Traveler Toolkit
Vietnam Country Security Report
Vietnam Country Security Report
Published: June 24, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Vietnam Travel Advisory and Vietnam Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Đình, Hanoi
Tel: +84 24-3850-5000
U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City
4 Le Duan Blvd., Bến Thành Ward, District 1, HCMC
Tel: +84 28-3520-4200.
OSAC Country Chapters
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has an active OSAC Country Chapter.
Contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.
Vietnam Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Vietnam.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) as being HIGH-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Vietnam.
The crime emergency line in Vietnam is 113.
Although most travelers feel relatively safe, non-violent crimes do occur in Vietnam with some frequency; petty crimes occur regularly, especially in crowded areas and tourist locations. Most crimes targeting foreigners are petty thefts, sexual harassment, and the most common target is cell phones – so much so that a market area on Hanoi’s Quán Thánh street selling used cell phones and tables is colloquially known as “Stolen Phone Street.”
Pickpocketing – specifically drive-by bag snatching – is another frequent crime in both Hanoi and HCMC. Two criminals riding a motorcycle will ride up to a target; the motorcycle passenger will then snatch the victim’s camera, cell phone, or purse. This tactic can be especially dangerous to the victim if the strap of the bag is wrapped over their shoulder or around their neck, as the assailant can pull down and injure the victim more easily that way. There is typically an increase in petty crime during the Christmas and Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday seasons, including during the day and in well-lit areas.
Keep a tight hold on bags as you enter and exit vehicles and as you walk around. Hold tightly to cell phones when using them outside and lock and stow phones until you actually need to use them.
Since 2019, there has been a significant increase in the number of reports of sexual harassment and assault by groping. In 2021, the Ministry of Public Security increased the penalty to VND 8 million ($350) for acts of groping and sexual harassment; the penalty for sexual harassment and sexual assault remains a fine without any jail time. In addition, the police do not take groping and sexual harassment very seriously, so having them investigate it is difficult at best.
Neighborhoods popular with the expatriate and diplomatic communities are especially vulnerable to residential burglary. Single-family houses tend to be the most frequent targets of residential break-ins. These break-ins have not resulted in injuries to residents as they have occurred only when residents are not home. If a burglar confronts you, do not react using force, as that may lead to an escalation of violence. In general, high-rise apartment complexes with 24-hour guards and access-control systems have lower burglary rates. Additionally, the safety and security of guest rooms in quality hotels is adequate.
For those living in Vietnam, it is common to employ domestic help. The Regional Security Office is aware of occasional instances in which domestic help are suspected of stealing valuables from their employers.
Violent crime (e.g., armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual abuse) against foreigners is uncommon, but does occur. There have been instances of Westerners being offered cigarettes that turned out to be laced with drugs; the victims passed out, and at least one was robbed (with no recollection of events). There have also been reports of drink doctoring to incapacitate victims in bars and restaurants expatriates frequent, before robbing them.
Criminals have copied credit and debit cards to make illegal purchases and withdraw funds without the account holder’s knowledge or consent. The Hanoi Metropolitan Police has reported discovery and seizure of devices designed to duplicate debit card information and ATM cards. Use of ATM’s outside of major banks risks exposure to ATM “skimmers” or devices that steal debit/credit card information.
Crackdowns on drug use and distribution has been seen throughout Ho Chi Minh City. Law enforcement has been known to surround nightclubs to conduct random searches and on the spot drug tests of patrons. Individuals that test positive are immediately arrested. These tests present heightened risk to travelers who may utilize prescription drugs as arrests may occur despite proof of prescription.
Sexual harassment, groping, and sexual assault is common, and foreigners are targeted, especially in Tây Hồ, a high-end Hanoi residential area where many expatriates live and work.
There are no high-crime areas that are considered off limits to U.S. government personnel, due to the nonviolent nature of crime overall in Hanoi and HCMC.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Vietnam.
Kidnapping does happen, albeit infrequently, in Vietnam. Most kidnappings are related to family and friend group disputes as opposed to being targeted kidnaps for ransom.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as being LOW-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Vietnam.
There is very little information available and almost no historical context to rate Vietnam's approach to terrorism. The counterterrorism officials with whom U.S. Embassy Hanoi officials routinely deal assess an almost zero risk of terrorism throughout the country, due in part to Vietnam's restrictive and pervasive surveillance network. Vietnam's security services are quite aggressive in deterring any suggestion of terrorism. There are no known terrorist groups operating in Vietnam, although authorities do consider several anti-government organizations as terrorist organizations, and claim they are responsible for occasional violent incidents that use terrorist tactics.
