Legal status in Vietnam

Per-substance legal status for Vietnam, from sourced statutes where available. Legal information, not legal advice; drug laws change, so confirm with the destination’s embassy or drug authority before you travel.

38 confirmed substances47 not individually verifiedLast updated July 14, 2026

Confirmed legal status

3-MMC

Legal status: 3-MMC (3-methylmethcathinone) is controlled — Vietnam's controlled-substances decree lists synthetic cathinones, and 3-MMC is reached by that class and by the 1971 Convention obligation; the exact 3-MMC-specific entry is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Controlled-substance trafficking is a serious criminal offence carrying long imprisonment. Death penalty for drug offences was ABOLISHED (Penal Code amendment, eff. 1 Jul 2025) — no current capital exposure.
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for a controlled substance.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

3-MMC in Vietnam, full detail →

Adderall

Legal status: Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) has no separate legal identity — it is regulated AS amphetamine: controlled narcotic/psychotropic under the Penal Code (Law 100/2015, arts. 248–252) and Decree 28/2026/ND-CP.
Consequences if caught: Trafficking carries heavy imprisonment up to life. Vietnam's Penal Code amendment effective 1 July 2025 ABOLISHED the death penalty for drug trafficking (existing sentences commuted to life), so amphetamine offences no longer carry capital exposure.
If prescribed / medical: Prescription stimulant via strictly controlled medical channels; carrying it without a local permit/prescription risks arrest.
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.

Penal Code (Law 100/2015) arts. 248–252 · drug death penalty abolished 1 July 2025 · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

Adderall in Vietnam, full detail →

Alcohol

Legal status: Legal — alcohol (ethanol) is a licensed, age-regulated beverage under the 2019 Law on Prevention and Control of Harmful Effects of Alcohol, not a controlled drug; minimum age 18.
Consequences if caught: No penalty for adult consumption; sale to minors is prohibited and a zero-tolerance drink-driving regime is strictly enforced.
If prescribed / medical: n/a — a beverage, not a medicine.
Documentation: Sold openly in shops and restaurants on proof of age; no traveller permit.

who.int · Updated July 14, 2026

Alcohol in Vietnam, full detail →

Amphetamine

Legal status: Controlled narcotic/psychotropic under the Penal Code (Law 100/2015, arts. 248–252) and Decree 28/2026/ND-CP.
Consequences if caught: Trafficking carries heavy imprisonment up to life. Vietnam's Penal Code amendment effective 1 July 2025 ABOLISHED the death penalty for drug trafficking (existing sentences commuted to life), so amphetamine offences no longer carry capital exposure.
If prescribed / medical: Prescription stimulant via strictly controlled medical channels; carrying it without a local permit/prescription risks arrest.
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.

Penal Code (Law 100/2015) arts. 248–252 · drug death penalty abolished 1 July 2025 · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

Amphetamine in Vietnam, full detail →

Barbiturates

Legal status: Barbiturates are List III psychotropics scheduled by compound under Decree 57/2022/NĐ-CP (carried into later drug-list decrees) — the barbiturate class transposing the 1971 Convention as prescription-controlled psychotropics.
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under Penal Code Articles 249–252. Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025 (replaced with life imprisonment) — barbiturates are not death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Phenobarbital is dispensed as a List III antiepileptic (a WHO Essential Medicine) on a special-control prescription; the sedative-hypnotic barbiturates are tightly controlled.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 14, 2026

Barbiturates in Vietnam, full detail →

Buprenorphine

Legal status: Buprenorphine is a controlled List III psychotropic / special-control opioid under Vietnamese narcotics regulations — a lighter tier than methadone; Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025, so it is not death-eligible.
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under the Penal Code, with a maximum of life imprisonment since the 1 July 2025 abolition of the drug death penalty.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled special-prescription medicine (buprenorphine is used for opioid substitution in Vietnam).
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Buprenorphine in Vietnam, full detail →

Cannabis / THC

Legal status: Schedule I (all forms, incl. THC) — prohibited; NO medical cannabis; DEATH PENALTY for trafficking (≥5 kg resin / ≥75 kg leaves)
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Cannabis and THC in all forms are Schedule I; there is no medical-cannabis programme, and import/export is prohibited with no traveller exemption. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine; there is no medical cannabis in Vietnam and import/export is prohibited.
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.

