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You need travel insurance for Vietnam, and the single most important thing to know is that you cannot legally ride a motorbike there on an Australian licence or an Australian-issued International Driving Permit. Smartraveller says your insurer will likely deny any claims if you are unlicensed, so the motorbike tours and scooter hire that feature in so many Vietnam trips are, for most Australians, uninsured.
Beyond the roads, the case for insurance is medical. Care outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is limited, payment is expected before treatment, and serious cases are evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore at great expense.
By Better Rate Mate Editorial Team ยท Last reviewed
As at 28 September 2026, Smartraveller's advice for Vietnam (page updated 24 September 2026) is to exercise normal safety precautions. The level reflects security, not road safety or medical care, both of which are where Vietnam trips most often go wrong for Australians.
Smartraveller is unambiguous: you are not allowed to drive or ride in Vietnam on an Australian licence or an IDP issued in Australia. A Vietnamese licence is required, including for motorcycles of 50cc or more, and a temporary Vietnamese licence requires a residence permit of at least three months, which short-term visitors do not have.
The insurance consequence follows directly. Travel policies generally require you to be licensed for the vehicle under local law, and Smartraveller warns the insurer will likely deny any claims if you are unlicensed. If you are in an accident, you could also face criminal charges whoever was at fault. Taking a motorbike tour as a passenger with a licensed local rider is the usual way around it, but check that the policy covers pillion riding and the tour operator is properly licensed.
| How you travel | Licensing position | Insurance position |
|---|---|---|
| Riding a motorbike yourself (50cc or more) on an Australian licence or IDP | Not permitted | Claims likely denied |
| Driving a hire car yourself | Not permitted on an Australian licence or Australian-issued IDP | Claims likely denied |
| Pillion passenger with a licensed local rider | Rider is licensed | Check the policy covers pillion riding and a helmet is worn |
| Car with a driver, taxi or ride-share | Driver is licensed | Normal cover applies |
Smartraveller describes medical care in Vietnam as generally below Australian standards, with poor public hospitals outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Payment is expected before treatment, even in emergencies, and serious cases may be evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore, which is very expensive. That makes evacuation cover and the insurer's emergency assistance service the most important parts of a Vietnam policy.
The storm, typhoon and flood season runs from June to November, and Smartraveller advises making sure your travel insurance covers bad weather. Smartraveller also notes that boats in Ha Long Bay have sunk. As everywhere, once a typhoon is forecast it becomes a known event for policies bought afterwards, so buy cover when you book.
Australians need a visa or visa exemption certificate to enter Vietnam and cannot get a visa on arrival. Australia is not on Vietnam's visa-exempt list. The electronic visa allows stays of up to 90 days, single or multiple entry; apply only through the official government portal, print the approval and check its details match your passport exactly.
Smartraveller also notes a digital pre-arrival form is encouraged for arrivals at Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Phu Quoc airports, a health declaration may be required, and your accommodation must register your stay within 24 hours.
Smartraveller lists dengue, Zika, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, rabies and avian influenza, air pollution from January to March, and methanol poisoning from contaminated drinks. See a doctor about vaccinations well before you travel, and declare any pre-existing conditions so your medical cover applies in full.
It is not an entry requirement, but you should have it. Care outside the main cities is limited, payment is expected before treatment, and serious cases are evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore at great expense.
No. Smartraveller says you are not allowed to drive or ride on an Australian licence or an Australian-issued IDP. A Vietnamese licence is required for motorcycles of 50cc or more, and your insurer will likely deny claims if you are unlicensed.
Riding yourself is unlikely to be covered because you cannot be licensed. Riding as a pillion passenger with a licensed local rider may be covered; check the policy's motorcycle conditions, including helmets.
Yes. Australians need a visa, usually the e-visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry. There is no visa on arrival for Australians.
A comprehensive policy with a high overseas medical limit that includes evacuation, a 24-hour emergency assistance service, cover for bad weather disruption, and clear terms for pillion riding if you plan a motorbike tour.
