World Vision International in Viet Nam (WVIV) 

PRIMARY EMERGENCY CONTACTS

1. DOSEBA TUA SINAY (Mr.) - National Director

📱 Mobile: +84.971.783.063

✉️ Email: doseba_sinay@wvi.org

2. VU THI NGA (Ms.)- Operations Director cum Acting P&C Director

📱 Mobile: +84.983.889.853

✉️ Email: vu_thi_nga@wvi.org

3. VO HOANG YEN (Ms.) -  Security Focal Point

📱 Mobile/WhatsApp: +84.857.521.182

✉️ Email: vo_hoang_yen@wvi.org

VIET NAM EMERGENCY HOTLINES

CONTEXT SUMMARY 

Viet Nam is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about 331,000 square kilometers (128,000 sq mi), a coastline of 3,444 kilometers (2,140 mi), and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's fifteenth-most populous country. Viet Nam spans over 15° of latitude. Its capital is Hanoi and its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City (commonly referred to by its former name, Saigon).

Topography: Viet Nam's land is mostly hilly and densely forested, with level land covering no more than 20%. Mountains account for 40% of the country's land area, and tropical forests cover around 42%. Fansipan (also known as Phan Xi Păng), which is in Lào Cai Province, is the highest mountain in Vietnam, standing 3,143 m (10,312 ft) high. 

Official name: The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (SRV)

Climate: Viet Nam has a monsoon-influenced climate typical of that of mainland Southeast Asia.  The diverse topography, long latitude and influences from the East Sea led to climatic conditions varying significantly between regions. The northern region experiences a monsoonal and temperate climate with four distinct seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter). In southern and central areas, the climate is tropical monsoon with only two seasons (rainy and dry). During winter, snow occasionally falls over the highest peaks of the far northern mountains near the Chinese border. 20% of Viet Nam's total surface area is low-elevation coastal area, making the country highly vulnerable to climate change effects and the rising sea levels in particular. 

Risk Overview: The overall context risk rating of Viet Nam is Low Risk. 

Social and Political: There is no significant risk of any sudden, extreme or violent challenge to the political system in Viet Nam. 

Crime & Security: Violent incidents take place from time-to-time. Undercover organized crime groups are present, particularly in human or drug trafficking and cybercrimes. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching are common in crowded urban areas and places popular with tourists.

Conflict: Externally, tension with China around the East Sea and islands sovereignty take places from time-to-time. Internally, there is no current armed conflict and any future internal or interstate conflicts are rare. There are no notable non-state armed groups (political, religious, criminal, etc.) with the intent and capability to challenge the government or other non-state armed groups.

Terrorism: No active terrorist or extremist groups are currently present in Viet Nam. The country has no recent history of terrorist attacks.

Kidnapping: Kidnapping and extortion attempts are generally confined to Vietnamese victims of human trafficking crimes. Those criminal organizations mainly focus on people (women and children) living in rural or remote areas, or those border areas between Viet Nam and China, Laos and Cambodia.

Infrastructure: It is generally well-developed in urban areas and popular tourist resorts but limited elsewhere. Rural areas are usually inaccessible by road during the monsoon season which brings heavy rains from May to November. Tropical typhoons impact coastal provinces from August to November. During these times, the country, particularly the low-lying coastal areas, is susceptible to flooding. Shortages of power and clean water supply are common issues in rural areas. In some remote rural locations, medical care facilities are limited in both terms of quantity and quality. 

Humanitarian Space: Humanitarian activities of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) are under control by the Viet Nam government. All activities of INGOs should be done in close cooperation with the local authorities and ministries. Foreigners need an additional approval by the local authorities to access INGO project sites.

MAIN THREATS 

• Typhoon, Flood, Flash flood, Heavy rain, Heatwave: You should follow instructions of WVIV management in any scenarios. Bring a hat or umbrella, wear sunscreen and drink enough water when it is hot. 

