Customs and Immigration in Vietnam

Foreign visitors complete entry procedures at Noi Bai International Airport
(Photo: Giang Huy)

1. Immigration procedures

Since April 2026, Vietnam has modernised its procedures to reduce waiting times at international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.).

• Pre-arrival Declaration: It is now strongly recommended (and sometimes compulsory, depending on the airport, as at Tan Son Nhat) to complete an online form on the official portal at least 3 days before your trip. You will be issued a QR code to be scanned at the immigration desk.

• Automated gates (Autogate): Some airports are introducing automated gates for holders of biometric passports from countries with reciprocal agreements, or for residents. For most tourists, passing in front of an officer remains the norm.

2. Customs regulations

Vietnam operates a “Green Channel” (nothing to declare) and “Red Channel” (goods to declare) system.

Duty-free items:

Travellers over 18 may bring in the following without paying duty:

• Alcohol: Up to 1.5 litres of spirits (≥ 20°); 2 litres of lighter alcohol (< 20°); or 3 litres of beer.

• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars or 250 g of loose tobacco.

• Personal belongings: In reasonable quantities for the length of the trip.

• Gifts and other goods: The total value must not exceed 10,000,000 VND (about 400 USD). Above that, you will have to pay duty on the excess.

3. Declaring currency and gold

You must go through the red channel and fill in a declaration if you are carrying:

• Cash: More than 5,000 USD (or the equivalent in foreign currency) or more than 15,000,000 VND.

• Gold: More than 300 g of gold (jewellery, rings, etc.). The import of gold bullion by private individuals is strictly regulated.

• Note: If you plan to leave with a large sum, have your declaration stamped on arrival to prove where the funds came from.

4. Prohibited and restricted items

• Prohibited: Weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs (extremely severe penalties in Vietnam), pornographic material or material deemed politically sensitive.

• Restricted: Medicines containing psychotropic substances must be accompanied by a medical prescription. Antiques and specimens of protected species (fauna/flora) require special permits for export.

5. Tips for departure (leaving the country)

• VAT refund: As a tourist, you can claim a VAT refund on certain purchases made in approved shops (often marked with the “VAT Refund” logo). Present your invoices and items at the airport customs counter before checking in your luggage.

• Getting to the airport: For international flights, it is advisable to arrive 3 hours in advance to go through security and immigration checks without stress.