In 2019, authorities detained an individual for allegedly causing an explosion in a Bình Dương province tax office, charging him with a terrorism offense. The explosion may have taken place in a restroom inside the four-story building. Authorities claim the individual was acting under the guidance of a U. S-based organization called the "Provisional National Government of Vietnam," which is classified as a terrorist organization in Vietnam. Authorities have arrested others for purported participation in this group, including more than a dozen for a purported plot against the airport in 2017, several in 2020 for sharing “terrorist propaganda,” and several more in 2021 for purportedly “carrying out activities to overthrow the government.”
The Vietnamese government has also designated California-based pro-democracy group Việt Tân as a terrorist organization, accusing the group of training members to sneak into Vietnam to organize protests and instigate violence. Among others, authorities in 2019 arrested a Vietnam-born, Australian citizen for his work with the group, convicting him of working to “fund terrorist operations.”
On 11 June 2023, a group of unidentified gunmen attacked Peoples’ Committee offices in Cu Kuin district, Dak Lak province located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. One group of assailants attacked the Ea Tieu Commune People’s Committee while a second group simultaneously attacked the Ea Ktuk Commune People’s Committee, killing four police officers, two commune officials and two civilians. Two police officers were seriously injured. Dak Lak province has a long history of armed, ethnic minority-led separatist groups conducting violent attacks to seek greater autonomy or independence for the Central Highlands. Such groups were particularly active beginning in the 1960s and after reunification through the 1980s. Despite this history, the province has not seen an attack like this for decades. Government statistics indicate members of Dak Lak’s ethnic minorities constitute 36%of the overall population, and the authorities often accuse these ethnic minority leaders of being “reactionary elements” backed by foreign organizations. On 20 January 2024, the People’s Court of Dak Lak sentenced 10 defendants to life imprisonment for their involvement in the attack.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as being LOW-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Vietnam. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Vietnam is a one-party country and elections proceed in a very organized manner. During national elections for members of the steering committee and Politburo (held every five years), the city of Hanoi remains locked down due to dignitary protection events and road closures. There are no rallies, no protests, and most of the delegates leave the city before the results are announced. The entire process is conducted in secret.
Protests & Demonstrations
The government places heavy controls on political protests and public demonstrations, making civil unrest relatively uncommon. Small-scale, peaceful demonstrations have occurred, often due to territorial disputes between Vietnam and the People’s Republic of China (PRC); large-scale demonstrations are rare. Avoid large gatherings, as they can become violent with little or no warning.
.
Anti-China demonstrations occasionally protest the PRC's occupation of the Paracel Islands (Quần Đảo Hoàng Sa) in the South China Sea (a territory that the PRC still holds), generally after the Chinese government or navy is involved in a maritime incident. In 2018, demonstrations took place in Hanoi, HCMC, and some other provinces; thousands of people protested a draft law for new economic zones. The legislation would have allowed Chinese companies to lease land in Phú Quốc island, Vân Đồn island and Vân Phong Gulf for up to 99 years
The U.S. Embassy Hanoi has been the target of pickets by land reform activists as recent as summer 2024. These protests were often over in 15 minutes, and the police removed the protestors quickly. Protests over land use are not uncommon throughout the country. While ownership of all land is technically held by the state, land confiscations have become a flashpoint, with residents accusing the government of ignoring the interests of small landholders in favor of lucrative real estate or industrial developments.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Most Vietnamese regard Westerners in a positive manner and are friendly to foreigners. A 2023 Research poll of Vietnamese showed approximately 84% had a favorable view of the United States.
Law Enforcement
The Ministry of Public Security is responsible for internal security and controls the national police, a special national security investigative agency, and other internal security units. Police entities that travelers are most likely to meet are the traffic police (cảnh sát giao thong), public security (công an), and fire departments. The traffic police wear khaki uniforms and are like highway patrol units or police officers whose primary job is the enforcement of traffic laws. Public security, who wear green uniforms similar to the military, oversee general security and enforcing local laws. The Public Security Ministry is analogous to the U.S. FBI, DHS (Immigration, Customs & Border Patrol, etc.), DEA, NSA, and CIA all in one agency.
Police Response
Police often lack proper funding and training. Local police will issue a report of a crime but generally will only initiate investigations for crimes they determine serious; the definition of serious does not always equate with U.S. standards. Investigations can take several months to complete. While the overall situation is improving, some police have asked for bribes, ostensibly to support local police efforts or to facilitate investigation of a crime. If you are involved in a situation where a police officer is soliciting money, contact American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General on HCMC.
