for a visa on arrival or the eVisa to travel to Vietnam. In that case, you can use our Visa Checker tool to determine if your nationality qualifies and apply online . Contact your nearest Vietnam embassy if you are in doubt or need another type of visa.

WHAT IS THE VALIDITY OF THE VIETNAM TOURIST E-VISA?

The Vietnam e-Visa is valid for 30 days after arrival in Total from the entry date. It is a Multiple Entry . Visitors wishing to stay longer than the duration of a standard tourist visa or e-visa will need a visa extension. They can request this document at the nearest Vietnam embassy.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTS TO APPLY FOR THE VIETNAM E-VISA?

Below is a list of the current requirements for your application form and entry into Vietnam:

Passport : You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Vietnam. The passport must have at least two blank pages for an entry and exit stamp (one on each page).

Recent passport photo : If you don't have one, no problem! Simply use the iVisa Passport Photo Service .

Health insurance : You will need to show proof of medical or travel insurance with coverage for COVID-19 medical treatment in Vietnam, with a minimum cover of USD 10,000 for medical services.

Method of payment : Credit or debit card to pay the e-visa fees.

Valid email address : To receive your e-visa receipt and confirmation.

DO I NEED A VIETNAM VISA IF I AM TRANSITING?

The Vietnam visa requirement is not applicable to air travelers transiting the country, provided they remain in the transit area at the airport and do not stay more than 24 hours. If you plan to leave the airport anytime, you must apply for the eVisa online before departure.

HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR VIETNAM VISA ONLINE

It is recommended that you apply for your visa at least a few weeks prior to your trip to Vietnam, but if you're in a rush, we have you covered. The whole process is very simple:

First , read all of the information and provide your details. Then, choose the preferred processing time for the Vietnam e-visa.

Second , double-check and confirm your information and pay the iVisa service fee (see below for information about visa fees).

Third , attach any required documents and click on the ‘submit’ button to apply for your Vietnam visa. Once you have successfully applied for your Vietnam visa, you will receive a receipt and confirmation of the final e-Visa.

Make sure to save a copy in a safe place on your electronic device, and print your Vietnam e-visa confirmation to carry with you while you travel. Upon arrival, the Vietnam immigration department may ask you to present it.

WHAT ARE THE PRICES AND PROCESSING TIMES OF THE VIETNAM VISA?

If you apply through iVisa, the processing time and charges will depend upon how fast you need your visa:

Standard processing time : Get your Vietnam visa in 15 days for a fee of USD $91.99 .

Rush processing service : This option is slightly faster and takes 12 days for a fee of USD $147.99 .

Super Rush processing time : For those urgently needing a Vietnam visa, we offer this option, which takes just 10 days for a fee of USD $215.99 .

VIETNAM E-VISA SAMPLE

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Is it safe to apply through iVisa?

Applying for your visa with iVisa couldn’t be more reliable. Although we are not affiliated with Vietnam’s government, we are a certified travel agency with a competent review team that will thoroughly handle your application in the most effective way . You may also view what our customers have to say about us and our whole set of services here .

Where can I find more information about the visa application?

You can contact iVisa’s customer care portal to find more information about the application process and the vaccination rules to travel to Vietnam and gather all of the needed information from there. If you prefer, you can email your questions to [email protected] .

iVisa recommends

Vietnam is a country in Asia that has a lot to offer. Tourists can explore its beaches, cities, and rivers. With French-colonial architecture Vietnam is culturally rich but has endured challenging historical moments, such as the infamous Vietnam War. In addition to the culture and beautiful landscapes, gastronomy is another excellent reason to visit the country: there are many lip-smacking dishes to try.

Vietnam also has cities full of features that will leave the tourists awe-struck. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has French colonial sites, Vietnam War history museums, and the Củ Chi tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers. On the other hand, the capital Hanoi pays tribute to the nation’s iconic communist-era leader Ho Chi Minh with a massive marble mausoleum.

For those looking for paradisaic natural places, Ha Long Bay is worth visiting. It’s in northeast Vietnam and is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands. You can enjoy boat tours and sea kayak expeditions to explore the area.

Count on iVisa services to be ready for this fantastic trip!

Where can I contact you?

If you still have any concerns about vaccination requirements to visit Vietnam, you can chat with our experts from customer service , or you can send an email to [email protected] . They will be happy to assist you with anything you need 24/7.

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Need travel vaccines? Plan ahead.

woman with mask getting vaccine from doctor

International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in United States. Find out which travel vaccines you may need to help you stay healthy on your trip.

Before Travel

Make sure you are up to date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Because some vaccines require multiple doses, it’s best to see your health care provider as soon as possible.

Medicines to prevent malaria are pills that you start to take before travel. Take recommended medicines as directed. If your health care provider prescribes medicine for you, take the medicine as directed before, during, and after travel. 

Where can I get travel vaccines?

You may be able to get some travel vaccines from your primary healthcare provider. If you or your healthcare provider need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit CDC’s Find a Clinic page.

If yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required for your destination, you’ll need to go to a vaccine center authorized to give yellow fever vaccinations. Many yellow fever vaccine centers also provide other pre-travel health care services. Find an  authorized US yellow fever vaccine center .

Examples of Vaccines

Here is a list of possible vaccines that you may need to get for the first time or boosters before you travel.

  • Cholera 
  • Flu (Influenza)
  • Hepatitis A   
  • Hepatitis B   
  • Japanese encephalitis   
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Meningococcal   
  • Pneumococcal   
  • Polio   
  • Rabies   
  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
  • Typhoid   
  • Yellow fever

More Information

CDC Yellow Book: Travel Vaccine Summary Table

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COMMENTS

  1. Vietnam

    All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6-11 months, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Vietnam.