• Road Crash: You must wear seatbelt when in cars. Look around carefully before crossing the streets. You are discouraged to ride motorbike or take motorbike taxis when in Viet Nam. 

• Petty Crime (Pickpocketing, theft and other opportunistic crime): You should secure valuables. Do not leave your valuable belongings unattended in the hotel during your visits to project sites. Lock the door of the hotel room. Limit travelling during hours of darkness.  

• Health risks: There is a potential risk of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses. COVID-19  remains a concern and may impact your ability to participate in activities. In May 2025, Viet Nam has reported a rise in COVID-19 cases, though no significant outbreaks have been identified. To protect yourself, use face masks, hand sanitizers, and insect repellent. Follow standard food hygiene practices. Monitor your health closely, and seek medical assistance if you experience any symptoms or health issues. To stay updated on the latest COVID-19 developments and preventive measures, you can visit the official website of the Ministry of Health of Viet Nam at  Home - Cổng thông tin Bộ Y tế 

• Operation Restrictions: You should strictly follow your detailed itinerary agreed by WVIV. Be responsible for your own security if conducting other activities not included in agreed itinerary. Always be accompanied by local staff while working with community or local partners. Comply strictly with Protocol on Safeguarding behavior and Prevention of Harms in Communications. Be courteous always, respect local customs. Do not talk about political issues, discuss religion or give religious materials.  

• Unexploded Ordnances (UXO): In certain WVIV project sites across Central Viet Nam, particularly in Quang Tri province, remnants of past conflicts have left the land contaminated with UXO, including bombs, mines, and other munitions. The dedicated efforts of various INGOs working on demining initiatives have resulted in significant progress in UXO clearance, community education, and raising public awareness about these hazards. As a result of this ongoing, life-saving work, the UXO risk in WVV operational areas is now classified as Low. Nevertheless, it remains essential to maintain vigilance, especially when visiting hilly and mountainous regions such as Dakrong and Huong Hoa area programs. Staff and visitors must strictly follow all safety protocols, stay aware of marked hazardous zones, and promptly report any suspicious objects to the authorities.  Read more HERE

BEFORE TRAVEL

• Use business visas provided by WVIV, and provide evidence to WVIV prior to arrival

• Stay informed through local media or other reliable sources (e.g. AIG travel assistance) on likelihood of the adverse weather conditions. You can check the climate trends of your destination in following links: HA NOI  HAI PHONG QUANG NINH  HUNG YEN THANH HOA HA TINH QUANG BINH QUANG TRI  DA NANG QUANG NAM QUANG NGAI DAK NONG HO CHI MINH CITY     

• You should have critical emergency numbers programmed into your phone.

• Get a medical check-up and make sure you carry any prescription medications, first aid, and glasses/contacts with you). Consider getting trained in Basic First Aid and CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) and carry an individual first aid kit with you. Bring any medical records, prescriptions, eyeglasses, etc. Check your personal health insurance package and its direct billing network in Viet Nam (if available).

• Study well the Security brief document, Behaviour Protocol on Safeguarding and Prevention of Harms in Communication that WVIV provided. 

• Take sensible precautions against Monkey pox and COVID-19 before and during your trips.

UPON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORTS

When you arrive at the airport, follow these safety principles:

• Survey your surroundings, identify where the exits are.

• Keep an eye on your luggage at all times. Ensure valuables such as your passport, cash, wallet are secured.

• Do not accept help or services from someone unless they are a WV/VF staff member or approved by World Vision.

• Use only the transport arranged by WVIV to commute (if there is a pre-arrange prior the arrival)

• Ai the airport, you can exchange money to Viet Nam dongs to cover your personal expenses and emergency expenses during your time in Viet Nam.

TROUBLE SPOTS

• In rural communities, there may be groups of drunk persons who may attack visitors. You should stay away of those groups when in restaurants or small pubs.  

• Petty crimes, such as purse snatching, pickpocketing and theft is common. You should avoid quiet and poorly lit areas after dark. Avoid traveling alone. Always walk with at least one companion and be aware of your surroundings. Always stay vigilant. 

