Firearms → 🇻🇳 Vietnam

Full details

Firearms and ammunition are among the most strictly controlled items at international borders. Nearly every country requires advance import/export licenses for firearms. Many countries, including Japan, Australia, and the UK, effectively prohibit civ. Enforcement in Vietnam carries fines from VND 10,000,000 to VND 2,000,000,000 under Penal Code Art. 250-251 (narcotics smuggling); Law on Customs Art. 8. In the reverse direction (taking firearms out of Vietnam): prohibited — Vietnam prohibits taking firearms out of the country without an advance export authorisation; licensed hunters and sport shooters are the main exception categories.

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

Leaving Vietnam with firearms

Export of firearms from Vietnam requires advance authorisation issued before departure under the national firearms-control legislation. Unlicensed firearms export is a serious criminal offence carrying substantial fines and imprisonment. Even properly licensed domestic owners require the separate export authorisation for cross-border movement, and ammunition and firearm parts (barrels, receivers) fall under the same framework. Airlines additionally require advance notice and locked-case carriage in checked baggage.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-07-25