  2. Vietnam

    Vietnam has a population of approximately 103 million people, with about two-thirds living in rural areas. The total size of Vietnam is 127,243 mi2 (331,114 km2), slightly larger than New Mexico. Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam shares international borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. Vietnam is divided into 63 provinces.

  3. CDC Travel Health Notice Change for Vietnam

    The travel notice can be viewed here. The following is the CDC's key information: Make sure you are fully vaccinated before travelling to Vietnam. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to Vietnam. Because of the current situation in Vietnam, all travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants.

  4. Vietnam Healthy Travel Packing List

    Check our Traveler Information Center for more information if you are a traveler with specific health needs, such as travelers who are pregnant, immune compromised, or traveling for a specific purpose like humanitarian aid work. Remember to pack extras of important health supplies in case of travel delays. Prescription medicines. Your prescriptions

  5. Vietnam International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  6. Vietnam Travel Advisory

    If you decide to travel to Vietnam: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) ... Review the Country Security Report for Vietnam. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist. Travel Advisory Levels.

  7. Info for travelers on Covid-19 in Vietnam

    Step 2: Click this link or access https://immigration.gov.vn/ and go to 'E-visa Issuance' then click on the link for 'Outside Vietnam foreigners'. Step 3: Upload your .jpg images (passport data page and passport photo) and fill out the required fields on the form completely. Submit your form. Step 4: Pay the e-Visa fee of 25 USD.

  8. CDC Warns Against Travel to Vietnam Weeks Before ...

    The warning for Vietnam comes just weeks before the country plans to open its borders to travelers on March 15. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has raised its warning on travel to ...

  9. CDC Vietnam uses Technology Innovations to Improve COVID-19 Response

    While lockdowns and travel restrictions limited in-person access to much needed assistance and training, CDC Vietnam worked quickly to establish innovative means of providing virtual training and technical support to the organizations and people leading Vietnam's COVID-19 response. ... CDC Vietnam experts Thuy Do and Bui clocked in more than ...

  10. Vietnam Travel Vaccinations: CDC Travel Immunizations, Booster Shots

    Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in the world due to its varied climates, tropical beaches and historic locations. Talk to the experts at UH Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health to ensure you have the recommended immunizations for travel before embarking on your trip.

  11. Travelers' Health

    More. Learn about CDC's Traveler Genomic Surveillance Program that detects new COVID-19 variants entering the country. Sign up to get travel notices, clinical updates, & healthy travel tips. CDC Travelers' Health Branch provides updated travel information, notices, and vaccine requirements to inform international travelers and provide ...

  12. Can I travel to Vietnam? Travel Restrictions & Entry ...

    Bars in Vietnam are . Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Vietnam such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements.

  13. CDC in Vietnam

    CDC has worked with the Government of Vietnam since 1998. CDC provides direct technical support and expertise to the Vietnam Ministry of Health to build high-quality, sustainable public health systems and scale up programs that address priority diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and influenza. CDC works to strengthen laboratory and ...

  14. CDC

    Travel Advisory Level 1: Exercise Normal Caution Travel Advisory Level 1: Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Exercise normal precautions in Vietnam. ... CDC Vietnam │ Ho Chi Minh City Office 8th Floor, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel: +84-28-3520-4509.

  15. CDC adds just one new destination to its highest-risk category for travel

    Vietnam was the only destination added to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's highest-risk Level 4 category for travel on Monday. The "very high" risk category still contains ...

  16. Travel Vaccines and Advice for Vietnam

    Advice. Travellers'. Diarrhea Kits. Available. Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination. Visitors looking to be swept away by gorgeous landscape will be can see jungles, caves, grottoes, and immense limestone pillars. Those looking to explore new flavors and foods will be thrilled with the cheap and delicious street food.

  17. Travel Vaccines and Advice for Vietnam

    U.S. Embassy in Vietnam. Passport Health - Travel Vaccines for the Vietnam. Overall rating: 5 stars - 14 reviews. ★★★★★. "Very Informative". "We had another great experience at Passport Health. We appreciate the customized booklet and informative session for our upcoming trip to Vietnam.

  18. Travel Advisory: Level 4 Travel Warning for Vietnam (March 1, 2022)

    This upgrade reflects the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Level 4 Health Travel Notice indicating that there is a very high level of COVID-19 in Vietnam. For more information, please refer to the advisory and CDC notice. The COVID-19 situation in Vietnam is constantly changing and varies from province to province.

  19. CDC Warns Americans Against Traveling to Vietnam

    CDC Warns Americans Against Traveling to Vietnam. Two weeks before Vietnam is set to reopen to international tourism, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed the country's risk level to "Level 4," citing high COVID-19 transmission and encouraging Americans not to travel to the country when it reopens.

  20. Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country

    CDC Yellow Book 2024. Preparing International Travelers. Author (s): Mark Gershman, Rhett Stoney (Yellow Fever) Holly Biggs, Kathrine Tan (Malaria) The following pages present country-specific information on yellow fever (YF) vaccine requirements and recommendations, and malaria transmission information and prevention recommendations.

  21. Travel advice and advisories for Vietnam

    Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules. Regular Canadian passport. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Vietnam. Passport for official travel. Different entry rules ...

  22. Vietnam vaccination requirements: do I need a vaccine to travel ...

    Vietnam Visa. Many travelers can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa to visit the country. This electronic visa was introduced by the Vietnamese immigration department in 2017, intending to facilitate travel for tourists. The Vietnam visa policy enables travelers needing visas to obtain one online without going to a Vietnam embassy.

  23. Need travel vaccines? Plan ahead.

    Here is a list of possible vaccines that you may need to get for the first time or boosters before you travel. COVID-19. Chickenpox. Cholera. Flu (Influenza) Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B. Japanese encephalitis.