Vietnamese authorities have temporarily suspended visas for all foreign nationals as of March 18. The decision is valid for 30 days. For more information on entry regulations and coronavirus, see the entry Entry and Health.
Safety
Vietnam is generally a safe country to stay and travel to. According to countryaah, Vietnam is one of countries starting with letter V.
The crime rate is relatively low. One should exercise common caution, especially after dark. As a tourist, you can be exposed to violence, pickpocketing and purse seeding, especially in the larger cities. It is important to be aware of where you store your valuables.
Road safety in Vietnam is poor. Especially in the larger cities, the density of cars and motorcycles is high and the respect for traffic rules is low. It is therefore important to pay attention when traveling along busy roads and when crossing the street. It is advisable not to cycle or ride a motorcycle outside densely populated areas with illuminated streets after dark. Try to select boats and buses based on available safety information. Use reputable taxi companies. Always wear a helmet if you are riding or moping. Wear seat belt in car.
Homosexuality is not prohibited in Vietnam and Vietnam is relatively tolerant of sexual minorities, but lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people may still be subject to prejudice and discrimination.
Earthquakes may occur. During the rainy season, there may be a risk of storm and typhoon in northern and central coastal areas that can also lead to flooding. It is recommended to follow the weather forecast locally and in the media. Updated storm forecasts for Vietnam can be found at Tropical Storm Risk.
Travelers should follow the media, listen to local councils, avoid large crowds like any demonstrations and otherwise be vigilant, especially in places with many people. All travelers are encouraged to register at reiseregistrering.no.
Entry
Vietnamese authorities have temporarily suspended visas for all foreign nationals as of March 18. The decision is valid for 30 days.
From the same time, the Vietnamese authorities require that all persons exempt from the above decision must have a health certificate confirming that they are not infected by covid-19. Anyone now arriving in Vietnam will be placed in a 14-day quarantine in clay created by the government. For some groups, including diplomats, it opens for the Home Quarantine.
It should be noted that entry rules can change quickly. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country. Travelers are advised to contact the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate for information on current entry rules. Subject to changes that have not been notified to the Embassy.
On March 7, the Vietnamese authorities introduced a scheme whereby all travelers must complete a health declaration before arrival (see section on Health).
From Thursday, March 12, the provisions on visa-free entry for i.e. Norwegian nationals to Vietnam temporarily liquidated. As far as we know, the change is of no significance to those who have entered Vietnam before March 12.
There is a risk that Norwegian citizens may be quarantined upon entry or during their stay. Quarantine centers are safe, but do not necessarily meet Norwegian health standards. There is also a risk that Norwegian citizens may be rejected or asked to leave hotels in Vietnam.
For updated information on the Vietnamese visa regulations, it is recommended to contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Oslo.
Contact information:
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
St. Olavs Gate 21C
0165 Oslo
Embassy website
Tel: +47 22 20 33 00
Fax: +47 22 20 33 01
E-mail: vietnamnorway@gmail.com
The website of the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the virus a global pandemic.
Vietnamese authorities confirm that the virus is in Vietnam. So far, there is a limited number of infected.
Vietnamese authorities continue to take strict preventive measures to prevent the spread of infection. As of Thursday, March 18, Vietnamese authorities have temporarily suspended visa issuance to all foreign nationals. The decision is valid for 30 days (see entry point).
Vietnamese authorities are now demanding that all persons exempt from the above decision must have a health certificate confirming that they are not infected by covid-19. Everyone who arrives in Vietnam will be quarantined for 14 days in camps set up by the government. For some groups, including diplomats open it to the home quarantine.
Contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Oslo for more information on the health situation.
Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the corona virus. Feel free to follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation.
See the website of the Vietnamese authorities.
The Institute of Public Health provides advice on infection control when traveling. You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the National Health Institute’s pages on coronavirus.
For up-to-date information on the corona virus, travelers should also follow the World Health Organization (WHO) page.
Travelers to Vietnam are encouraged to contact their local health station or GP for further information on vaccines and other precautions. Useful information is also available on the website of the Public Health Institute.
As always, we encourage all travelers to register at reiseregistrering.no.
Read more about the Norwegian health authorities’ mention of the virus.
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For up-to-date information on health conditions in Vietnam, travelers should follow the Vietnam World Health Organization page.
Travelers to Vietnam are encouraged to contact their local health station or GP for further information on vaccines and other precautions. Useful information is also available on the website of the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
Infectious diseases, waterborne diseases, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, zika virus, hepatitis, rabies, STDs and severe pollution are among the challenges. The somatic and mental health services in Vietnam are deficient, and in case of serious illness it is recommended to seek health services in other countries.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of dengue fever cases in Vietnam. These also occur in the cities. It is therefore recommended to be careful about mosquito repellent and other preventive measures – even during the day. Read more about the disease.
Practical information
The mains supply 220 volts, as in Norway.
The mobile network is relatively well developed and the quality of the telephone network is good. Calling abroad in and around the major cities is easy. In rural areas, especially in mountainous areas, the mobile network may have poorer quality.
According to allcitycodes, the country code for Vietnam is “0084”. When calling locally, without a country code, a “0” is added first. “008433333333” then becomes “033333333” when dialing the number locally.
Banks and cash withdrawals: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in major cities and tourist locations, and can be used to withdraw local currency from ATMs. ATMs are easily accessible in major cities. Banks are usually open at 08: 00-15: 00.
Most public offices in Vietnam are open Monday to Friday at. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, but often closes during lunch break at. 12.00 to 14.00. Shops are open until about 8pm. Some shops are closed on Sundays. Museums are often closed on Mondays, and are usually closed during the lunch break.
Vietnam is ahead of Norway in time; five hours at daylight saving time, and six hours at winter time.
Emergency numbers: Police 113, Fire Brigade 114, Ambulance 115.
If you need consular assistance, please contact the Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi by phone: +84 24 3974 8900 or by e-mail: consular.hanoi@mfa.no.
Opening hours are 8.30-12.00 & 13.00-16.30 (Monday to Friday).
Embassy visit address:
Hanoi Tower, 8th Floor
49 Hai Ba Trung Street
Hanoi
Vietnam
Outside the embassy’s working hours, travelers can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center by phone: +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: UDops@mfa.no.
Vietnam is generally a tolerant country, and you can pretty much dress as you please. If you are going to visit a temple, a pagoda or Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, you are expected to dress respectfully. You can be denied access if you arrive in shorts. When visiting another country, it is important in all respects to show discretion and show respect for the country’s culture.
The official language is Vietnamese. Vietnamese writing language is based on the Latin alphabet and is therefore easy to read. An increasing number of young people speak English, especially in the cities. Many older Vietnamese are familiar with French.
In Vietnam, Vietnamese laws and regulations apply. Always bring your passport or a copy for identification if needed. Possession of any kind of drug is prohibited, and serious drug offenses can result in the death penalty.
Vietnam has a tropical climate with great variations between the north and south. The year is divided into dry and rainy season. The dry season is from November to May and is referred to as winter. In the south, the weather is warm and humid all year round with average temperatures between 25ºC and 35ºC. In the north, there is a greater difference between seasons. Here the temperature can fall below 10ºC in the winter season.