Is Ketamine legal in Vietnam?
- Legal status
- Listed as a List III narcotic substance (permitted for medical/veterinary use) on Vietnam's official lists of narcotic substances and precursors — Decree 28/2026/ND-CP (in force 19 January 2026, superseding Decree 57/2022/ND-CP); trafficking offences fall under the Penal Code (Law 100/2015) arts. 248/250/251.
- Consequences if caught
- Trafficking and possession carry heavy imprisonment up to life. Vietnam's Penal Code amendment effective 1 July 2025 ABOLISHED the death penalty for drug trafficking (existing drug death sentences commuted to life), so ketamine offences no longer carry capital exposure.
- If prescribed or medical
- Available as a controlled medicine through licensed medical channels.
- Documentation
- There is NO medical cannabis and no traveller exemption — cannabis import/export is prohibited. For other prescribed controlled medicines, carry a valid prescription and declare them on arrival. Foreigners receive no leniency: deportation plus a 3-year re-entry ban is common.
- Decree 28/2026/ND-CP (lists of narcotic substances and precursors
- ketamine = List III)
- Penal Code (Law 100/2015) arts. 248/250/251
- drug death penalty abolished effective 1 July 2025
- loc.gov
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Vietnam’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
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