Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs from time to time, particularly in larger cities. Instances of petty crime may increase before major public holidays, especially Tet (Lunar New Year). Pick-pocketing is common in:

• tourist areas
• markets and shopping centres
• crowded buses and trains

Motorcyclists grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians and from passengers or drivers on motorbikes. This often results in injury to the victim.

Criminals are more likely to target hotels and tourist areas.

Bag slashing is a frequent occurrence in crowded streets and markets.

Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Although violent crimes such as armed robbery are still relatively rare in Vietnam, perpetrators have grown increasingly bold. Knives and razors have been used in attempted robberies in Ho Chi Minh City.

Threats of physical injury related to personal disputes occasionally occur. If you are in this position, contact the local police and the closest Canadian government office immediately.

At the airport

Individuals 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.

If you’re expecting to be picked up, confirm your driver’s name, phone number and licence plate number before you travel.

When leaving the airport, you should only use authorized airport taxis or hotel transportation. Authorized taxi companies usually have operators posted at airports who are responsible for monitoring taxi services. These companies publish the taxi driver’s name and vehicle number on a card that should be affixed to the windshield (in front of the driver’s seat). 

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s safety

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

Local authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the nearest Canadian office.

• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night.
• Remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas.
• Be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances.

Safe-travel guide for women

Credit card fraud

Both tourists and expatriates have been targeted by credit card forgery crime. Avoid using your credit card in smaller establishments, and pay careful attention when others are handling your card. Consider obtaining a second card, with a low credit limit, for use during your stay in Asia. To minimize risks:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

More about overseas fraud

Scams

Tourists have been victims of gambling scams in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (particularly in the Pham Ngu Lao neighbourhood). This scam usually starts with a friendly invitation to someone’s home to meet a relative interested in visiting or studying in Canada. While the visitor is waiting for this individual, a casual game of cards will begin. Even though they started with only a small wager, victims have lost thousands of dollars over the course of an evening.

Demonstrations

Public demonstrations are generally not tolerated in Vietnam and can carry heavy penalties, including lengthy jail sentences.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Traffic accidents occur frequently, often causing death or serious injury. Motorcycle riders and pedestrians are common victims.

Driving standards are poor, vehicles and roads are often badly maintained, and roads in major cities are congested. Rain can flood potholes and roads, especially those in the north, can become impassable during the rainy season. Travelling after dark is dangerous.

You should hire a car and driver for personal transportation.

Rent a motorcycle only if you hold a valid Vietnamese driver’s licence and you are accustomed to local driving standards. Be aware that insurance may not be included with these rentals.

Public transportation

Motorcycle taxis (known as “xe oms”) are unsafe. Avoid this method of transportation.

Be familiar with your hotel’s address and neighbouring landmarks. Taxi drivers have taken unaware visitors to the wrong establishment, in order to receive a commission.

Never share a taxi with a stranger.

Bus and coach accidents are common.

A number of fatal boat accidents have occurred in past years, including in Ha Long Bay. Ensure that your tour operator follows up-to-date safety regulations.

Retain your ticket stub when travelling by train, as it is required to exit the train station. Passengers without a ticket stub will be required to pay the fare again.

Air travel

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

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

General safety information

Travel near military facilities in some parts of the central highlands and in some border areas is restricted. 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 for more information.

Unexploded landmines remain a hazard in some rural areas of central Vietnam.

Never leave your food or drink unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Do not purchase liquor from street vendors, as the quality cannot be assured.

Hotel rooms and electronic communications may be monitored.

Hotel staff must register your passport with local authorities. The staff may insist on keeping your passport until your departure, but there is no legal reason for them to do so. You may request the return of your passport once it has been registered.

Entry and exit requirements

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.

Passport

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 for at least 1 month beyond the expiry date of their visa.

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

Visas

Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required
Work visa: Required

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to enter Vietnam. You should obtain your visa prior to arrival. You can request an extension from:

• the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
• certain local travel agencies and tour companies (for a fee)

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

Overstaying your Vietnamese visa without authority or having the wrong type of visa is a serious matter and you may be delayed from onward travel until a fine is paid. Check the visa validity and conditions carefully.

For visits of multiple entries or longer than 30 days, you must get a visa from the nearest Vietnamese embassy before travelling to Vietnam.

