Vietnam Country Travel Advice Report - Study Abroad Office
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Intelligence and Analysis Services
Country Travel Advice Report
Vietnam
Overall Risk Rating: Low - Moderate | 2.75
Drum Cussac Group Limited Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:58 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Contents
Country Risk Rating Breakdown ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Country Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Security
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Political
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Infrastructural
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Environmental
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Medical
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Fact Box ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Travel Risk Advice ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Threat Scale Reference ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Drum Cussac Group Limited 2 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:58 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Country Risk Rating Breakdown
Country Overall Risk Rating Low - Moderate | 2.75
Security Environmental Infrastructural Political Medical
Moderate | 3.00 Low - Moderate | 2.75 Moderate | 3.00 Low | 2.25 Moderate - High | 3.50
Drum Cussac Group Limited 3 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:58 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services Country Overview Low - Moderate | 2.75 Vietnam is a communist state in Southeast Asia. It has shown significant economic and social development in recent years as the government has implemented several liberalization reforms. However, attempts to further loosen control over the socio-economic and political sphere remain unclear due to a prevailing conservative leadership. The regime remains stable, and there are no known threats that may undermine political stability in the immediate-to-medium term. Crime and terrorism pose little threat to travelers in the country. Although there are no insurgencies, anti-Chinese sentiments have triggered violent disturbances targeting Chinese-associated establishments. There has been an uptick in the number of protests and strike actions, whilst conflict with China over disputed territories has increased tensions and seen a number of low-scale maritime encounters between the two countries. Corruption and a weak rule of law are likely to have a significant impact on business activity. Parts of Vietnam are vulnerable to powerful earthquakes and storm systems. In addition, the entire country is susceptible to extreme climate conditions due to the El Nino and La Nina phenomena. Healthcare is limited, and the proliferation of counterfeit drugs is a concern. Security Moderate | 3.00 Overview There is a low threat stemming from terrorism. Similarly, foreign nationals are likely to face petty and opportunistic crime whilst in-country. However, there is a concern over violence resulting from prevailing anti-Chinese sentiment. Anti-Chinese protests have also occasionally been staged in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Political Low | 2.25 Overview Vietnam has a stable political regime, and there are no known credible threats to the current leadership. High levels of corruption and weak rule of law, however, are a major problem in the country. Infrastructural Moderate | 3.00 Overview There are no major safety concerns, although overland travel can be hazardous. Cybercrime is also a concern, and the lack of awareness amongst Internet users and inadequate resources to combat cybercriminals increases the likely impact of the threat. Access to electricity is high, and tariffs are relatively lower compared to Southeast Asian neighbors, although Internet speed is slow. Environmental Low - Moderate | 2.75 Overview Vietnam, notably its northern and central regions, is vulnerable to earthquakes due to the presence of various active fault lines within its territory. Similarly, the country's northern and central coastal regions are susceptible to powerful storm systems during the typhoon season from June to November. In addition, unexploded landmines and ordnance left over from Vietnam's decades of war still pose a danger in some of the more rural and isolated parts of the country. Medical Moderate - High | 3.50 Overview Drum Cussac Group Limited 4 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:58 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services Although there are no major health-related concerns besides mosquito-borne diseases, medical care in the country is limited and generally does not meet international standards. In addition, pharmacies are mostly concentrated in urban centers. Counterfeit drugs and expired medicines are also rampant in Vietnam. Drum Cussac Group Limited 5 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:58 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services
Fact Box
Government
Communist State
Type
Population 91,703,800 (2015)
Currency Vietnamese Dong
Languages Vietnamese (official), English, French, Chinese and Khmer
Time Zone UTC+7
Buddhist 7.9%, Catholic 6.6%, Hoa Hao 1.7%, Cao Dai 0.9%, Protestant 0.9%, Muslim
Religions
0.1%, none 81.8%
Traffic Drives on the right
Plug Types Type A, Type C and Type F
Ethnicities Kinh (Viet) 86%, Other, including Tay, Thai, Muong, Khmer, Mong, Nung and Hoa 14%
Drinking
Not Safe to Drink
Water
Significant Dates:
Additional
January 1 - New Year’s Day January 23 - Tet Holiday January 24/25 - Vietnamese New
Information
Year January 26/27/28/29 - Tet Holiday April 2 - Hung King's Temple Festival April 30 -
Liberation/Reunification Day May 1/4 - Labour Day September 2 - Independence Day
International
Country +84
Code
Drum Cussac Group Limited 6 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:58 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Travel Risk Advice
Vaccinations and Key Health Risks
You should visit a health care professional at least four to six weeks prior to the trip. Travellers should ensure that they have routine vaccination
courses and boosters. Routine vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and
annual flu vaccine.
