Customs & Import Regulations
The customs regulations upon entering Vietnam:
Allowed (duty-free)
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 g of tobacco
- 1.5 liters of alcohol over 22% or 2 liters under 22%
- Personal items up to a value of 5,000,000 VND
- Cash up to 5,000 USD (above: declare)
Prohibited
- Drugs of any kind (death penalty possible!)
- Weapons and ammunition
- Pornographic material
- Political literature against the state
Departure — Souvenirs
Antique items, fossils, and certain types of wood may NOT be exported. For art purchases: Keep the receipt as proof that it is not an antique. When importing into Germany: EU allowance 430€ (airplane) or 300€ (land/sea).
Achtung
Vietnam has draconian drug laws. Possession of drugs can lead to LIFE IMPRISONMENT or the DEATH PENALTY. There is no exception for tourists. Do not carry packages from strangers across the border!
