Vietnam
Country · Asia
Vietnam enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the world, with the death penalty for trafficking. Cannabis and recreational drugs are strictly illegal. Most prescription medicines are permitted, but controlled medicines require documentation.
Traveler warnings
Drug trafficking carries the death penalty. Do not bring cannabis, THC or CBD. Carry full documentation for all controlled medicines.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for Vietnam.
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Vietnam. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Vietnam. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Not permitted.
Subject to severe penalties in Vietnam, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances.
Penalty: Severe penalties apply, including lengthy imprisonment and, for trafficking, the harshest sanctions available under law.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Vietnam with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Vietnam. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Opioids / Pain Medications
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Vietnam. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Vietnam. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Psychiatric Medications
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Vietnam with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Vietnam. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: Not permitted.
Subject to severe penalties in Vietnam, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances.
Penalty: Severe penalties apply, including lengthy imprisonment and, for trafficking, the harshest sanctions available under law.
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Vietnam with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Prescription policy
Carry a personal supply with the original prescription and a doctor's letter. Controlled medicines must be limited to personal-use quantities and declared.
Controlled substances
Narcotics and psychotropics are strictly controlled with severe penalties. Cannabis, THC and CBD are illegal. Opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants require a prescription and are tightly restricted.
Customs & border guidance
Declare all controlled medicines and carry documentation. Do not carry any cannabis, THC or CBD product in any form.
Penalties
Trafficking can carry the death penalty. Possession of controlled drugs can lead to long imprisonment. Enforcement is rigorous.
Live Alerts
Vietnam: Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty
CriticalVietnam enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the world. Trafficking can carry the death penalty, and possession of controlled drugs can lead to long imprisonment. Cannabis, THC and CBD are illegal. Carry full documentation for all controlled medicines and never carry recreational drugs in any form.
Documentation required
Original prescription and a doctor's letter (translated where possible), medicines in original labelled packaging, plus any import permit or prior approval required by Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV), Ministry of Health for controlled medicines.
Official source
Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV), Ministry of HealthLast reviewed: July 19, 2025
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.