Is Nicotine legal in Vietnam?
- Legal status
- Nicotine is legal in Vietnam in combustible tobacco and in nicotine-replacement therapy, but the nicotine DELIVERY product is banned. National Assembly Resolution 173/2024/QH15 (adopted 30 November 2024) prohibits the production, trade, importation, storage, transport and use of e-cigarettes and heated-tobacco products; the prohibition takes effect from 2025, with sale/investment measures extended into 2026.
- Consequences if caught
- The manufacture, trade, import, harbouring, transport and use of e-cigarettes and heated-tobacco products are prohibited nationwide and subject to enforcement and confiscation. Nicotine in combustible tobacco is unaffected.
- If prescribed or medical
- Nicotine-replacement therapy is available as a medicine; e-cigarettes have no lawful medical or prescription route.
- Documentation
- No permit is issued for e-cigarettes or heated-tobacco products under the resolution.
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 →