Travel Vaccines and Advice for Vietnam

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Vietnam. The CDC 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.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

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.

Cholera has been reported in Vietnam in recent years. Travelers visiting rural areas or family are at increased risk. Cholera is preventable through drinking only clean water, washing hands often, and by oral vaccination.

The best protection against cholera is through vaccination. Passport Health clinics offer the cholera vaccine. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today!

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.

Vietnam Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Vietnam?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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: acshanoi@state.gov

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.