Vietnam
Southeast Asia • VNM
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Vietnam is a captivating Southeast Asian destination known for its stunning landscapes, bustling cities, and rich history. From the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the vibrant energy of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the country offers a diverse blend of ancient traditions and modern development.
Visa Requirements
Most tourists require an E-visa to enter Vietnam, which can be applied for online and is valid for up to 90 days with multiple entries.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Digital passport-sized photo
- Completed online E-visa application form
- Credit card for the processing fee
- Proof of travel itinerary or accommodation booking
Popular Attractions
Ha Long Bay: Famous for its thousands of towering limestone karsts and islets in the Gulf of Tonkin, best explored via a cruise.
Hoi An Ancient Town: A remarkably well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating back to the 15th century.
Hanoi Old Quarter: The historic heart of Vietnam's capital city, filled with narrow streets, colonial architecture, and street food vendors.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Home to some of the world's largest and most spectacular cave systems, including the famous Son Doong cave.
Cu Chi Tunnels: An extensive network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, offering a somber look at history.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Dress modestly when visiting temples or pagodas by covering your shoulders and knees.
Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional guesthouses.
Avoid touching someone's head, as it is considered the most sacred part of the body in Vietnamese culture.
When giving or receiving items, use both hands to show respect to the other person.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon and considered inappropriate in local society.
Refrain from pointing your finger at people; instead, use your open hand to gesture.
Safety Tips
Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of bag snatching, especially in crowded tourist areas of big cities.
Cross streets carefully as traffic is heavy and chaotic; maintain a steady pace so motorists can predict your movement.
Only use reputable taxi companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh to avoid scams and ensure metered fares.
Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal issues, and be cautious with raw food from street vendors.
Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport and visa at all times for identification purposes.
Avoid flashing expensive electronics or jewelry to reduce the risk of becoming a target for petty theft.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Japanese Encephalitis
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live, spend long periods of time (a month or more) in areas with Japanese encephalitis, or frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Vietnam.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Vietnam. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
View sourceCore Vaccines
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is recommended for all travelers prior to travel.
View sourceTdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is recommended for all travelers prior to travel.
View sourceMosquito bite prevention
Source: ECDC
During travel in malaria-endemic areas
Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets to prevent mosquito bites.
View sourceTravel insurance
Source: ECDC
Before and during travel
Obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, including potential COVID-19-related incidents.
View sourceCOVID-19
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world.
View sourceChikungunya prevention
Source: CDC
All travelers should take steps to prevent mosquito bites to reduce the risk of chikungunya.
Chikungunya vaccination is generally not recommended. Travelers who wish to consider vaccination can visit 'What to consider before traveling' on the chikungunya vaccines page to learn more.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Food and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of food- and waterborne illnesses.
Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Insect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
Due to the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Use insect repellent with DEET and wear protective clothing.
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas only; rare cases in the Mekong and Red River Deltas
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View source