Vietnam is generally safe for former US military personnel, as the country has moved on from the war and now welcomes American visitors. American vets who live in Vietnam are working to foster reconciliation between the two countries, while other former US soldiers are also visiting. However, travelers need to know about Vietnam Covid rules in 2024, which may lead to detention, deportation, and travel bans in the future.
Vietnam has no vaccinations required, and currency restrictions for entry are none. However, Vietnamese Dong in excess of VND 15,000,000 or foreign currency in excess is allowed. The Vietnam War is a significant part of Vietnam’s history, so it is important not to dwell on it when visiting.
The State Department gives Vietnam its top safety rating of level-1, or “exercise normal precautions”, but it is still very specific. It is recommended to contact local travel agencies in Vietnam and work with the Vietnam Union of Friendship. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing occur regularly. Bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas.
21 US veterans, including five who served in-country during the war, traveled to Vietnam, from Hanoi and Halong Bay in the North to Saigon and the Mekong. Australian Government travel advice for Vietnam is GREEN, and it is as safe as developed countries and even safer than most American cities. Take the trip and don’t be worried about the things your mother is telling you.
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Is there a US military presence in Vietnam?
The US has no current air bases in Vietnam since April 30, 1975, and the last US aircraft operated on Thai air bases in the late 1970s when the Thai government expelled them. US bases in the Philippines were handed over to the Philippine military in the 1990s.
Is Vietnam friendly to the US?
Vietnam is now considered a potential ally of the United States, particularly in the geopolitical context of territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the containment of Chinese expansionism. Vietnam has the most favorable public opinion towards the U. S., making it the only communist country with such a favorable view. Every U. S. president since diplomatic normalization in 1995 has visited Vietnam at least once, highlighting the importance of Vietnam in the U. S.’s growing pivot to Asia. Over 2. 1 million Vietnamese Americans, largely immigrants who moved to the U. S. after the Vietnam War, comprise nearly half of all overseas Vietnamese.
In 1829, U. S. president Andrew Jackson sent a diplomatic delegation led by Edmund Roberts to establish bilateral relations and expand trade between the two countries. However, Emperor Minh Mạng, the ruler of Vietnam at the time, required Americans to follow Vietnamese laws and only allowed them to do business in Da Nang, Central Vietnam. After receiving this unwelcome message, Roberts and his delegation left Vietnam.
The American-Vietnamese relationship remained frozen after many disagreements and tensions from 1836 to 1859. In 1873, Emperor Tự Đức appointed Foreign Minister Bùi Viện as “Grand Emissary” and sent him to the U. S. to seek support and aid against the French Empire. However, U. S. Congress cancelled Grant’s intervention in Vietnam, and in 1884, Vietnam was conquered by France, becoming French Indochina.
Is Vietnam friendly to tourists?
Vietnam is known for its friendly and helpful people, making it a popular destination for foreign tourists. The country has been ranked among the top 10 friendliest destinations by InterNations, a global information and community platform for people living and working abroad. The magazine cites the country’s culture, which values respect and honesty, as a key factor in its reputation as a friendly destination.
Even those who don’t speak Vietnamese are welcome to interact with the locals, making the experience more enjoyable. The locals are always ready to assist tourists, even those who don’t speak Vietnamese.
Are tourists welcome in Vietnam?
Vietnam experienced a significant increase in international visitors in the first six months of 2024, with 83. 8 holidaymakers arriving by air, 14. 3 by road, and 1. 9 by sea, up 4. 1 from the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
What should I be careful of in Vietnam?
The U. S. Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam warns against pick pocketing and theft of personal items, particularly in large crowds, and advises against using crowded areas and unlicensed or privately owned taxis.
What diseases should I worry about in Vietnam?
Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Vietnam include mosquito bites, dengue, and Zika. These diseases cannot be prevented with vaccines or medicine, so behaviors are crucial. To stay healthy and safe during your trip, take steps to prevent bug bites. Cover exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats, use insect repellent, use permethrin-treated clothing and gear, stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms, and use a bed net if sleeping in exposed areas. Healthcare providers should also avoid contaminated water and avoid infected pregnant women from spreading the disease to their unborn baby.
How are American tourists treated in Vietnam?
The number of American visitors to Vietnam has increased significantly over the past decade, with the country welcoming over 900, 000 tourists in 2019. However, some Americans are concerned about the treatment and potential hostilities associated with the war. A group of American visitors and expatriates shared their experiences in Vietnam, describing it as a dynamic country with a focus on the present and future. They emphasized that Americans should not experience xenophobia and that the country is warm and friendly.
Traveling to Vietnam as an American doesn’t require nationality concerns, but it’s important to pay attention to local culture and social and sustainable issues. Some travel tips include not being surprised if locals ask for photos, and asking for permission before taking photos.