If arrested for a crime, authorities will transport you to a jail and bring you before a judge. Insist on contacting American Citizen Services. There are often delays in notification by the Vietnamese authorities to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General and officials have been known to delay consular access to prisoners for several weeks.
Transportation Security
While the U.S. Embassy has not declared any areas off-limits, the Government of Vietnam considers certain areas of the Central Highlands bordering Cambodia and Laos politically sensitive; these areas are still open to tourists. Avoid military installations and camps in these areas. Foreigners must enter and exit Vietnam through a major international land or seaport, and cannot cross overland into Laos, Cambodia, or China except at designated international checkpoints.
U.S. citizens have been detained after traveling in areas close to the Vietnamese borders with the People’s Republic of China, Cambodia, and Laos. These areas are not always marked, and there are no warnings about prohibited travel.
Road Safety
The two most dangerous activities in Vietnam are crossing the street and driving / riding in traffic. Traffic is dangerous, chaotic, and undisciplined. Road conditions are poor and traffic accidents are the leading cause of death, severe injury, and emergency evacuation of foreigners in Vietnam.
The road system is underdeveloped, and drivers widely ignore traffic rules. The lack of open sidewalks and adequate traffic controls creates a precarious situation for pedestrians and motorists alike. It is not uncommon for visitors or residents to be involved in some type of road incident while attempting to cross one of the many motorcycle-clogged streets of Vietnam. It is also common for visitors or residents to be involved in some type of incident on a sidewalk or in a park, as local drivers use these as thoroughfares when road traffic is stopped. Pedestrians should always look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk with a green “walk” light illuminated or when crossing what is believed to be a one-way street. When walking on sidewalks, be mindful of scooters that may be behind you. Vietnamese commonly drive their scooters against traffic and on sidewalks.
Motorcycle accidents are particularly common and serious since motorcyclists typically have less training than car or truck drivers do. In accordance with local law, all motorcycle riders must wear a helmet. While the number of traffic accidents and casualties in Vietnam has decreased sharply over the years, it remains very high.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U. S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Only use metered/marked taxis, preferably from the larger taxi companies with marked vehicles. Less-reputable taxi drivers have painted their vehicles to resemble legitimate companies. Do not take a taxi that looks suspicious (e.g., no meter, no signage) and be mindful of the prevalence of drunk drivers at night. If you smell or see alcohol on a driver or in a vehicle, get out and find a new ride.
Beware of fake taxis. Identify authentic taxis by the correct telephone number painted on their sides, uniformed drivers, equipment (e.g., meter, receipt machine, tablet for GPS next to driver), and unique taxi number inscribed on the rear of the front headrests and prominently displayed on the exterior of the vehicle itself.
Rideshare services such as Grab, GoViet, and Be are generally safe and reliable. When using a ridesharing service, ensure that the license plate of the vehicle matches that on your application.
Grab moped taxis are incredibly common but are strongly discouraged due to the increase in risk when riding on a moped. The general lack of vetting on the drivers’ capabilities and lack of overall protection increase the dangers to travelers. Moped accidents represent the most dangerous form of transportation in Vietnam, accounting for most injuries to foreigners.
Motorcycle taxis (known as “xe om”), which are strongly discouraged, are unregulated and unsafe, and the helmets provided to riders offer little to no protection against injury in the case of an accident.
Visitors generally cannot rent cars with a foreign driver’s license; therefore, those needing to travel outside of major cities must use trains, buses or private cars with hired drivers. Trains are old, slow and are typically not up to Western standards; accidents and other safety issues, however, seldom occur. Buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety. The quality and safety standards of buses and private car choices vary greatly depending on the amount of money individuals are willing to pay. Hotels and travel agencies are the preferred way to arrange private transportation options; they will normally provide details on the quality and condition of available vehicles.
Aviation Concerns
Vietnam Airlines now operates one direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (SGN) to San Francisco (SFO) four times a week (Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun). The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Vietnam’s air carrier operations. Find further information on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Maritime Security
Maritime traffic is almost unregulated, with numerous small boats operating close to the coast. Popular tourist locations such as Hạ Long Bay and the Mekong Delta have extensive cruise lines that operate in a regulated fashion. Maritime disputes with the PRC are on the rise, and the Vietnamese Coast Guard focuses on certain areas offshore.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Vietnam, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Vietnam.
Vietnamese citizens do not enjoy civil liberties, and the Vietnamese police do not consider any detention arbitrary. There are always concerns over corruption. Local police officers are known anecdotally to accept bribes in lieu of small fines.
Although the law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials and there were multiple arrests and convictions for corruption, the government does not implement the law effectively, and officials frequently engage in corrupt practices. This includes existing and retired officials from the politburo, central party, military, and public security services.
