Customs in Vietnam
If you are part of the 150 countries eligible for visa on arrival and do not require a valid visa to enter Vietnam, you will be handed a white and blue duplicate arrival-departure form.
The blue copy is to be kept with your passport at all times. The white copy will be given to your immigration officer for your visa-on-arrival stamp. Hotels, guest houses, and private hosts must register overnight guests with the local police, and these blue forms are essential for this purpose.
Good to know:
Guests who do not have visa-on-arrival privileges do not need to fill out the form, as you will have your pre-approved visa letter to present to border security.
Duty-free imports in Vietnam
Here is a list of approved items to enter Vietnam:
- Cigarettes: 400, cigars: 100, tobacco: 100 grams;
- 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 10,000,000VND (USD 406.92).
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 Vietnam Visa website for any new additions closer to your flight:
- Foreign currency: in excess of USD 5,000;
- Gold and jewelry not for personal use;
- Videotapes, CDs;
- CDs and tapes are often retained for screening and will be returned after a few days.
Prohibited items in Vietnam
Banned materials include:
- Weapons, firearms, explosives, and inflammable objects;
- Opium and other narcotics;
- Anti-government literature;
- Pornographic literature or sexual devices.
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 Vietnam's Red Book 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.
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