Zika virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present in the country, and mosquito prevention efforts are recommended.
There is no vaccination to prevent zika and comprehensive mosquito protection methods are recommended. This is particularly important for
those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, suffer from a severe, chronic medical condition, or have a medical condition that weakens
the immune system. Female travellers who are pregnant or who wish to become pregnant, including their partners, may wish to seek additional
medical advice.
Most travellers will require vaccines from:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Hepatitis B
Dependent on work, reason for travel, or underlying health conditions, some travellers visiting may require vaccines from:
Yellow Fever
Rabies
Pre-departure
Travellers should have adequate travel insurance in place to enable rapid medical treatment or emergency extraction from Vietnam.
Travellers should identify possible sources of medical support in country, such as the availability of hotel provided doctor for minor ailments.
Travellers should provide friends and family with a copy of their travel itinerary, and make a copy of important travel and identification
documents. Visas should be obtained prior to arrival.
Corruption remains a serious concern, and business travellers should undertake bribery and corruption training before travelling.
Cybercrime is a concern, and travellers should implement a comprehensive suite of IT security measures for electronic devices, such as
travelling with “clean” devices, ensuring that all personal identity information and sensitive files is sanitised, and implementing a Full Disk
Encryption (FDE). Travellers should also not check business or personal electronic devices with luggage at the airport.
On Arrival
There are no significant measures that need to be undertaken on arrival into country, although travellers should carry a copy of their travel
documents at all times.
In Transit
Driving in Vietnam is hazardous. Travellers should utilise low-profile pre-booked taxis or locally vetted transport providers which have
emergency equipment appropriate to the local geography and climatic conditions. Fuel levels in the vehicles should be at least half-full.
Travel routes should avoid isolated areas and potential choke points where practical. Travellers should establish the formal identification of
the driver before commencing any trip.
As of December 2017, British issued International Driving Permits (IDPs) are reportedly no longer accepted to drive a car or motorcycle in
Vietnam.
Travellers should minimise road travel after dark, and movement may be impeded during the monsoon season.
At Your Hotel
Drum Cussac Group Limited 7 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:58 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
During the typhoon season, travellers should prepare an emergency kit of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered radio,
medications that are taken regularly, and vital travel documents. Travellers should re-confirm flight and overland travel itineraries when
tropical storms can cause travel disruptions.
In the Street
Travellers should be aware of the national culture and behavioural expectations. Photographing government buildings or military facilities
may result in detention by authorities, and travellers who are perceived to contravene local laws or customs may face punitive penalties.
Travellers should avoid discussing business or politically sensitive in public.
Some parts of Vietnam are still affected by unexploded ordnance and landmines. Cities and well-travelled rural paths and roads are safe,
however outside of these areas may have legacy unexploded ordnance. The Quang Tri province has more landmines than any other
province in Vietnam. Mined areas are often unmarked. Travellers should remain on tarmacked surfaces, and should not stray into unexplored
trails. Travellers should not approach abandoned or destroyed buildings or pick up metal objects.
Travellers should avoid any demonstrations, protests and rallies, which may attract security forces and law enforcement officers and present
a dynamic and volatile environment.
Travellers should be mindful of local and national customs and acceptable behaviours. Same-sex relations are legal, and the country is one
of the few in Asia that have promoted efforts to raise awareness about LGBT rights. Gay pride parades are organised annually in multiple
cities across the country and are largely peaceful. However, more conservative attitudes prevail in rural settings, and LGBT individuals may
encounter prejudice and discrimination, although outright violence against foreigners is rare.