• Ensure all belongings, including your passport and travel documents are always secure, especially in tourist areas, crowded markets or malls and public transportation areas. 

• In Viet Nam, all government hotels and private hotels or guesthouse must register your presence with the local police. You will be expected to hand over your passport, along with your visa number.  

• You will be monitored by local public security 24/7. Let behave well and be nice always. Comply with local laws and regulations. You can be asked to show your passport and visas anytime. In case you are unsure of what you should do, ask WVIV team for information and instruction 

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY

WHEN ON CARS:

• You must always wear the seatbelt;

• Ask the driver to stop if he is driving irresponsibly or/and dangerously;

• Ask the driver to slow down or even stop if he is speeding, or to stop if he is tired;

• Remind the driver not to use cell phone when driving;

• Refuse to board the vehicle if you suspect that the driver is under influence of alcohol;

• Report reckless driving to WVIV management.

ON ROADS:

• Watchful about moving cars/motorbikes from different directions while crossing roads in big cities;

• Avoid motorcycle taxi, ask host colleagues for help of taxi

ACCOMMODATION

• Locate the emergency exits, fire alarms and extinguishers in the hallway and make a mental note of their location and direction from your room.

• Be vigilant when registering, especially if the lobby is crowded. Keep all luggage in view. 

• Ensure that any connecting doors to your room are locked 

• Hand in the key to a receptionist; do not leave it on the counter. 

• Before retiring, secure valuables and confidential documents.

• As much as possible, meet your visitors at the hotel lobby. Also, read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Remember to keep your passport, cash and credit cards in a hotel safety box or vault. When you must carry them outside, don’t put them in small bags as they are easy targets for thieves.

• Keep a flashlight and whistle by the bed to aid emergency evacuation

• Be alert to the possibility of being followed to your room.

CULTURAL AWARENESS

• Vietnamese names follow these conventions: [FAMILY NAME] [middle name] [given name]. Vietnamese people are normally called by their given name. 

For example: Ms. Yen, or just Yen is short for Ms. Vo Hoang Yen

• You should build good relationships with a variety of people in the community – try and not show bias towards one group or another. Do not ask questions that can create false expectations of the project beneficiaries. 

• When shaking hands with older people, Vietnamese use both hands to show their respect. Lower the body a little when passing in front of, or between others.  

• You need to ask for permission before taking photographs. You should not touch other’s head as this is considered rude. 

• Vietnamese use chopsticks when eating. You can ask for spoons if you feel uncomfortable with chopsticks. Inviting each other before the meals is a form of everyday greeting.  

• Beckon waiters and servants with the hand, palm downwards, fingers straight and waving rapidly, clap, snap fingers or hiss are unacceptable in Viet Nam. 

• At no time should you get into an argument with community members. 

• Avoid sensitive topics of conversation (politics, religion, etc.). If a sensitive topic needs to be discussed this should be with selected representatives of the project site you are visiting in a private space. It should not be in a large crowd or open forum. 

MONEY

• You are strongly advised to withdraw some extra cash before travelling to remote destinations in Viet Nam, especially if you want to buy crafts or textiles directly from local artisans. 

• Notes: The VND 20,000 bill and the VND 500,000 bill come in similar shades of blue, so double check before you pay. 

• You can refer to the State Bank of Vietnam’s daily updated exchange rates at this link: SBV 

COMMUNICATIONS

• You can buy sim card when arriving at the airport from one of these three telecommunication service provider: VIETTEL, VINAPHONE, MOBIPHONE. Quality of mobile / data coverage in the country is fairly good but you may lose coverage when you visit some Area Programs especially in the rural areas where the network fluctuates. 

MEDICAL CARE - EMERGENCIES

World Vision operates in many environments where unsafe food, water and exposure to communities with illnesses pose serious and significant health risk to visitors. Medical facilities and first aid services in project sites are very limited, particularly in the mountainous areas. These protocols provide guidance when local medical emergencies need to be addressed.

