Vietnam customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Vietnam allows duty-free import of 1.5L of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2L of beer/wine, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, and personal goods up to VND 10,000,000 (about USD 400). Cash over USD 5,000 (or equivalent) must be declared; VND over 15,000,000 must also be declared. Narcotics, weapons, certain meats, and endangered wildlife products are strictly prohibited. Restricted items include medicines with narcotic substances, plants, animals, drones, satellite phones, and cultural artifacts, which require permits.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.5 L
1.5L of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2L of beer/wine. Traveller must be 18+. Combination not allowed; choose one.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$5,000
Foreign currency exceeding USD 5,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on the customs declaration form. VND over 15,000,000 must also be declared.
Goods duty-free
$400
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is VND 10,000,000 (approx. USD 400). Items exceeding this value are subject to duty.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and all illegal drugs
  • Weapons, explosives, and ammunition
  • Firecrackers and pyrotechnics
  • Endangered wildlife products (ivory, rhino horn, tiger parts, etc.)
  • Pornographic materials
  • Certain meats and animal products from countries with disease outbreaks (e.g., African swine fever regions)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances (require a prescription and permit from the Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary certificate and permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development)
  • Drones and unmanned aircraft (require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Ministry of Information and Communications)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export/import permit from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

Rules worth knowing

Duty-free allowance is per person, not per family

Each adult traveller has their own duty-free allowance. Children under 18 have reduced or no allowances for alcohol and tobacco.

Gifts and commercial samples

Items intended for commercial use or exceeding the personal-use threshold must be declared and may require a business license or customs broker.

Currency declaration is mandatory

All travellers carrying over USD 5,000 in cash (or equivalent) or VND 15,000,000 must complete a customs declaration form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.

Import of used electronics

Used laptops, cameras, and phones for personal use are generally allowed duty-free, but multiple units may be treated as commercial goods.

Frequently asked questions

No. The allowance is either 1.5L of spirits OR 2L of beer/wine, not both. If you bring both, one will be subject to duty.
If they are for personal use and you are a tourist, you do not need to declare them. However, if you are carrying multiple units or expensive equipment, customs may ask for a deposit or proof of re-export.
Excess cigarettes are subject to duty. You must declare them on the customs form and pay the applicable tax. Failure to declare can lead to seizure and a fine.
Yes, for personal use up to a 30-day supply. Carry a doctor's prescription and keep medicines in original packaging. For controlled substances, you need a permit from the Ministry of Health.
Yes. You may bring up to VND 15,000,000 without declaration. Amounts above that must be declared. There is no limit on foreign currency, but amounts over USD 5,000 must be declared.
Most processed and packaged foods are allowed for personal use. However, fresh fruits, meats, and dairy products are restricted and may require a permit. Dried beef from countries with foot-and-mouth disease is prohibited.

Official source

General Department of Vietnam Customs

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with General Department of Vietnam Customs before travelling.