Travel To Vietnam: What Americans Need To Know

Americans are allowed to travel to Vietnam, but they must have a valid passport and a visa or pre-approval for a visa on arrival. As of May 15, 2022, all COVID-19-related entry requirements for Vietnam have been lifted, but travelers must still follow the latest restrictions. For example, tourists entering Vietnam should have medical or travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum liability of $10,000. Despite the history of the Vietnam War, Americans are generally well-received by the Vietnamese people.

What are the visa requirements for Americans travelling to Vietnam?

US citizens must have a valid visa to enter Vietnam. Since 1996, US citizens flying into Vietnam can pick up their Vietnam visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. It is recommended that Americans travelling to Vietnam complete their Vietnam visa application online before their trip.

To apply for a Vietnam visa online, American travellers must:

• Submit an online Vietnam visa application form for US citizens.
• Receive a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter.
• Get a Vietnam visa stamp upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s several international airports (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Nha Trang).

To get a Vietnam visa, US citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after their arrival date in Vietnam. American travellers can only get their Vietnam visa on arrival when arriving in Vietnam by air.

As an American traveller to Vietnam, you will need to provide the following information in your Vietnam visa application:

• Your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport.
• Your date of birth.
• Your nationality as listed in your passport.
• Your passport number.
• Date of arrival.
• Passport photos (if arriving by air).

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a convenient option for many travellers. To get a VOA, you need to apply online before your trip to get an approval letter. When you land in Vietnam, show this letter, your passport, a passport-sized photo, and the visa stamping fee. Then, you’ll get your visa stamped in your passport.

Tips for a Successful Vietnam Visa Application

• Check your documents: Before you apply, double-check your passport’s validity and make sure you have all the required documents. Your passport should have at least six months left before it expires.
• Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply for your visa at least a few weeks before your trip.
• Fill out forms carefully: Take your time and answer everything correctly. Mistakes can lead to delays or even a denied visa.
• Keep copies: Have copies of your application, approval letters, and other important documents.
• Ask for help: If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Vietnam E-Visa

US citizens can apply online for an E-visa on the Vietnam Immigration website. The E-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry, and does not allow for renewal or extension. An E-visa is usually processed within three to five working days after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives the completed application and E-visa fee.

Visa Exemption

Vietnamese nationals residing abroad indefinitely, their spouses, and their children may apply for a Certificate of Visa Exemption. The certificate has a maximum validity of five years, during which the holder can enter Vietnam and stay for up to six months without applying for a visa.

What are the COVID-19 entry requirements for Vietnam?

As of 2023, Vietnam is open to travellers from the US without any COVID-19-related restrictions. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all international travellers be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. The CDC also provides a helpful traveller's checklist for Vietnam, which you may want to review before you travel.

In addition, travellers heading to Vietnam should be up to date with routine vaccinations and consider getting vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, rabies, measles, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever.

While a COVID-19 vaccine card or negative PCR test is no longer required to enter Vietnam, US citizens are advised to carry valid travel insurance that covers emergency health treatment, including COVID-19 treatment, and medical evacuation.

What is the recommended travel insurance coverage for Vietnam?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for US citizens visiting Vietnam. However, even if not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended to safeguard against unexpected emergencies. Before purchasing travel medical coverage for Vietnam, it is recommended to contact your domestic health insurance provider to understand how your health insurance policy will cover you while abroad.

When choosing travel insurance for your trip to Vietnam, consider the following factors:

• Coverage: Look for a policy that provides comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, baggage loss, travel delays, emergency medical evacuation, and emergency assistance services.
• Policy limits: Ensure that the policy limits are sufficient to cover potential expenses, such as medical treatment or emergency evacuation.
• Exclusions: Carefully review the policy's exclusions and limitations, particularly regarding pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities. Some common coverages to consider for a trip to Vietnam include motorcycle/motorbike travel insurance, coverage for pre-existing conditions, emergency medical evacuation, and accidental death and dismemberment.
• Cost: Compare the prices of different insurance providers while considering the coverage and benefits offered.
• Customer reviews and reputation: Research the insurance provider's reputation, customer reviews, and claim handling process to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.

The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the duration of your trip, your age, the level of coverage you choose, and any additional add-ons or options selected. On average, travel insurance for a US citizen visiting Vietnam can range from $50 to $200 for a week-long trip, which is between 5% to 8% of the trip cost.

