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Vietnam Customs Regulation and Import Restriction

User By Azure Lee

Vietnam, a captivating destination known for its rich culture and economic dynamism, welcomes travelers and businesses alike. However, to ensure a seamless experience through Vietnam's customs, understanding crucial declarations, duty-free allowance Vietnam, and restricted items is paramount.

Vietnam's import guidelines specify the necessity to declare certain items, set restrictions on their quantity allowed into the country, and identify items that are completely forbidden. In addition to meeting the visa requirements, you also have to abide by the customs laws of the nation. Make sure you don't import or export any forbidden goods or go over the duty-free allowance without declaring what you are carrying if you are entering the country with a Vietnam eVisa.

Vietnam import guidelines specify the necessity to declare certain items

Vietnam import guidelines specify the necessity to declare certain items

What Is Duty-Free Allowance in Vietnam?

When visiting Vietnam from overseas, visitors are allowed to import a limited quantity of tobacco, alcohol, and other items into the nation duty-free.

The following quantities of tobacco products are included in this duty-free allowance:

  • A maximum of 20 cigars
  • Up to 200 cigarettes
  • Not exceeding 250g of tobacco

Additionally, one of the duty-free alcohol in the following quantities is permitted for travelers to bring in:

  • Up to 1.5 liters of alcohol with an alcohol content higher than 20% ABV
  • Up to 2 liters of alcohol with an alcohol content of less than 20% ABV
  • Up to 3 liters of other alcoholic beverages, including beer

Vietnamese customs also impose restrictions on specific goods that can be imported into the country without incurring duty fees. The following items are allowed entry into the nation duty-free for new arrivals:

  • Up to 3 liters of soft drinks
  • Up to 5 kg of tea
  • Up to 3 kg of coffee
  • An amount of perfume judged to be “reasonable”
  • A number of personal belongings judged to be “reasonable”
  • Items whose total value does not exceed VND 10,000,000

Travelers arriving in Vietnam from abroad can bring in a small amount of tobacco, alcohol, and other goods without paying duty.

Travelers arriving in Vietnam from abroad can bring in a small amount of tobacco, alcohol, and other goods without paying duty.

What Do I Need To Declare At Vietnam Customs?

At Vietnam customs, there's a requirement to declare certain items, including currency, under specific conditions.

If you're entering Vietnam with the following items, it's necessary to fill out a customs declaration form specifying the details and quantity:

  • Local currency (Vietnamese Dong) exceeding VND 15,000,000
  • Foreign currency intended for deposit in Vietnamese banks or credit institutions, regardless of value
  • Gold weighing more than 300 grams
  • Jewelry not intended for personal use
  • CDs, DVDs, and videotapes

Most travelers also require a visa to enter Vietnam. Citizens of over 80 different countries simply need to fill out the Vietnam eVisa application form online before their trip, which is much easier and more convenient than going to the embassy.

To verify eligibility for the Vietnam eVisa, it's recommended to check the specific requirements based on nationality. If your home country is not on the visa exemption list, you must apply for a Vietnam visa to enter the country. For your application to be processed, travelers must know and understand visa requirements to make sure that your eVisa will not be rejected. The essential criteria to prepare for the application process include:

  • Possession of a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the intended arrival date in Vietnam. Additionally, the passport should have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps. Travelers with passports close to expiration should consider renewing them before applying.
  • A scanned copy of the passport's biographical page.
  • A recent digital passport-sized photograph.
  • A functioning email address to receive notifications and results regarding the Vietnam eVisa.
  • Access to a credit card or debit card for online payment of the eVisa fee.

Vietnam Immigration Services has streamlined the application process with a user-friendly form on our website, simplifying the Vietnam eVisa application for foreigners. Contact us for further details regarding the Vietnam eVisa.

At Vietnam customs, there is a requirement to declare certain items

At Vietnam customs, there is a requirement to declare certain items

How much cash can I carry into Vietnam?

There are no limits on the cash you can bring into Vietnam, but it might need to be declared at customs.

For Vietnamese Dong, you can carry up to ₫15,000,000 without declaring it.

Similarly, if you have USD$5,000 or less in a foreign currency, you don't need to declare it.

However, amounts exceeding these limits must be declared upon entry.

It's recommended to refer to the Vietnam travel money guide before traveling to the country for additional advice.

Maybe you need to research more about the Currency Of Vietnam to get a smooth Vietnam travel trip that has no money problems.

What is the current Vietnam import tax rate?

The prevailing import tax rate in Vietnam is contingent upon the nature of the product. Generally, consumer goods typically incur higher import duties compared to raw materials and machinery. This discrepancy is particularly evident with luxury items such as alcohol and cigarettes.

For foreign nationals seeking to import goods for commercial purposes, establishing a registered company in Vietnam is a prerequisite. Additionally, other documentation, like a trading license, may be necessary to conduct sales after importing products to Vietnam.

Imported and exported goods in Vietnam are subject to distinct taxes, including import tax, VAT (Value-Added Tax), special consumption tax (SCT), and environmental protection tax (EPT). It's crucial for businesses to consider these taxes when dealing with imports.

What Cannot Be Brought into Vietnam?

There's a list of items strictly prohibited from being brought into Vietnam, with very few exceptions unless expressly authorized by Vietnamese authorities. It is forbidden to import the following items into Vietnam:

  • Firearms
  • Ammunition
  • Explosives
  • Hazardous materials
  • Animals lacking the required permits, certificates, and vaccinations (including pets without a rabies certificate)
  • Drugs
  • Narcotics without a valid prescription
  • Pornography
  • Audio-visual content offensive to local customs
  • Antiques
  • Stuffed turtles
  • Corals
  • Rare plants

Foreign businessmen and businesspeople are not allowed to import tobacco or cigars into Vietnam for resale; however, tourists on their own are allowed to bring in a certain amount of tobacco items duty-free.

We believe that learning about Vietnam's Immigration Blacklist can help to avoid mistakes in visa applications as well as travel activities.

There is a list of items strictly prohibited from being brought into Vietnam

There is a list of items strictly prohibited from being brought into Vietnam

What Can I Export from Vietnam?

Most items that visitors bring with them from Vietnam can be left behind without issue, including most personal belongings, souvenirs, and other items bought there.

However, certain things are not allowed to be taken out of the country without the relevant license:

  • Antiques
  • Folk art
  • Jewelry
  • Vietnamese Dong (the national currency)
  • Coral
  • Rare plants
  • Wild animals

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vietnam's customs regulations, duty-free allowances, and restricted items form the backbone of maintaining order and safeguarding the country's interests. For travelers and traders eyeing this dynamic destination, a keen understanding and adherence to these guidelines not only facilitate seamless entry but also showcase respect for Vietnam's legal framework. This compliance not only ensures a smooth customs process but also fosters a positive environment for trade and exploration in this vibrant nation.

For travelers planning a visit to Vietnam, it's essential to remember to apply for a visa in advance to ensure a hassle-free entry experience. By familiarizing themselves with these regulations and taking proactive steps, visitors can immerse themselves in Vietnam's culture, trade opportunities, and natural beauty without encountering unnecessary complications at customs.

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