Travel Vaccines and Advice for Vietnam
Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination.
Visitors looking to be swept away by gorgeous landscape will be can see jungles, caves, grottoes, and immence limestone pillars. Those looking to explore new flavours and foods will be thrilled with the delicious, on the cheap street food.
Even those looking to experience a new culture will be able to indulge in Vietnam’s peculiar 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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Vietnam
Do I Need Vaccines for Vietnam?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Vietnam. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Vietnam: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, cholera and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 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. Recommended for extended travel, 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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Vietnam |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 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. Recommended for extended travel, 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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
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.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Vietnam?
UK citizens may enter Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa. Longer stays require an eVisa. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Vietnam Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Vietnam? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Vietnam and GOV.UK
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 motor-bike 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 whilst in Vietnam.
- Mosquito Repellent – Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases are common in many parts of Vietnam. Ensure you’re protected from these insects whilst travelling.
- Walking Shoes – Visitors can walk the streets to explore the street vendors or beautiful wildlife, making good shoes a must.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Vietnam
If you are in Vietnam and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Hanoi
25 Le Duan Street,
District 1
Ho Chi Minh
Vietnam
Telephone: +84 (0)24 3936 0500
Emergency Phone: +84 (0) 24 3936 0500
Fax: +84 (0)24 3936 0561
Contact Form: Click Here
If you have any questions about travelling to Vietnam or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online today.
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