Travellers should use only small denominations of the local currency, and keep large amounts of cash and cards in a separate place on your
person. Reduce the contents of your wallet or purse contents, particularly cards which may denote affiliations, memberships and accounts.
Do not use credit or debit cards unless absolutely necessary and then only at respected, well-known retail and service establishments.
Travellers should ensure that their mobile phone is carried with sufficient battery life and programmed with appropriate emergency numbers.
Travellers should also carry an ID card or passport and emergency medical information.
Travellers should be aware of their location and surroundings. Avoid high-crime areas and of walking through dimly lit streets after dark.
Travellers should know routes and carry a map if necessary, but keep it concealed.
In crowded situations, travellers should be aware of jostling as this may be a ploy for pick-pockets. Travellers should also be aware of people
loitering, and also that attackers may first pass their victim to attack from behind.
Travellers should ignore verbal ‘bait’ from passers-by, do not get into an argument and avoid eye contact with strangers.
COVID-19 Information
Total Cases (ECDC) (Updated on Monday): 101,173
Weekly percentage increase in cases:132.81%
Travel Restrictions: Internal Restrictions Authorities plan to tighten COVID-19 restrictions in southern provinces through at least Aug. 1. Officials
will require all nonessential establishments, including businesses and restaurants, to close. Public gatherings of more than two people will be
banned and public transport services must operate at limited capacity. People will be advised to only leave home for essential reasons. The
measures will impact An Giang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Binh Phuoc, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Long An, Kien
Giang, Soc Trang, Tay Ninh, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long provinces. The measures will also be enforced in Ho Chi Minh City. Authorities
will also enhance ongoing restrictions on nonessential commercial activity in Hanoi from July 19 until further notice. All nonessential services will
be prohibited, and public transport services to and from high-risk provinces will be suspended. Officials will recommend residents only leave their
homes for essential reasons. Authorities may expand or extend measures if COVID-19 increases.
Officials continue to enforce restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19 nationwide. Authorities require individuals who have
contacted known COVID-19 cases to quarantine in centralized facilities for 21 days. Passengers on public transport must wear facemasks. Long-
distance domestic travelers must complete health declaration forms before departure. Additionally, in most locations, including Hanoi and Ho Chi
Minh City, all persons must wear facemasks when in public; violators may face fines of up to VND 300,000. Authorities in multiple areas have
continued to suspend in-person classes in schools.
Drum Cussac Group Limited 8 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:58 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services Varying localized measures are in effect in parts of Vietnam. Da Nang officials have closed beaches and suspended sports activities; mass gatherings remain banned. Similar business and gathering controls are active in other areas as local officials modify measures according to COVID-19 activity in the area. Additionally, officials in areas with high COVID-19 activity typically enforce localized entry and exit rules in the affected locations. The areas include Ben Luc, Can Duoc, Can Giuoc, and Duc Hoa districts and Tan An city in Long An Province. Exceptions are usually in place for people seeking medical care and transport workers, among others. Ho Chi Minh City Authorities have extended lockdown measures in Ho Chi Minh City through Aug. 1 due to increased local COVID-19 activity. Officials request all residents to remain at home except when seeking medical care, working in essential industries, or purchasing essential goods. Nonessential gatherings are limited to two people. Nonessential business operations remain suspended, as do cultural, recreational, and sports activities in public venues. Officials will suspend most public transport, including buses, taxis, and intracity and intercity bus services. Entry and exit controls remain in place in the city; exemptions are in place for the transport of essential goods and business reasons, among others. At least ten locations, including Quang Ninh, Quang Binh, Gia Lai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Nghe An, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Nam provinces, as well as Haiphong and Thanh Hoa cities and Phu Quoc Island, have suspended flights with Ho Chi Minh City. Authorities require all outbound travelers from Ho Chi Minh City to undergo a 14-day quarantine at their destination and take at least three COVID-19 tests during the period. Most provinces require a negative COVID-19 test result for individuals arriving from Ho Chi Minh City. