What can you bring through customs in Vietnam?

Its own customs territory

Vietnam has an allowance for personal goods and requires currency, gold and valuables above set amounts to be declared. It restricts some publications and media.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Rules change, and customs officers enforce them. This page describes how the rules are built, not the amounts, which change often. For the exact allowance, limit or banned list that applies to you, use the official customs authority below, and when in doubt, declare. This is general information, not legal advice.

Personal allowance for goods

Travellers have an allowance for goods for personal use. Goods above it are taxed.

Alcohol and tobacco

Adults have allowances for alcohol and tobacco for personal use.

Food, plants and animals

Food, plants and animals pass quarantine and may need permits or be refused.

Cash and valuables

Currency, gold and valuables above set amounts must be declared on entry and exit.

Medicines and banned items

Bring medicines in original packaging with a prescription. Illegal drugs, weapons and counterfeit goods are banned, and some publications, films and media are restricted.

What to watch for

Check the customs authority's current rules before you travel; allowances and banned items change.

Understand the legal system first

Vietnam belongs to the Civil law family. Customs law is made by the state, so it is useful to know how the legal system works.

Read the Vietnam legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →

Official sources

General Department of Vietnam Customs

TheLawToKnow Tools’s customs guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the customs authority’s own information. Report a mistake.