Hanoi essentials

Visas and passports

British citizens can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business; check the exit date stamped in your passport at the border. The passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival, have at least two blank pages and be undamaged (GOV.UK travel advice).

Citizens of a number of other countries are also exempt for a set period; everyone else, or anyone staying longer, can apply for the national e-visa at evisa.gov.vn, which allows a stay of up to 90 days with multiple entries. An e-visa ties you to the entry and exit points you choose when you apply (GOV.UK). Never pay a third-party site for it.

Cash of more than 15 million dong or US$5,000 (or its equivalent) must be declared on arrival and departure (GOV.UK).

From the airport

Nội Bài International Airport lies north of the city, across the Red River. Book a car through Grab or Xanh SM, or ask your hotel to send one; allow extra time at rush hour.

Walking, the metro and cars

The Old Quarter, the lake and the French Quarter are best on foot. To cross the road, walk at a slow, steady pace and let the motorbikes pass around you. The metro has two lines, 2A (Cát Linh–Yên Nghĩa) and 3 (Nhổn–Ga Hà Nội), from 5:30am to 10pm (metrohanoi.vn).

New ward names

On 1 July 2025 Vietnam ended its district level of local government, and Hanoi’s wards were merged and renamed: much of the old Hoàn Kiếm district is now Hoàn Kiếm Ward and Cửa Nam Ward. Many addresses, maps and business cards still use the old district names; the street name and number are what matter.

The seasons

Hanoi has four seasons. Autumn (roughly September to November) is the favourite: dry and mild. Winter can be cool and grey; summer is hot, humid and wet. Tết, the Lunar New Year, closes many shops and restaurants for several days.

Customs and etiquette

Dress modestly in temples, pagodas and the Mausoleum complex, with shoulders and knees covered; take off your shoes where others do. Ask before photographing people. Vietnam does not welcome political activity or criticism of the government, and GOV.UK advises visitors to avoid any protest.

Emergencies and safety

Call 115 for an ambulance, 113 for the police and 114 for fire; 112 is national search and rescue. The lines are operated in Vietnamese (GOV.UK). Hold bags away from the road, as bag-snatching from motorbikes happens. Drink beer and wine from sealed bottles: GOV.UK warns of methanol poisoning from spirits. See our health page for hospitals, and travel with insurance that covers medical costs.

Questions and answers