Health Concerns
For emergency medical services in Vietnam, dial 115. Medical facilities in Vietnam, including emergency response services, frequently do not meet international standards and may lack medicine and supplies. Strongly consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance before visiting Vietnam.
Medical personnel generally speak little or no English. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. International health clinics in Hanoi and HCMC can treat minor illnesses and injuries, but more serious problems often require medical evacuation to other cities in the region.
In major cities, the local authorities have ambulance services and emergency departments with semi-modern capabilities. Smaller hospitals and local ambulance services are not up to Western standards. In more rural areas, there is almost no healthcare infrastructure. There are pharmacies in most towns where one can purchase a wide variety of prescription and non-prescription medications. (There are not the same controls in Vietnam as there are in the West). Pharmaceutical fraud is not rumored to be a major concern in Vietnam; however, it is always a risk.
CDC recommends that travelers going to rural areas of Vietnam take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Take atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or tafenoquine as prophylactics for travel to the southern part of the country; and atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or tafenoquine for other areas with malaria, except the Mekong and Red River Deltas. For travel to the Mekong and Red River Deltas, practice mosquito avoidance.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy Hanoi website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U. S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Vietnam. Review the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Rabies, and Typhoid. Travelers to Vietnam are at risk of Tuberculosis, Dengue Fever, Zika, Avian Influenza (H5N1), and HIV.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Bring adequate supplies of medications for the duration of your stay in Vietnam and ensure with the Health Ministry that the medicine you need is allowed to enter Vietnam. Carry a copy of your prescription if carrying medicine in a travel case or container.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Local drinking water is not potable or safe, and there are anecdotal reports of pesticide and chemical contamination in many prepackaged foods.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
Environmental hazards abound in Vietnam-unsecured power lines, chemical spills, poorly supervised construction projects and other issues. Construction and environmental safety are loosely regulated in Vietnam.
Pollution: Air pollution is a significant problem in Vietnam’s major cities. Consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact that seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you.
Monsoons and Flooding: Vietnam is prone to excessive seasonal flooding. Vietnam’s monsoon season (June – October) see extensive rainfall which increases risks for flooding and landslides which impact roads and infrastructure.
In 2025, Vietnam experienced its most severe typhoon seasons in decades receiving 11 typhoons and tropical depressions between May and October. Typhoon Bualoi and Typhoon Matmo, occurring weeks apart, caused significant damage and humanitarian demands through its extensive damage to infrastructure, housing, and daily life. As of December 2025, a total of 420 people have been reported dead or missing, and 730 others were injured. The overall economic loss of the 2025 storm season is estimated to exceed VND 99,892 billion (USD $3.7 million)
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime has become more sophisticated in Vietnam. Vietnam has one of the world’s highest levels of infected personal computers and malware penetration. This is due in part to the prevalence of unlicensed and expired software, which may not receive necessary security patches and updates. Not only do malicious cyber actors target individuals for personal information, but they also conduct attacks against businesses and foreign government agencies for economic and political information. According to reports, foreign cybercriminals have remotely attacked bank accounts and taken large amounts of money from account holders.
Digital surveillance of citizens and travelers within Vietnam is prevalent, albeit subtle. Foreigners traveling to Vietnam are monitored, and there should be no true expectations of privacy while traveling or working in Vietnam.
Import/Export Restrictions
Vietnamese law prohibits the export of antiques. However, these laws are vague and unevenly enforced. Customs authorities may inspect and seize your antiques without compensating you, and the determination of what is an “antique” can be arbitrary. If you purchase non-antique items of value, retain receipts and confirmation from shop owners and/or the Ministry of Culture and the Customs Department to prevent seizure when you leave the country.
Vietnamese authorities have seized documents, audio and video tapes, compact discs, literature and personal letters they deem to be pornographic or political in nature or intended for religious or political proselytizing. It is illegal to import weapons, ammunition, explosives, military equipment and tools (including uniforms), narcotics, drugs, toxic chemicals, pornographic and subversive materials, firecrackers, or children's toys that have "negative effects on personality development, social order and security. "
In Vietnam, importing satellite phones is currently subject to strict regulations, with the government requiring foreign companies providing satellite telecommunication services to have a local gateway station and comply with stringent data security measures, essentially limiting the ability of individuals to freely import and use satellite phones without specific authorization. However, the recent announcement of a pilot program for satellite internet services like Starlink indicates a potential shift towards more relaxed restrictions on satellite communication technology, with the government maintaining tight control over its usage.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.