• You should be aware of procedures to follow in the event of a local medical emergency

• You should be aware of WV point of contact in case of a local medical emergency

• All international travellers must be registered on their medical insurance protocols for contacting AIG for medical emergencies 

• Hospitals and clinics in the location that are recommended by diplomatic missions / identified by AIG/frequently used by expatriates

• Locations and contact information for hospitals and clinics

• Prepare necessary medicines if you have any serious concern about your health condition.

EVACUATION

For the Hotel Accommodation: 

You need to know and follow the evacuation plan of the hotel, read the exit plan found in the hotel room and have regular coordination with Hotel Security and Management.

• If the Hotel declared emergency, e.g. fire or other critical situations:

• Stay calm

• Listen to the instructions of the hotel and act accordingly

• Escape only through stairs (emergency exits) not through the elevators

• Assemble at the point instructed by the hotel staff

• Constant security monitoring and assessment, and contingency plans are in place for any eventuality

Make sure that WVIV is able to contact you at all times, so that they are able to give any necessary instruction and support.

CHILD AND ADULT SAFEGUARDING BEHAVIOR PROTOCOLS 

 AND PREVENTION OF HARMS IN COMMUNICATIONS

In the course of your engagement with WVIV, you must practice and uphold the following Behavior Protocols to protect children and adults where WVIV has a programming presence: 

You are kindly requested to:

a) create and maintain an environment which prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of these Behaviour Protocols; 

b) be careful about perception and appearance in their language, actions and relationships with children and adults living where WVIV has a programming presence. Their behavior - including in person and on digital platforms, both online and offline - demonstrates a respect for children and adult and their rights; 

c) ensure that all physical and online contact with children and program participants is appropriate in the local culture; 

d) use positive, non-violent methods to manage children’s behaviour; 

e) accept responsibility for personal behaviour and actions as a representative of the organisation; 

f) be always accountable for their response to a child’s behaviour, even if a child behaves in a sexually inappropriate manner; adults avoid being placed in a compromising or vulnerable position with children; 

g) where possible and practical, follow the ‘two-adult’ rule while conducting WVIV work, wherein two or more adults supervise all activities that involve children, and are visible and present at all times; 

h) comply with safeguarding related investigations (internal and external) and make available any documentary or other information necessary for the completion of the investigation; 

i) comply with applicable data privacy laws and with relevant WVIV data privacy and information security policies, including WVIV digital child safeguarding protocols, when handling any personal data about individual children or adult program participants, noting that such data must be maintained and transferred in a secure, confidential manner; 

j) immediately report through established reporting mechanisms any known or suspected safeguarding incident or breach of this Policy by a WVIV employee or affiliate, or a humanitarian aid worker from any other agency.

You must not: 

a) behave in an inappropriate physical manner, or develop a sexual relationship with a child (under 18 years old), regardless of the country specific legal age of consent or age of majority. This includes consenting or condoning the above behaviour (including fostering or condoning child marriage (under 18 years old)). This also includes behaviour that could be seen as grooming a child for a future inappropriate relationship; 

b) develop or seek a sexual relationship with any adult living where WVIV has a programming presence. Such relationships, based on inherently unequal power dynamics, undermine the credibility and integrity of WVIV's humanitarian aid or development work; 

c) sexually exploit or abuse any adult living where WVIV has a programming presence or any child; 

d) exchange money, employment, goods, or services for sex (including sexual favours, other forms of humiliating, degrading, or exploitative behaviour, or hiring sex workers) or other exploitative demands. This includes exchange of assistance that is already due to programme participants; 

e) communicate with a child in WVIV's program areas via digital platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Zalo, Skype), via mobile technology (e.g. texting, video chatting), or online without consent and knowledge of his/her parents. Further, WVIV employees or affiliates never communicate on mobile, digital or online platforms with children or adult program participants in ways that are inappropriate or sexual; 