What is the risk of Travelling to Vietnam?
Petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing are common in crowded areas and tourist-friendly areas, with a rise during Christmas and Tet Lunar New Year seasons. Thieves often use motorcycles for bag-snatching, so be cautious and hold bags in front or on the opposite side of traffic. Be aware of motorcycles approaching and be prepared to surrender valuables. Petty theft is also risky on buses and trains, especially during nighttime sleep.
Do Vietnam veterans visit Vietnam?
Two 70-year-old veterans, Kent Sovern and Marc Gimbel, have embarked on a 400-mile journey back to Vietnam, 55 years after serving during the war. The trip, which took them over a week, aimed to visit their former bases and visit locations they never saw during their deployment. The trip was not just for personal reflection but also as a tribute to the lives lost during the conflict. Sovern, 75, joined the expedition after discovering a post by fellow veteran Marc Gimbel, who turned 77, seeking other veterans and bicycle enthusiasts to join him.
What health risk is associated with military service in Vietnam?
During the Vietnam War, individuals were exposed to various health risks, including Agent Orange, Hepatitis C, hearing problems due to noise from guns, explosives, rockets, and heavy weapons, and illnesses or injuries from occupational hazards like chemicals, paints, and radiation. These risks can lead to long-term health effects, hearing loss, and tinnitus. To ensure proper health care, individuals should consult their primary healthcare provider or their local VA environmental health coordinator about other health concerns related to their military service. It is essential to find their local VA environmental health coordinator for further information.
Are American tourists safe in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a popular Asian destination for American travelers, offering a safe and fascinating experience as long as scooters are not used in major cities. Vietnam’s safety ratings show that its cities are safe in certain ways, with Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south being the two major cities. However, the safety of scooters in Vietnam is not guaranteed, so travelers should be cautious while traveling.
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Not going with a visa agent can be a problem. On my 2nd re-entry, they didn’t approve my visa while I was still in the country. I was lucky I had a visa agent for the bus ride. I messaged them, gave them my visa application code, and they fixed it for me. Without them I would have had to come back in with the 45 days on arrival or waited 5 days outside to do a new application.
You didn’t mention that you can not apply for another 90 day visa until you are out of the country, I tried that in Feb 24. You must leave and on the first day you can apply for the visa and wait three days till you get it and then return. I heard there are some Visa agents that can do it in a day but you must leave before they can start it!
Guys ….save yourself some $$$$$ ……Review…..review…..review….guys the application in design is intended to confuse the applicant forcing a resubmission….and of course ( smile) another payment….you have to after all… accept on the application that no refunds or changes will be allowed after submission. My son ( year 12 “A” student ) somehow managed to make 10 mistakes on his first application 😕….uuurm not likely….somehow his information had changed before submission…so yeah….REVIEW BEFORE PAYMENT.!!!!
Thank you for making things clear. I had questions about leaving the country every 90 days. (how long did i need to stay out of country) Sounds like I just get new visa while in Vietnam then cross the boarder and re-enter. Is it that easy? I like this better than a retirement visa for other countries that require all the financial information and certified documents. Thanks for the article.
If I want to stay in VN one year or longer, how do I go about it using this 3 month tourist visa? Do I apply from within VN 5 days, 30 days, before my initial visa expires? Do I leave the country to Thailand or some other place for 1 day, 5 days, how long, and immediately apply for a new 90 day tourist visa online? How do you do it?
It’s so funny that I saw your article because I was about to have a agent do all my visas she charges $120 for each. I just thought that was cheap until my niece said to apply ourself. I was doubting her until you said not needing the agent and just do it yourself. Thanks for the info We’LL be in Saigon Feb for 14 days
This is so helpful, Tyler, thanks a lot! The first time we applied for a visa, we had to queue in person at the London embassy for nearly an hour and then we had to pay cash, around £200 (!!!) for a multi entry visa, as we were going from Vietnam HCM to Cambodia Siem Reap (fabulous) and then to Hanoi.
Hello, I have been living in Vietnam for over a year and love it there. I’m not there now but will be back next month. I have looked at applying for the 90 day visa but I’m not sure if I will need health insurance or it’s just a question that they ask. Have you heard anything if it’s required? I hope you can answer my question, otherwise I will find out the hard way when I apply next month. Thank you, take care and I’m glad you are back making articles. God bless you
There is so much more to teaching and living in Vietnam than HCMC (Saigon). Go to the website Atticus X who lives in the North on the China/Vietnam border who has been making articles for years and has 600 articles about teaching in Lao Cai, Sapa. Why do you expats just stay in the South around shopping malls, theaters, luxury and other Westerners? I wish more people would see his articles for he shows life in the rural parts of Vietnam and the ethnic groups living real history. Saigon aka HMCM is just another NYC, Chicago. Yawn. Push yourself you something better.