Yes, Vietnam is safe to visit with care. The US State Department calls it generally safe for travelers, while Canada asks for a high degree of caution. At Safe to Go, we track government travel notices daily to show what risks exist and where they concentrate across the country.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) says violent crime against foreigners is rare, but bag-snatching by thieves on motorcycles is common. The UK FCDO advises against travel to no part of Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Location Warnings Cover Construction Sites and Unmarked Ground
The UK FCDO lists no areas advised against within the country.
The US Department of State warns that landmines and unexploded ordnance remain present across Vietnam. The US State Department says construction sites carry the greatest risk, and the risk is low in urban and populated areas, including tourist destinations. Munitions are often unmarked, meaning travelers should never approach or handle unknown metal objects found in the ground.
If Thailand is also on your route, see is Thailand safe?, or compare the region on our list of the safest countries in Asia.
Everyday Risks Visitors Face in Vietnam
Petty crime is common for travelers in crowded areas. Bag-snatching by thieves on motorcycles is common in crowded areas and places visited by tourists. There is also a risk of petty theft on buses and trains, particularly while asleep on overnight trains. Hold bags in front of you or on the side away from traffic, and hand over valuables rather than risk injury in a struggle. Petty crime usually rises during the Christmas and Tet Lunar New Year seasons.
Alcoholic drinks containing methanol have caused deaths and serious illness in Vietnam, the UK FCDO says. The cases came from drinks bought in licensed bars, shops and hotels in tourist areas. You cannot identify methanol by taste or smell, so seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with shows signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in Vietnam main tourist areas, often committed by or linked to unlicensed taxi drivers, and women have reported groping and harassment, particularly while walking alone. Use pre-arranged transport or official taxi apps such as Grab or XanhSM, and book your full journey on the app, because scammers sometimes claim to be from these companies. Be wary of snacks, drinks and gum from strangers and new acquaintances, because they may contain drugs, and buy your own drinks.
Transit Scams and Cross-Border Job Fraud
Never surrender your passport to local businesses as collateral. Motorcycle rental shops and landlords can hold your passport against claimed damage, the UK FCDO warns. Keep your passport in your hotel or another secure place, and carry photo and digital copies.
The UK FCDO warns about job offers in Vietnam that look too good to be true. Deceptive job offers promising high salaries have resulted in foreign nationals being transported through the Mekong region into neighboring countries. Victims face passport confiscation, poor living quarters, and forced participation in online scam mills. Get professional legal advice before you sign any contract, and never hand your passport to an employer.
Where the Three Government Advisories Agree and Differ
None of the three governments advises against travel to Vietnam, but Canada asks for a higher degree of caution than the US. The US State Department and the UK FCDO both warn that petty crime is common in tourist areas. The live panel above shows today’s level from each government.
The Government of Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution. In contrast, the US State Department advises normal precautions nationwide, identifying Vietnam as a generally safe destination. The UK FCDO advises against travel to no part of Vietnam and focuses its warnings on risks such as tropical storms, methanol poisoning and job scams.
To weigh Vietnam against South Korea or Japan, use the compare destinations side by side tool.
Vietnamese Laws That Can Lead to Arrest or a Travel Ban
Vietnam has a single-party political system that does not welcome people disagreeing with the government, the UK FCDO says. Avoid all protests: they are generally not tolerated, and some in recent years have turned violent or been violently suppressed. Possessing political material or taking part in non-sanctioned religious activity, including proselytising, could lead to a ban on leaving the country, a full travel ban or a prison sentence.
You should not expect internet privacy in Vietnam. Local authorities can block websites and social media, and they can review what is stored on or viewed from your phone or laptop. The UK FCDO tells British nationals of Vietnamese descent to be especially careful with what they post online.
Penalties for possessing, using, distributing or making drugs in Vietnam, including cannabis, are severe regardless of the amount. The death penalty may be imposed, depending on the severity of the crime. Police periodically raid nightlife venues suspected of drug dealing, and you may have to take a drug test if you are there. A positive result can lead to criminal charges, even for drugs taken before you entered Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Tropical Storm Season from May to November
If you travel between May and November, follow local and international weather updates. Follow regional updates released by the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting and the Japan Meteorological Agency. For more regular updates, English-news versions of local newspapers are available at VNexpress and Vietnam News.
If severe storms approach your itinerary, follow the advice of local authorities. Ensure your personal travel insurance covers your itinerary, planned activities, and expenses in an emergency.
Documents and Insurance before a Vietnam Trip
United States citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You must always carry photo ID in Vietnam, and the authorities accept a printed copy of your passport photo page and visa.
Escalation in the Middle East has caused airspace closures and delayed and cancelled flights, and the UK FCDO says this can affect trips to Vietnam. The UK FCDO advises checking the travel advice for any country you transit through and reviewing what your insurance covers. You can organize your packing and paperwork using our free travel safety checklist or review our published safety rating methodology.
The UK FCDO suggests a group chat to keep in touch with the people you travel with, and saving your accommodation’s location on a map app so it is easy to find at night. British nationals can report a lost or stolen passport, or a sexual assault, to the British Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
How to Check Whether Vietnam Is Safe Right Now
The live panel above shows each government’s current level for Vietnam, and we re-check those advisories every day. The latest advisory changes page lists recent updates for every country we cover.
If you are comparing multiple itineraries across the globe, consult our comprehensive directory to see if travel is safe for every country.