Is Modafinil legal in Vietnam?
- Legal status
- Prescription medicine if imported — NOT in the narcotic/psychotropic Lists of Decree 28/2026/ND-CP (not scheduled).
- Consequences if caught
- Treated as an unregistered/prescription medicine (import-control); no narcotics-trafficking (capital) exposure.
- If prescribed or medical
- Carry the prescription; import may need a permit.
- 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.
- Not in the Decree 28/2026/ND-CP lists (prescription medicine)
- 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
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →