Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card

Consumer Drone → Vietnam

Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2025-01-15

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.

Quantity limit

With MND approval only

Documentation required

Ministry of National Defence approval

Legal reference

Decree 36/2008/ND-CP

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