Your rules briefing.
Based on your plans, here's what matters — ranked by how badly it can go wrong.
This briefing
- A 3-minute read
- Reviewed by VN lawyers
- Updated Jun 2026
If you read nothing else
Drugs
Possession can mean prison; trafficking can carry the death penalty. In raided venues police may drug-test patrons, and a positive test can lead to detention, fines or charges — tourists are not exempt. Penalties depend on the substance and amount.
Vaping
E-cigarettes & heated tobacco are fully banned — including use. Don't bring them. Devices confiscated at customs; fine ~2M VND.
Drink-driving
ANY alcohol = illegal to drive. One beer on a motorbike → 2–3M VND fine + license suspension. Police checkpoints are nightly and routine.
Your pre-trip checklist
The practical steps that keep you out of trouble — from packing to arrival.
Before you fly
- Leave all vapes and e-cigarettes at home — they're banned in Vietnam and confiscated at customs.
- Riding a motorbike? Get a 1968-Convention International Driving Permit — a 1949 (Geneva) IDP is not recognised here.
- Pack prescription meds in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription; check that nothing is a controlled substance.
- Apply for your e-visa only at evisa.gov.vn, then print or screenshot it along with your passport details.
- Save the emergency numbers: 113 police, 115 ambulance, 114 fire.
At the airport
- Declare cash over USD 5,000 (or 15,000,000 VND) at the red channel — declaring is free; hiding it is what gets fined.
- Stay within duty-free limits (1.5 L spirits >22%, 200 cigarettes) or declare anything over.
- Never carry a bag or parcel for someone else — you are legally responsible for everything in your luggage.
- Keep your boarding pass and entry stamp — you may need them for your stay or departure.
Once you're here
- Let your hotel register your temporary residence — it's required, and they handle it for you.
- After any alcohol, take a Grab or taxi — drink-driving is zero-tolerance with heavy on-the-spot fines.
- Don't photograph military sites or personnel, and ask before photographing people.
- Dress modestly at temples and pagodas — cover your shoulders and knees.
- Unsure about anything? Run it through the hub's “Can I…?” checker before you act.
The full rundown
Critical
life-changing consequencesDrugs
●●●●CriticalPossession → prison; trafficking → death penalty. Raided venues drug-test everyone.
Because you're partying: never accept anything; leave if a venue feels off.
High
heavy fine / license / deportationDrink-driving
●●●○HighZERO tolerance. One drink + motorbike = 2–3M VND + license suspension.
Because you'll drive + party: use Grab after any alcohol. Always.
Driving without valid license / IDP
●●●○HighFines + insurance void in a crash.
Because you'll drive: get a 1968-convention IDP; many rentals are technically illegal.
Moderate
fine / confiscationVaping
●●○○ModerateBanned since Jan 2025, ~2M VND fine. Don't bring it.
Drone / photography near military, airports, government
●●○○ModerateConfiscation + fines. Check no-fly map before every flight.
Because you do photography: check the no-fly map before flying.
Good to know
Carry passport always · temple dress code · no political activity
●○○○Good to knowEtiquette + minor fines. Good to know for everyone.
General information, not legal advice. Reviewed by Vietnamese lawyers. For your situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
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