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is providing rapid COVID-19 test services for passengers. Authorities are strictly enforcing the restrictions, including fining people between VND 1-3 million for being outside without a valid reason. Officials have also closed several factories in Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone and Saigon Hi-tech Park due to COVID-19 outbreaks in the area. Factories located in Saigon Hi-tech Park must now allow workers to stay on-site to operate. Officials will likely maintain heightened security measures, including at checkpoints across Ho Chi Minh City, to ensure compliance with the latest restrictions. Additional extensions are possible, depending on COVID-19 activity. Hanoi Vietnamese authorities have imposed controls under Directive 16, the tightest level of COVID-19 restrictions, in Hanoi through at least Aug. 8. Residents of the city are required to remain inside their homes unless leaving for essential purposes, such as purchasing food, seeking medical care, or working in essential industries. Nonessential passenger transport is banned throughout Hanoi. Authorities will allow and facilitate the movement of essential supplies. Outdoor gatherings of more than two persons are prohibited. All nonessential businesses are closed. The duration of the restrictions could be extended, or similar measures introduced in communities near Hanoi in the coming days. Officials have set up screening checkpoints on roads throughout Hanoi. Additional security personnel will likely remain deployed in the area to enforce movement and gathering restrictions. Authorities will probably maintain a heightened security posture for the duration of the restrictions. Severe business and transport disruptions are likely until the measures are lifted. Individuals traveling to Hanoi from many other areas of Vietnam, especially areas in the south of the country, including Ho Chi Minh City, are subject to mandatory institutional quarantines. Hundreds of flights have been canceled due to insufficient space at quarantine facilities. International Travel Restrictions Most foreigners remain banned from entering Vietnam. Exceptions are in place for foreign experts, investors, managers, skilled workers, and resident diplomats, among others. Most passengers must quarantine at centralized facilities for 14 days upon arrival. Fully vaccinated foreigners entering Quang Ninh Province may undergo a shortened seven-day quarantine at a designated facility; the measure is in effect through at least July 31. Inbound travelers must obtain a health certificate within 36 hours of departing for Vietnam and provide evidence that they received the last vaccine dose between two weeks and one year before the trip. It is unclear if the policy covers returning citizens. Officials may adjust the policy in the coming days and weeks, depending on the local and international COVID-19 situation. Inbound commercial flights remain suspended until further notice. Charter flights may operate on a case-by-case basis to transport Vietnamese citizens and foreign nationals allowed to enter the country. Officials require permitted arrivals to test negative for COVID-19 within five days before the travel date. Officials have banned the entry of people with travel history within the past 21 days to Cambodia, India, Laos, and Thailand due to COVID-19 concerns. Authorities said exceptions are in place for people who are transporting goods into Vietnam. It is unclear whether there are other exemptions, including for returning citizens; the Vietnamese embassy in Laos has reportedly encouraged Vietnamese nationals there to refrain from returning to the country. Additional Information: https://vn.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/ Drum Cussac Group Limited 9 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:58 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services
Threat Scale Reference
Threat Rating Implication
The operating environment is benign and there are only isolated threats to business
1 - Negligible
and/or travel.
The operating environment is generally permissive, although there are a limited
2 – Low
number of threats to business and/or travel that requires basic mitigations.
The operating environment is challenging and there are serious threats to business
3 – Moderate
and/or travel that requires some mitigations.
The operating environment is hostile and there are significant threats to business,
4 – High
personal safety and/or travel, requiring comprehensive mitigations and planning.
The operating environment is characterised by pervasive direct threats to business,
5 – Extreme
personal safety and/or travel, requiring strict risk management procedures.
Drum Cussac Group Limited 10 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:58 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Disclaimer
Drum Cussac Group Ltd makes no representation, warranties or assurance against risk with respect to the contents or use of this document, and
specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties or usefulness for any particular purpose of this publication. Recommendations made are based on
information available at the time of writing. No express or implied warranty is given in respect of any judgment made or to changes, or any unforeseen
escalation of any factors affecting any such judgment.
Copyright
Copyright 2016 Drum Cussac Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express prior consent of Drum
Cussac Group Ltd.
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