Penal Code 2015 (amended 2017), Arts 248/249/250/251 · Law on Drug Prevention and Control 73/2021/QH14 · Decree 144/2021/NĐ-CP · Decree 57/2022/NĐ-CP (substance lists) · (UNODC-hosted statute text) · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Cannabis / THC in Vietnam, full detail →

Cathinone

Legal status: Controlled — cathinone (khat's natural principal alkaloid) is a 1971 Convention SCHEDULE I psychotropic and is on the national narcotics/psychotropics list of the government decree schedule. Mechanism: 1971 Sch-I transposition, named. As the parent compound it is DISTINCT from the khat PLANT (Catha edulis, not named) and from the synthetic cathinones (mephedrone/4-MMC, individually listed) that derive from it; cathinone is the named Sch-I alkaloid, cathine the milder metabolite (1971 Schedule III). No capital exposure — the drug death penalty was abolished effective 1 July 2025.
Consequences if caught: Listed narcotic: heavy custodial penalties for the alkaloid, not capital (drug death penalty abolished 1 Jul 2025); maximum life imprisonment.
If prescribed / medical: 1971 Schedule I substance with no accepted medical use and no lawful prescription route for the isolated alkaloid.
Documentation: No licit personal-import route for a listed narcotic.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 14, 2026

Cathinone in Vietnam, full detail →

CBD

Legal status: CBD (cannabidiol) is controlled and illegal — cannabis (plant, leaves, flowers, resin) and delta-9-THC are List I 'absolutely prohibited' substances under Decree 57/2022/ND-CP, with no CBD/THC distinction or threshold, so low- or zero-THC CBD gets no exemption.
Consequences if caught: Administrative seizure applies at minimum, with criminal liability under the Penal Code drug offences scaling to life or death for trafficking quantities; personal-use possession of a List I substance is treated seriously.
If prescribed / medical: There is none — List I substances are absolutely prohibited, with no Epidyolex route.
Documentation: No documentation legalises CBD — a List I 'absolutely prohibited' substance; a foreign prescription does not permit entry.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 14, 2026

CBD in Vietnam, full detail →

Clonazepam

Legal status: Clonazepam is a List III psychotropic (benzodiazepine group) under Decree 57/2022/NĐ-CP (carried into Decree 28/2026/NĐ-CP).
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under Penal Code Articles 249–252. Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025 (replaced with life imprisonment) — benzodiazepines are not death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a List III psychotropic on a special-control prescription.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Clonazepam in Vietnam, full detail →

Cocaine

Legal status: Schedule I narcotic under Vietnam's Penal Code / Law 73/2021 — prohibited; DEATH PENALTY for trafficking
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Cocaine is Schedule I; the death-penalty threshold for trafficking is ≥100 g. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine; a prohibited Schedule I narcotic.
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.

Cocaine in Vietnam, full detail →

Codeine

Legal status: Codeine is a controlled narcotic under Vietnam's special-control medicine regime (Decree 57/2022/ND-CP and successors). Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences effective 1 July 2025 (existing sentences commuted to life), so codeine is not death-eligible; the ceiling is life imprisonment.
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under Penal Code Articles 249-252, the ceiling now life imprisonment; codeine is not death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed on a special-control prescription as a controlled medicine.
Documentation: Declare controlled medicines and carry a prescription in original packaging.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Codeine in Vietnam, full detail →

Crack Cocaine

Legal status: Crack is the freebase (base) form of cocaine and has no separate legal identity in Vietnam: it is controlled AS cocaine, a Schedule I narcotic under the Penal Code and Law 73/2021, whose schedule covers cocaine, its salts and preparations and thus reaches the base/freebase form. The capital trafficking regime is measured by weight of the narcotic and carries over to crack, so trafficking large quantities is death-eligible whether powder or base.
Consequences if caught: Possession, transport and trafficking of crack (as cocaine) are criminal under Penal Code Arts 248-251, with trafficking of large quantities carrying the death penalty.
If prescribed / medical: Cocaine has no recognised therapeutic use in Vietnam; the crack/freebase base has no medicinal preparation and cannot be prescribed.
Documentation: No prescription documentation exists for crack/freebase cocaine.

