Road safety in Vietnam is weak nationwide, and deadly crashes happen often, with motorbikes and pedestrians frequently involved. Riders must hold a valid Vietnamese driver’s licence for any bike of 50cc or above, wear a helmet, and have no alcohol in their bloodstream.
This guide is independent and has nothing to do with any government. We don’t accept payments or submit paperwork on your behalf, and the official rules can be found at evisa.gov.vn.
Vietnam Road Safety and Accident Risks
Canada’s travel advice pulls no punches, describing road safety as poor across the whole of Vietnam and fatal crashes as common.
Authorities in Vietnam may impose an exit ban on a person while an investigation is underway, and a motor vehicle accident is among the listed situations. You might only learn about it when you try to leave the country.
Our Vietnam safety and emergency numbers guide lists the emergency contacts.
Licences and Helmets for Riders
Since nearly every rental bike on the lot is bigger than 50cc, the licence requirement applies to almost all of them.
According to the UK Foreign Office, Britons holding a UK licence should also carry a 1968 International Driving Permit. Both riders and passengers are required to wear helmets.
- Keep your passport and driving documents with you while riding.
- Make sure your passport is current. A visa held in an expired passport is invalid and needs to be transferred.
Details on licence conversion and IDPs are in our guide to driving in Vietnam.
Practical Vietnam Traffic Safety Tips
According to Canada’s Vietnam travel advice, drinking any alcohol before you get on a bike is against the law.
- Walk across roads slowly and predictably, as pedestrians are among the groups most frequently injured.
- If the local traffic feels unfamiliar, don’t drive yourself.
- Don’t ride after dark, and put on a helmet even when you’re only a passenger.
- Per the Immigration Department, foreigners legally residing in Vietnam may travel freely for tourism, but rules apply in restricted zones near military sites and borders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a Vietnamese driver’s licence to ride a motorcycle?
Yes, for any vehicle of 50cc or more. Most rental motorcycles fall into that category, so get the paperwork in order before renting.
For Vietnam, do British drivers require an International Driving Permit?
The UK Foreign Office recommends carrying a 1968 International Driving Permit alongside your UK licence. Travellers of other nationalities should consult their own government’s guidance.
In Vietnam, are helmets required for motorcycle riders?
Yes. Riders and passengers alike must wear one, even on brief trips in town.
What do Vietnam’s road safety rules say about drinking and driving?
The law allows zero tolerance. Driving with any alcohol in your system is illegal.
Could a road accident result in an exit ban from Vietnam?
Yes, it can. An exit ban may be imposed by authorities during an investigation, and motor vehicle accidents are included. Make sure any accident is properly resolved before you fly.
Are foreigners permitted to travel freely inside Vietnam?
Foreigners with legal residence in Vietnam may travel freely for tourism, family visits or medical treatment. Restricted and prohibited zones still apply.
Sources and Verification
- Government of Canada – Vietnam travel advice – licences to drive, warnings about road safety, exit bans, identity checks (verified 2026-10-22)
- Viet Nam Immigration Department – e-Visa portal – conditions of entry, rights and duties of foreign nationals, temporary residence (verified 2026-10-13)
- Government of Viet Nam online newspaper – Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP – exemption from visas for people from 12 countries (verified 2026-10-13)
- Government of Viet Nam online newspaper – Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP – visa waiver under the Tourism Stimulus Program (verified 2026-10-13)
- Government of Viet Nam e-newspaper – Resolution 127/NQ-CP – electronic visas available to nationals of every country and territory (verified 2026-10-13)
- Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam – visa exemption list – points to the ministry’s reference list of exemptions (verified 2026-10-13)
These pages, reviewed on 2026-10-22, are the source of the facts in this guide. Since rules change, check the portal for the latest position before you set off.
