Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card

Consumer Drone → Vietnam

Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-07-25

RESTRICTED

Ministry of Defence approval required

Details

Vietnam requires approval from the Ministry of National Defence for drone operations. This applies to both Vietnamese citizens and foreign visitors. The approval process is bureaucratic and often impractical for tourists. Drones may be confiscated at customs without prior approval. Enforcement in Vietnam carries fines from VND 1,000,000 to VND 100,000,000 under Customs Law 2014; Government Decree 128/2020; Criminal Code Art. 188 (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).

Quantity limit

With MND approval only

Documentation required

Ministry of National Defence approval

Legal reference

Decree 36/2008/ND-CP

Leaving with this item

Consumer drones may generally be exported from Vietnam for personal use; higher-specification drones face dual-use controls and many destinations restrict drone import.

IATA dangerous goods

Consumer Drone is classified under Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods. Cabin and checked-baggage limits apply on top of customs rules.

Practical advice

Apply for approval well in advance. In practice, many tourist drones are confiscated at airports without prior MND approval.

Customs authority

General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) · https://www.customs.gov.vn