Customs Regulations

Customs clearance at Vietnam airport. Photo: tienphong.vn

Travel Documents

As of 2025, all visitors to Vietnam are generally required to have a valid passport as well as an entry visa or a visa approval letter. However, citizens of certain countries, including Finland, Norway, Japan, South Korea, and members of ASEAN, can enter Vietnam without a visa for stays ranging from 15 to 30 days. The specific duration of stay depends on bilateral agreements between Vietnam and the respective countries.

Travelers from countries that require a visa can obtain one at Vietnamese embassies and consulates, through travel agencies, or via the online visa application process. Visa on arrival is still available; it requires travelers to obtain visa approval from the Vietnam Immigration Department in advance, after which they can get their visa stamped upon arrival. For the latest updates on visa regulations, please refer to official entries and our detailed pages about visa requirements for Vietnam.

Goods and Products

Travelers are allowed to bring in the maximum quantities of the following goods duty-free; exceeding these limits will require declaration and payment of import taxes:

• Duty-Free Limitations:
• Cigarettes: 400
• Cigars: 100
• Tobacco: 100 grams
• Liquor: 1.5 liters
• Perfume and jewelry for personal use
• Souvenirs and gifts valued at not more than US$ 500

Materials Under Declaration

While there are no restrictions on the amount of currency, gold, precious metals, and gemstones, declarations must be made for items exceeding the following thresholds:

• Foreign currency: in excess of US$ 5,000
• Vietnam Dong: in excess of VND 15,000,000
• Gold: in excess of 300 grams
• Gold and jewelry not intended for personal use

Banned Materials

• The following items are strictly prohibited from being brought into Vietnam:
• Weapons, ammunition, explosives, and flammable substances
• Military hardware; illegal drugs, opium, and narcotics
• Anti-government literature; pornographic material, etc.
• Furthermore, antiques, certain types of precious stones, endangered animals, and rare plants listed in Vietnam's Red Book are not permitted to be exported.

Typically, visitors need to fill in customs declaration forms if they bring items that require declaration or exceed duty-free limits. However, as of 15 November 2010, arrival-departure forms have been exempted for all visitors at international airports and 12 border checkpoints across Vietnam, meaning travelers may not have to fill out any forms during their visit.

It is important to note that this article reflects a summary of current customs regulations and is subject to change. Please verify all information before making travel plans. The Vietnamese Customs maintains an informative website (www.customs.gov.vn) that can provide additional guidance.