Entering a new country will entail going through their customs and immigration process. While this process is relatively smooth, patience is key. If you are arriving in Vietnam via Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport) or Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport) there will be many clear signs indicating which way to go. Use this article to find out what else you should know and have ready for inspection and immigration and customs in Vietnam.
Good to know:
Hotels, guest houses, and private hosts must register overnight guests with the local police, and it will be expected at check-in for you to present your visa entry stamp, paperwork and passport.
Duty-free imports in Vietnam
Here is a list of approved items to enter Vietnam:
- Cigarettes: 200, raw tobacco: 250g, cigars: 20;
- Liquor: 1.5 liters, or 2 liters for alcohol under 20%, or 3 liters of beer;
- Perfume and jewelry for personal use;
- Small gift items valued at not more than US$ 300;
- Personal effects of a reasonable quantity;
- Up to 5 kg of tea;
- Up to 3 kg of coffee;
- Items whose total value does not exceed VND 15,000,000 (approximately US$645)
Customs declaration in Vietnam
If your luggage goes over the duty limit or is arriving before/after your entry, it will be removed and held in a customs warehouse as per government regulation. To release your items, you will need to go to the warehouse and present two copies of a customs declaration form issued by the Ministry of Finance, your passport, the original customs documentation for the items you have brought that exceed the duty-free limit, and a copy of the shipping paperwork if these items were sent separately or shipped internationally pre/post your arrival in Vietnam.
You will have thirty days to complete this process. If your items are under 20 million VND (783 USD) and require no special checks or licensing to own/operate within Vietnam, nothing further is required.
If your items are over 20 million VND (783 USD), then you will be expected to show the previously obtained special licensing and specialized checks that were performed to bring the items over the border. If you do not have these licensing and specialized checks, then it is the responsibility of the customs official and the government to proceed. More information can be found under point d, clause 1, .
Items that have to be declared when entering Vietnam
This is a list of items that you must declare before entering Vietnam. Please check with airlines and the for any new additions closer to your flight:
- Foreign currency: in excess of USD 5,000;
- Gold and jewelry that are聽not for personal use
Prohibited items in Vietnam
Materials that are prohibited from entering Vietnam include:
- Weapons, munitions, explosives, and inflammables;
- Firecrackers of all kinds;
- Opium and drugs;
- Toxic chemicals;
- Cultural materials unsuitable to Vietnamese society;
- Harmful child toys;
- Adult toys;
- Vapes or e-cigarettes.
Bringing high-value items to Vietnam
Goods of a commercial nature and articles of high value require export permits that need to be issued by the customs authorities. Therefore, when you buy this type of article, ask the retailer for a receipt and declaration that the item may be exported. Antiques, some precious stones, and animals listed in may not be brought out of the country.
Good to know:
Since customs regulations are subject to change at any time, our brief summary above is used for reference only. Always double-check with your local embassy or consulate before traveling.
Useful link:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
