What are the issues affecting travelers in Vietnam? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.
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Typhoon Damrey - 2 November 2017
Tropical Storm Damrey is expected to strengthen into a Category-1-equivalent typhoon before it strikes southern Vietnam early November 4, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds. The threat of flooding rain and mudslides is highest from the north-central coast of Vietnam southward to Vũng Tàu. This threat will extend to into southern Laos and much of Cambodia.
If you are traveling in the affected regions you should follow all directions of police, emergency services and officials.
Cyclone Doksuri - 14 September 2017
A tropical storm sitting in the South China Sea is expected to strengthen to a categoy 2 cyclone in coming days and impact northern Vietnam and Laos by late on Friday September 15th, 2017.
Cyclone Doksuri is expected to make landfall around the town of Vinh then head WNW into Laos, weakening in strength as it does. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain to the Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng regions of Laos.
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How to Survive a Typhoon or Hurricane
Bear in mind that typhoons, cyclones, and hurricanes are all the same type of weather phenomenon, but are called by different names depending on where they take place.
The absolutely best way to survive a hurricane is to avoid one. Get away from it, but if you make the decision to leave, make that decision early. Do not wait until the last minute because you may find yourself caught without proper shelter.
If you decide to stay and "ride it out" it is advisable to get to an authorized shelter. The locations of these will be broadcast, or locals will know where they are. If there is no shelter, prepare to "shelter in place" in an internal room without windows.
During the storm
- Never go out during the storm. The winds can send flying debris into you causing injury and even death.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
- Keep on the alert for additional storm warnings. Hurricanes are known to spawn tornadoes so be prepared to take cover if one should strike.
- While the storm is in progress avoid using electrical appliances.
- Stay off the telephone.
- Do not light candles or lanterns; they could get blown over causing a fire.
- The eye of the storm passing over could make you think the storm is over when the worst is still yet to come. Only use this calm in an extreme emergency to make critical repairs.
- Only after an official "all clear" has been issued is it safe to come out.
After the storm
- Beware of downed power lines and gas leaks.
- Stay away from heavily damaged areas.
- Listen to your radio for instructions.
Am I Covered for a Typhoon or Hurricane?
There may be cover for you if you purchased your policy prior to the storm or hurricane being declared. Check your policy or call our customer assistance teams if you are unsure.
Coverage may vary depending on your place of residence and the level of cover you have purchased, however GENERALLY the cover and benefits of Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption may assist you. If regular carriage services to your destination have ceased for 24 hours or more (so you can't get there) you may be able to make a claim. Check with our customer assistance teams.
Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.
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