Planning travel to Hanoi? Speak with a security consultant.
Hanoi presents a moderate risk profile for visiting executives. The Ministry of Public Security Crime Statistics 2024 identify motorbike bag-snatching in the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem district as the principal concern for corporate principals, particularly after dark. The Vietnam Road Traffic Safety Committee Report 2024 identifies road traffic conditions, driven by Hanoi’s exceptional motorbike density, as a consistent operational risk for foreign nationals; unvetted transport is a frequent contributory factor in incidents involving foreign executives. The FCDO advises normal precautions for Vietnam (2026), and the US State Department rates the country at Level 1.
The corporate footprint is anchored in Ba Dinh district (embassies, government ministries, international organisations) and Tay Ho (West Lake), which provides the preferred HNWI residential and hotel zone. The National Convention Centre in Ba Dinh and the Lotte Center Hanoi serve as the primary events and business meeting venues. Principals operating in and around the Old Quarter should plan movements to avoid late-evening exposure, and all airport transfers from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN, 35km from the city centre) require vetted drivers familiar with the Nhat Tan Bridge and Vo Nguyen Giap expressway corridor.
Our executive protection services in Hanoi cover Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, and the National Convention Centre. Vetted security drivers in Hanoi provide airport transfers from HAN and intercity connections. For regional context, see our briefings for Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore.
What are the main security threats in Hanoi?
Petty theft and motorbike bag-snatching
Ministry of Public Security Vietnam Crime Statistics 2024: Hanoi records elevated rates of motorbike bag-snatching in the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, and tourist-dense areas; principals should not carry valuables visibly on streets.
Traffic risk (motorbike density)
Vietnam Road Traffic Safety Committee Report 2024: Hanoi's road network operates with one of the highest motorbike densities in the world; road traffic incidents involving foreigners are a consistent operational risk; vetted drivers familiar with Hanoi's traffic patterns are essential.
Regulatory restrictions on private security
Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, as amended: a security company must be an enterprise and needs a certificate of security and order conditions from the provincial police (or the Ministry of Public Security for a foreign-invested company); foreign investors may only contribute capital for security equipment.
Vetted operators with direct experience in Hanoi
What security services are available in Hanoi?
Executive Protection
Close protection for principals attending corporate meetings at the National Convention Centre, Melia Hanoi, Lotte Center Hanoi, and the embassy district in Ba Dinh.
Security Drivers
Vetted drivers covering Noi Bai International Airport (HAN, 35km from the Old Quarter), hotel transfers across the Tay Ho and Ba Dinh corridors, and connections to Ha Long Bay or Ho Chi Minh City.
Residential Security
Static and mobile residential security for Tay Ho villa areas, Ciputra compound, and InterContinental West Lake, including security surveys for visiting principal accommodation.
Event Security
Close protection and venue security for corporate events at the National Convention Centre, Vietnam National Exhibition Construction, and Vincom events spaces.
What are the rules for private security in Hanoi?
Key regulatory requirements for operating security services in Hanoi.
Firearms Policy
Vietnam's Law No. 42/2024/QH15 on the Management and Use of Weapons, Explosives and Support Instruments bars individuals from owning weapons, explosives and support instruments (Article 4) and lists the bodies that may be equipped with military weapons (Article 18). Private security companies are not on that list, so plan for unarmed close protection.
Licensing
Security services are a conditional business under Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, as amended by Decree 56/2023/ND-CP and Decree 58/2026/ND-CP, administered by the Ministry of Public Security. A security company must be an enterprise (Article 11) and needs a certificate of satisfaction of security and order conditions, issued by the provincial police or, for a foreign-invested company, by the Ministry's Police Department for Administrative Management of Social Order. Ask any provider for its certificate before an assignment starts.
Foreign Operators
Under Article 11 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, a foreign investor may only contribute capital to a Vietnamese security company, to buy security equipment, and must have run a security business for at least 5 years and contribute at least USD 1,000,000. A foreign company cannot provide security services in its own name. Use a licensed Vietnamese company, and take local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties.
Sources, checked : Can Tho legal information portal, Decree 58/2026/ND-CP on authority to certify security and order conditions (5 March 2026); Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, hoatieu.vn text; Law No. 42/2024/QH15 on weapons, explosives and support instruments (Quang Ninh legal information portal); Vietnam Briefing (Dezan Shira & Associates), providing security services in Vietnam for foreign firms.
Which areas of Hanoi carry elevated risk?
Lower-Risk Areas
- Hoan Kiem (Old Quarter core, Hoan Kiem Lake area, daytime): high tourism policing during business hours with consistent CCTV coverage.
- Ba Dinh district (government ministries, embassies, international organisations): consistent police presence across the diplomatic quarter.
- Tay Ho (West Lake) and Long Bien expat residential areas: lower ambient crime, preferred for HNWI executive accommodation.
Elevated-Risk Areas
- Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem streets after 22:00: bag-snatching and motorbike crime elevated; principals should not display valuables or use phones visibly on the street.
- Some southern Hanoi suburbs after dark: reduced police density and road lighting; pre-planned routes advisable for any scheduled visits.
Deploying to Hanoi? Get a vetted close protection detail.
Request ConsultationWho do you call in an emergency in Hanoi?
Police
113
Ambulance
115
Bach Mai Hospital
024-3869-3731
Hanoi French Hospital
024-3577-1100
What travel advisories apply to Hanoi?
- FCDO advises normal precautions for Vietnam (2026); FCDO notes road traffic conditions as a specific risk for visitors, particularly motorbike density.
- US State Department Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) for Vietnam as of 2026.
- Noi Bai International Airport is approximately 35km from the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem; allow 40-60 min outside peak hours and 75-90 min during peak. The Nhat Tan Bridge and Vo Nguyen Giap expressway are the primary route.
- Hanoi French Hospital (024-3577-1100) is the principal international-standard medical facility for Hanoi, with French and English-speaking staff and international patient services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanoi safe for executive and corporate travellers?
What close protection licensing applies in Vietnam?
What are the main security zones for executives in Hanoi?
What medical facilities serve international executives in Hanoi?
This page is published by CloseProtectionHire.com and written to editorial standards overseen by James Calloway, Senior Security Consultant (regulation, licensing, vetting and risk frameworks) and Marcus Webb, Security Operations Adviser (operational close protection, secure transport and city-specific safety).
Threat, regulatory and emergency information is sourced to named, dated authorities such as the FCDO, the US State Department and national licensing bodies. Last updated . See how we verify.