A visa may be issued on arrival in emergency situations. Contact the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Canada for more information on this and other visa requirements.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Many travel agencies submit visa applications in batches. Some have returned visa approval confirmations containing personal details to multiple clients. If you apply for a visa through a travel agency, be aware that some of your personal information may be shared with other clients. 

Electronic visa authorization

Holders of a valid Canadian passport are eligible to apply online for a single-entry electronic tourist visa (e-visa), valid for a maximum of 30 days. Some restrictions apply.

Those who have an e-visa can only enter Vietnam via the port of entry indicated in their visa approval notice.

Apply for an e-visa - Immigration Department of Vietnam

Visa exemptions

Family members

Canadians who are spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens can apply for a visa exemption certificate. The certificate is valid for 5 years and allows multiple entries into Vietnam, each for a 6-months stay. Applications can be made at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or the Immigration Department in Vietnam.

Phu Quoc Islands

You may visit the islands of Phu Quoc without a visa if:

• your visit does not exceed 30 days
• your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into the country
• you are not transiting or visiting other parts of Vietnam

Registration

Travellers must register with the local police upon arrival, even if staying with relatives. Hotel guests are automatically registered.

Health screening

Travellers entering the country are subject to a body temperature check and, in some cases, may be quarantined for medical observation if they show flu-like symptoms.

Yellow fever

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

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Health

Routine Vaccines

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

Some of these vaccines 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 are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Southeast Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southeast Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas of Southeastern Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria and Zika virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in Southeastern Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Health-care service standards are below what you might expect in Canada. Both medical facilities and supplies are limited outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Serious medical problems may require evacuation.

Canadian travellers should have adequate travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

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

Identification

Vietnamese law requires everyone to carry photo ID at all times. You should carry a photocopy of the pages from your passport with your personal details and visa for ID, and leave the original passport in a safe place.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and include the death penalty.

Useful links

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Illegal or restricted activities

Gambling outside of licensed casinos is illegal in Vietnam.

Photography of military installations and border crossings is prohibited.

Involvement in politics, possession of political or sexually explicit material, or involvement in an unsanctioned religious activity can result in detention. Participation in a public demonstration is generally not tolerated in Vietnam and can carry heavy penalties, including lengthy jail sentences.

Visitors are not allowed to invite Vietnamese nationals of the opposite sex into their hotel rooms to stay overnight. Visitors are allowed to stay with a Vietnamese family, providing they have obtained permission from local authorities.

Vietnamese law restricts the export of antiques, but these laws are vague and unevenly enforced. If you purchase non-antique items of value, retain receipts and confirmation from shop owners and/or the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam General Department of Customs to prevent seizure of your items upon departure.

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.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

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.

Useful links

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

You must hold a valid Vietnamese driver’s licence to drive a vehicle with an engine of 50CC (cubic centimetres) or more, including most motorcycles.

Contact the Department of Transport in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for licensing information.

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

If you are involved in a traffic accident, you may face criminal charges as a driver. You may have to pay compensation if someone is injured. You may be prohibited from leaving the country before paying this compensation.

There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving or cycling. If you’re convicted of driving or cycling under the influence of alcohol, you can be fined and have your driver’s licence revoked for up to two years.

Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear a helmet.

If driving, ensure that the vehicle has proper insurance.

There are restrictions on vehicles crossing into neighbouring countries.

Declaration upon arrival and departure

Arrival

Upon arrival, you must declare if you have:

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

Departure

Upon departure, you must declare if you have 15 million Vietnamese dong or more, or US$5,000 or more (or the equivalent in any other currency), in cash. You must also present one of the following documents:

• written confirmation of carrying foreign currency or Vietnamese dong in cash abroad, issued by an authorized Vietnamese credit institution in accordance with the laws on foreign exchange control
• written approval to carry foreign currency or Vietnamese dong in cash abroad, issued by the State Bank of Vietnam

Money

The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND).

Credit cards are accepted at major hotels throughout the country, as well as at an increasing number of restaurants and shops.

Automated banking machines are available throughout Vietnam.

Natural disasters and climate

Monsoon

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to September in the north and south, and from October to December in central Vietnam. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides. Seasonal flooding occurs in October and November in central Vietnam. Flooding is common in and around Hanoi, particularly along the Red River, and in the Mekong River Delta regions in the south.

Typhoons

Typhoons usually occur between June and December and affect primarily central and northern Vietnam. These storms can result in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and can hamper the provision of essential services. Monitor local news and weather reports, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.

• Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons