Is Hanoi safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Vietnam

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates Vietnam at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, and this is a country-level rating rather than one specific to Hanoi.
• UK guidance notes there is no recent history of terrorism in Vietnam, though attacks cannot be entirely ruled out, and travelers are advised to stay aware of their surroundings and follow local authorities' instructions.
• Vietnam has a single-party political system that does not tolerate public dissent, so travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations.
• Petty crime such as theft and bag-snatching by people on motorcycles occurs in crowded tourist areas, and holding bags on the side away from traffic is recommended.
• There have been reports of drink spiking and sexual assault linked to unlicensed taxi drivers, so using official ride-hailing apps and keeping drinks in sight are advised, along with caution around methanol poisoning from irregular alcoholic drinks.
• Local authorities can monitor internet activity and restrict access to certain websites and social media, and travelers should be cautious about political content or activity, online or otherwise.
• Job offers that seem unusually generous, particularly those involving travel to the wider Mekong region, should be treated with suspicion given documented cases of scams and coerced labor.