• IMG Travel LX: Offers coverage for unexpected medical expenses due to accidents or sickness, as well as trip expense investment in case of trip cancellation or delay. It includes a 'Cancel for any reason' benefit with coverage up to $100,000.
• Safe Travels Trip Protection Insurance: Offers coverage for non-refundable trip expenses incurred due to trip cancellation. Some popular plans include Safe Travels Voyager, Safe Travels Protect, and Safe Travels Explorer.
• Trip Protector Preferred Insurance: Available for US citizens and residents travelling outside the United States. It includes $2,000 in travel delay benefits for COVID-19 quarantine/lodging, trip cancellation up to $50,000, and medical coverage for sickness and injury up to $500,000.
• Seven Corners Trip Protection Insurance: Offers good, better, and best plans, including Trip Protection Basic and Trip Protection Choice. There is an additional cost for trips exceeding 30 days, but trips can last up to 180 days.
• Travel Insurance Select Insurance and Trip Care Complete Insurance: Offered by Travel Insurance Services, these plans include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss/delay. The Select Plus and Elite plans offer an optional 'Cancel for any reason' benefit.

In addition to the above, World Nomads offers two types of travel insurance plans, Standard and Explorer, which provide different levels of coverage depending on your country of residence.

How can Americans stay safe in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a safe and friendly place to travel. However, there are some precautions Americans should take to ensure their safety.

Firstly, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas and tourist locations. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but petty crimes such as theft, bag-snatching, and pickpocketing occur regularly. Keep your valuables, such as jewellery, passports, credit cards, and electronics, in a safe place, such as a hotel safe. When out and about, carry only what you need and leave other valuables in your hotel. Be cautious when walking on sidewalks and always look both ways before crossing the street, as motorbikes often drive against traffic and on sidewalks.

When taking a motorbike taxi, ensure your bag is not on display or easily accessible. Bag snatching is the most likely crime a tourist would encounter. If someone tries to grab your bag, it is better to surrender your valuables than to risk being injured in a struggle.

Drink spiking is also a concern in Vietnam, and foreigners have been robbed and sexually assaulted after having their drinks spiked. Always buy your own drinks, keep them in sight, and be wary of accepting drinks, snacks, or gum from strangers.

It is also important to dress conservatively when visiting Vietnam, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing that shows too much skin.

Finally, research your trip thoroughly and only use recommended tour agencies and accommodation. Check reviews from other travellers online to avoid unreliable tour agencies and badly run hotels.

What are the recommended health precautions for travellers to Vietnam?

Vietnam has been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for travellers. However, it is always recommended to take precautions to ensure a safe and healthy trip. Here are some recommended health precautions for travellers to Vietnam:

Before Your Trip

Two months before your trip, consult your doctor or a local travel clinic for the latest information on health risks in Vietnam and to receive any necessary vaccinations. The CDC website provides detailed information on recommended vaccinations and other health precautions. It is also important to purchase travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment and medical evacuation.

During Your Trip

• Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in rural areas.
• To avoid food-borne illnesses, choose restaurants with a high turnover of customers and those that serve freshly cooked food.
• Be cautious when choosing street food vendors.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Wear sunscreen throughout the day and reapply frequently, especially at beachside destinations.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.
• Be vigilant for mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, Zika virus, and malaria. Consider taking anti-malarial medication if travelling to remote destinations.
• Protect yourself from insect bites by using insect repellent containing DEET.
• Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing to prevent insect bites and protect yourself from the sun.
• Avoid live animals and animal products in markets. Wash your hands with soap and water if you come into contact with them.
• Only eat well-cooked food. Ensure your meals, especially animal proteins and dairy products, are thoroughly cooked and prepared in sanitary conditions.
• Be cautious when consuming dairy products and raw or undercooked food.
• Take precautions against rabies. Seek immediate medical assistance if bitten or scratched by animals, especially in northern Vietnam.
• Avoid monkeys on Cat Ba Island when touring Ha Long Bay.
• Be aware of ticks, leeches, and poisonous snakes when trekking in jungles or rural areas.
• If you have a medical condition or allergy, carry a doctor's letter describing the nature of the condition and any required treatment.
• Pack a medical kit with essential medications and supplies, including pain relievers, anti-itch ointment, antihistamines, wound care supplies, and diarrhoea treatment.
• Carry a copy of your prescription if you are travelling with prescription medication.
• Be mindful of air pollution, especially in large cities. Individuals with respiratory ailments may consider wearing a small mask while travelling in metropolitan areas.

If You Feel Unwell

• If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing, immediately call Vietnam's health hotline: 1900 3228.
• In case of other illnesses or injuries, seek medical attention at international hospitals or clinics in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
• Medical facilities and care vary across Vietnam, and some hospitals may lack certain medicines and supplies. Therefore, it is essential to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed.

Frequently asked questions