Travel vaccinations for Vietnam: recommendations, malaria and dengue

No vaccinations are required for travel from Germany directly to Vietnam. The German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) recommends hepatitis A vaccination for all travellers, along with up-to-date routine vaccinations under the STIKO schedule, Germany’s national immunisation guidance, particularly measles and, where appropriate, flu. For long stays or particular exposure, dengue, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis are added. According to the DTG, the malaria risk is low throughout the country.

Entry rules and yellow fever

According to the WHO, Vietnam is not an area with yellow fever transmission, and the Federal Foreign Office lists no mandatory vaccinations for direct travel from Germany. Its advice does not mention a rule for travellers who have previously been in a yellow fever area. If your trip includes parts of Africa or South America, check the current entry requirements with the Vietnamese embassy in advance. Background on the vaccine and approved centres is in our guide to yellow fever vaccination.

Recommended vaccinations by type of trip

Many visitors combine a tour from Hanoi via Ha Long Bay and Hoi An to the Mekong Delta with a few days on the beach. Which vaccinations beyond hepatitis A make sense depends on how long you stay and how you travel. The overview table on this page shows how the Federal Foreign Office classifies them.

For all travellers

Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water, and the Federal Foreign Office recommends vaccination for every trip to Vietnam. Also check your vaccination record for routine vaccinations, especially measles. The Federal Foreign Office additionally mentions flu vaccination as a possible addition for Vietnam.

For long stays or particular exposure

The Federal Foreign Office recommends dengue, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations for long stays or particular exposure, such as travel in rural areas, simple accommodation or close contact with animals. Japanese encephalitis is transmitted in the south mainly during the rainy and early dry season, and in the north in late summer and autumn. On dengue vaccination, STIKO currently recommends it only for people aged four and over who have had a laboratory-confirmed dengue infection in the past. Your doctor will assess whether any of these vaccinations is right for you. For a first orientation, try the travel vaccine check.

Malaria in Vietnam

According to the 2026 DTG country table, there is a low year-round malaria risk throughout the country, including the islands. The centres of large cities are considered malaria-free. The Federal Foreign Office advises consistent protection against mosquito bites at dusk and at night, using repellent, suitable clothing and mosquito nets. Before you travel, discuss with a doctor what to do if you develop a fever on the way. If you get a fever after returning, always mention your trip. Our guide to malaria prevention has more detail.

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya

Dengue viruses are transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes in many parts of the country. According to the Federal Foreign Office, complications are rare among travellers, but there is no specific treatment. Chikungunya and Zika are also spread by day-biting mosquitoes. Zika can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy, so pregnant women and couples planning a pregnancy should pay particular attention to the advice. Tips on protection by day and by night are in our guide to dengue and mosquito protection.

Hygiene, alcohol and food

Diarrhoeal illness becomes more frequent during and after the rainy season. The Federal Foreign Office advises:

• Only drink water from a safe source, never tap water, and ideally use it for brushing your teeth as well.
• Eat food that is cooked or that you have peeled yourself, and keep flies away from it.
• Wash your hands as often as possible, and always before eating.
• Take care with alcohol: adulterated drinks containing methanol are sometimes served in bars and rural homestays. Turn down free welcome shots.
• Avoid reef fish, as fish poisoning occurs repeatedly along the coasts.

Fine particulate pollution is high in Hanoi and other large cities, particularly in winter, which can be a strain for people with existing conditions. Avoid poultry markets and contact with birds as well.

Rabies and contact with animals

There is a high risk nationwide of being bitten by stray dogs, and the measures needed after a bite are not always available for unvaccinated travellers in Vietnam. Avoid contact with stray animals. After a bite, a scratch or an animal licking broken skin, wash the area immediately with soap for at least 15 minutes and seek medical help straight away, even if you are vaccinated. More in our guide to rabies and travel.

Medical care in Vietnam

According to the Federal Foreign Office, medical care cannot be compared with European standards, and there is no emergency doctor service. Hospitals with better standards are found mainly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while in the provinces staff usually speak only Vietnamese. The Federal Foreign Office recommends travel health insurance with repatriation cover and your own travel health kit, kept protected from heat while you travel.

When to book your consultation

According to STIKO and the DTG, travel vaccinations should be completed at least two weeks before departure. Some vaccinations require several appointments, so planning early makes sense, see our travel vaccination timeline. If you are combining Vietnam with Thailand or Cambodia, it is best to discuss the entire route in one appointment. Find a practice in our travel clinics directory.