(Published on: April 7, 2016 at 6:37 a.m.)

This warden message is to alert U.S. citizens living in, or traveling to Vietnam that there are numerous reports of home invasions, robberies, and assaults against the ex-pat community. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City would like to remind all U.S. citizens that Ho Chi Minh City has a high rate of crime, and that everyone should avoid complacency, use sound residential security practices and keep situational awareness at all times.

The mission has received reports and verified numerous instances of pick-pocketing, bag snatches, and residential break-ins targeting the expatriate community.

The U.S Embassy in Hanoi and the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City also reminds U.S. citizens that there have been acts of extreme violence in local nightspots frequented by ex-pats, including District 1. Take precaution to never escalate any confrontation or argument while in a nightclub or on the street. We always recommend using the buddy system when going out on the town, especially after 11:00 pm. Please take your own personal safety and security seriously in order to avoid becoming a victim.

You can stay in touch and get Embassy/Consulate updates by checking our website. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. If you don’t have internet access, we have a call center for updates–1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

For emergencies, please call +84-28-3520-4200.