f) fondle, hold, kiss, hug or touch any child or any adult living where WVIV has a programming presence in an inappropriate or culturally insensitive way; 

g) use inappropriate or abusive language with a child nor an adult living where WVIV has a programming presence, including language that causes shame or humiliation, or is belittling or degrading; 

h) spend excessive or unnecessary time alone with a child or adult program participants, away from others or behind closed doors or in a secluded area; 

i) condone or participate in behaviour which is illegal, unsafe or abusive; including harmful traditional practices, spiritual or ritualistic abuse; 

j) hire children in any form of child labour (including as “house help”) unless it is within the best interest of the child and in alignment with Viet Nam law and international standards; 

k) hit or use other corporal punishment against a child while the child is in WVIV care or the WVIV employee or affiliate is conducting WVIV work;

l) take a child alone in a vehicle for WVIV work, unless it is absolutely necessary, and with parental/guardian and managerial consent; 

m) misuse or be careless with personal data about individual children or adult program participants; 

n) stay silent, cover up, or enable any known or suspected safeguarding incident or breach of Safeguarding Policy by a WVIV employee or affiliate; 

o) exchange inclusion in WVIV programmes or benefits for any kind of favour from a member of the community, as this is an abuse of power; 

p) Share with or force children and adolescents to look at sexual images, videos, sexual-suggestive objects or watch sexual activities. 

Below are all the steps that WVIV takes to prevent harm through communications, content gathering and marketing that you must know, understand and uphold: 

q) Personal information on children and adults that is captured, stored or sent through electronic, on-line or mobile devices is password protected. In addition, data is handled in accordance with WVIV’s current information security standards for personal data, which may include encryption and other requirements. 

r) WVIV ensures that relevant requirements for safeguarding are clearly communicated to all staff, sponsors, suppliers and partners at the point of access to photographs, videos or data, and that appropriate measures according to local law are taken for child-safe usage of the content once it has been shared. 

s) WVIV recognises the special vulnerability of children, material posted on social medial or digital channels mentions only the child’s first name and country name, and does not contain a child’s family name, sponsorship ID number, or child’s personal location/address.

t) Material with a child or children is not geo-tagged to precise locations if it contains any part of the child’s name. An acceptable alternative is to retag photos with the child’s first name only to the Area Programme or project office location. 

u) WVIV discourages direct, unfacilitated, undocumented communication through social media without WVIV’s knowledge between: a sponsor/donor/visitor and registered/non-registered children and between employees/volunteers/other WVIV affiliates and registered/non-registered children. 

v) Where WVIV facilitates communication between children and external parties, controls are put in place to protect children’s safety and well-being. 

w) WVIV provides reporting and response options so that sponsors, donors, visitors, children or their caregivers can report any incident(s) where either party feels uncomfortable or threatened. Sponsorship welcome kits, WVIV websites, domains and social media platform profile pages contain reporting options for child protection concerns or incidents. 

x) Use of platforms to share marketing or communications content with no ability to track back evidence of informed consent and/or platforms that lack the ability to withdraw consent is forbidden. Only platforms that have been vetted by global WV IT or IT of WVIV are permitted for sharing content between offices or with donors/external parties. (e.g. Horizon, RMT, StoryHub, etc.) 

y) All press activities (co)organized by WVIV’s APs/special projects and involving children should be consulted with WVIV’s Communications Department to ensure all messages are appropriate and safe for children. 

-------------

NOTES: All visitors must sign the form of Statement of Acknowledgement and Compliance on Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy and Prevention of Harm in Communications (except WV staff from Global Centre,  Regional Offices, National Offices who have already signed it in their own office before arrival in Vietnam). WVIV will send the e-signature link to your email for your acknowledgement.

World Vision International in Viet Nam expects you to thoroughly review this Visitor Security Briefing and fully understand the safety and security risks associated with your travel to Viet Nam. Your safety is in your hands, so please follow the safety guidelines and remain vigilant at all times. 

THANK YOU AND ENJOY YOUR TRIP!