chinhphu.vn · Updated July 14, 2026

Crack Cocaine in Vietnam, full detail →

Delta-8-THC

Legal status: Controlled — delta-8-THC (Δ8-THC) is caught as a tetrahydrocannabinol under the narcotics/psychotropics lists (Decree 57/2022 and updates), which schedule THC and its isomers; delta-8 is controlled as an isomer of THC (specific entry left to confirmation). Distinct from cannabis (Schedule I). The death penalty for drug offences was ABOLISHED effective 1 July 2025 — now life imprisonment maximum.
Consequences if caught: Illegal; long imprisonment. No longer capital since 1 July 2025 (previously drug trafficking was death-eligible).
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use; delta-8-THC is not a prescribable medicine.
Documentation: No lawful personal import of a scheduled narcotic.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Delta-8-THC in Vietnam, full detail →

Diazepam

Legal status: Diazepam is a List III psychotropic (benzodiazepine group) under Decree 57/2022/NĐ-CP (carried into Decree 28/2026/NĐ-CP).
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under Penal Code Articles 249–252. Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025 (replaced with life imprisonment) — benzodiazepines are not death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a List III psychotropic on a special-control prescription.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Diazepam in Vietnam, full detail →

Ephedrine

Legal status: Regulated as a chemical PRECURSOR (1988 UN Convention Table I — a methamphetamine precursor), NOT as a scheduled narcotic; a precursor in List IVA under Decree 28/2026/ND-CP (updating 57/2022); offence = Penal Code art. 253.
Consequences if caught: No capital exposure — art. 253 precursor offence is non-capital (max 20 years); the drug death penalty (finished narcotics) was abolished from 1 July 2025 and never applied to precursors.
If prescribed / medical: Also a pharmacy/prescription decongestant-bronchodilator medicine subject to sales limits; carry documentation for a personal supply.
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.

loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

Ephedrine in Vietnam, full detail →

Etizolam

Legal status: Etizolam is a controlled List III psychotropic in Vietnam (via Decree 60/2020, carried into Decree 57/2022 and the current Decree 28/2026/NĐ-CP).
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession is punished by quantity under Penal Code Art. 249. Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025 — etizolam is not death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Controlled as a List III psychotropic on a special-control prescription.
Documentation: Declare controlled medicines and carry a prescription in original packaging.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Etizolam in Vietnam, full detail →

Heroin

Legal status: Schedule I narcotic under Vietnam's Penal Code / Law 73/2021 — prohibited; DEATH PENALTY for trafficking
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Heroin is Schedule I; the death-penalty threshold for trafficking is ≥100 g. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine; a prohibited Schedule I narcotic.
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.

Heroin in Vietnam, full detail →

Hydrocodone

Legal status: Hydrocodone is a controlled narcotic in the strong-opioid tier under Vietnam's narcotics law; it is not marketed in Vietnam. Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025 (existing sentences commuted to life), so hydrocodone is not death-eligible.
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under Penal Code Articles 249–252, with a maximum of life imprisonment since the 1 July 2025 abolition.
If prescribed / medical: No marketed Vietnamese hydrocodone product; a narcotic opioid is dispensed only on a special-control prescription.
Documentation: Declare controlled medicines and carry a prescription in original packaging.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Hydrocodone in Vietnam, full detail →

Ketamine

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 / 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 · Updated July 13, 2026

Ketamine in Vietnam, full detail →

Khat

Legal status: Controlled. ALKALOID controlled: cathinone is on the national narcotics list; the Catha edulis plant is not named. Mechanism: NAMED (alkaloid); plant grey. Capital exposure ABOLISHED: Vietnam removed the death penalty for drug offences effective 1 July 2025 (2025 Penal Code amendment), commuting existing sentences — illegal drug transport/trafficking now caps at life imprisonment.
Consequences if caught: Still a serious, now non-capital, narcotics offence; maximum life imprisonment with no death exposure for khat or any drug.
If prescribed / medical: Khat is traditional plant material with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route; leaf caught via its scheduled cathinone content.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 14, 2026

