Vietnam
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 115 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest vaccine recommendations for Vietnam in TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Vietnam, including:
- mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus, dengue, malaria and Japanese encephalitis
- air pollution – see information on air quality on TravelHealthPro
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Vietnam. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
Some medicines can be hard to find in Vietnam and many are fake.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Vietnam has restrictions on medicines it classifies as ‘addictive’ or ‘psychotropic’. These include medicine used to treat of addiction, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other conditions.
It is illegal to have more than the amount prescribed by a doctor for 7 days (addictive medicine) or 10 days (psychotropic medicine). You should carry the prescription with your medication and a letter from your doctor stating how much of the medication you need during your trip.
The letter can be in English and should:
- include your name and age
- list the medicine name, volume and dosage
- include the doctor’s signature and address
If you’re unsure if your medication falls within these categories or you need to bring more medication than is usually allowed, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK before travelling.
Healthcare in Vietnam
FCDO has a list of medical facilities in Vietnam where some staff will speak English.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Vietnam.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.