Vietnam · Close Protection & Executive Security
Security in Hanoi, Vietnam
Executive protection and close protection in Hanoi, Vietnam. MPS-licensed operators for corporate principals across Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, and the Old Quarter district.
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.
Threat Profile
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
Ministry of Public Security Decree 96/2016/ND-CP: Vietnam places restrictions on the scope of private security activities; all security service providers must be licensed by the provincial police authority; foreign operators face additional regulatory requirements.
Vetted operators with direct experience in Hanoi
Available Services 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.
Security Regulations
Key regulatory requirements for operating security services in Hanoi.
Firearms Policy
Vietnam severely restricts civilian firearms; private security operates unarmed under Ministry of Public Security regulations.
Licensing
Private Security Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, Ministry of Public Security; all security companies must hold a provincial police licence from the relevant MPS authority; individual guards require formal training and certification.
Foreign Operators
Foreign CPOs may accompany corporate principals as part of a bespoke detail but cannot operate commercially as security providers in Vietnam without Vietnamese business registration and MPS licensing; all commercial security services must be provided by a Vietnamese-licensed entity.
Zone Intelligence
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.
Emergency Contacts
Police
113
Ambulance
115
Bach Mai Hospital
024-3869-3731
Hanoi French Hospital
024-3577-1100
Important Warnings
- 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
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