Khat in Vietnam, full detail →

Lorazepam

Legal status: Lorazepam is a List III psychotropic (benzodiazepine group) under Decree 57/2022/NĐ-CP (carried into Decree 28/2026/NĐ-CP).
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under Penal Code Articles 249–252. Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025 (replaced with life imprisonment) — benzodiazepines are not death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a List III psychotropic on a special-control prescription.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Lorazepam in Vietnam, full detail →

MDA

Legal status: Controlled — MDMA is named in Penal Code art. 251 and MDA falls under 'other solid narcotic' (former death threshold at least 300 g). NAMED mechanism. ABOLISHED: the drug-trafficking death penalty was abolished effective 1 July 2025 — maximum is now life imprisonment; MDA no longer death-eligible.
Consequences if caught: Trafficking up to life imprisonment; no longer death-eligible (post-1 Jul 2025).
If prescribed / medical: Scheduled narcotic with no recognised medical use; no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal import; trafficking now caps at life, not death.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 14, 2026

MDA in Vietnam, full detail →

MDMA

Legal status: Schedule I narcotic under Vietnam's Penal Code / Law 73/2021 — prohibited; DEATH PENALTY for trafficking
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. MDMA is Schedule I; the death-penalty threshold for trafficking is ≥100 g. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine; a prohibited Schedule I narcotic.
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.

MDMA in Vietnam, full detail →

MDPV

Legal status: Controlled as a psychotropic. MDPV is a 1971 Convention Schedule II psychotropic controlled through Vietnam's controlled-substance lists (e.g. Decree 57/2022). There is no capital exposure: the death penalty for drug offences was abolished on 1 Jul 2025 under the 2025 Penal Code amendment.
Consequences if caught: Illegal; possession and trafficking carry heavy (non-capital) imprisonment. Not death-eligible since 1 Jul 2025. Do not carry.
If prescribed / medical: MDPV has no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route in Vietnam.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for a controlled psychotropic; do not carry.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

MDPV in Vietnam, full detail →

Mephedrone (4-MMC)

Legal status: Controlled — NAMED. Mephedrone (4-MMC) is individually listed in the government narcotics/psychotropics decree schedule (Nghị định 73/2018 and successors). No capital exposure — the drug death penalty was abolished 1 Jul 2025, and even before that capital was keyed to heroin/meth quantities.
Consequences if caught: Listed narcotic: heavy custodial penalties, not capital (drug death penalty abolished 1 Jul 2025).
If prescribed / medical: Listed narcotic with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No licit personal-import route for a listed narcotic.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Mephedrone (4-MMC) in Vietnam, full detail →

Methadone

Legal status: Methadone is a controlled List II narcotic in Vietnam (used in the national MMT programme); Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025 — methadone is not death-eligible, the ceiling being life imprisonment.
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under Penal Code Articles 249–252; the maximum is life imprisonment (drug death penalty abolished 1 July 2025).
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed for methadone-maintenance OST (a large national programme) as a controlled narcotic.
Documentation: Declare controlled medicines and carry a prescription in original packaging.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Methadone in Vietnam, full detail →

Methamphetamine

Legal status: Schedule I narcotic under Vietnam's Penal Code / Law 73/2021 — prohibited; DEATH PENALTY for trafficking
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Methamphetamine is Schedule I; the death-penalty threshold for trafficking is ≥100 g. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine; a prohibited Schedule I narcotic.
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.

Methamphetamine in Vietnam, full detail →

Methylone

Legal status: Controlled — methylone is a scheduled synthetic substance on the narcotics/psychotropics list (Decree 57/2022 and updates; specific entry left to confirmation). The death penalty for drug offences was ABOLISHED effective 1 Jul 2025 (2025 Penal Code amendment) — now life imprisonment maximum.
Consequences if caught: Illegal; long imprisonment. No longer capital since 1 Jul 2025 (previously drug trafficking was death-eligible).
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use; no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal import of a scheduled narcotic.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Methylone in Vietnam, full detail →

Methylphenidate

Legal status: Controlled psychotropic listed under Decree 28/2026/ND-CP; trafficking offences under the Penal Code (Law 100/2015).
Consequences if caught: Trafficking carries imprisonment up to life; the drug death penalty was abolished from 1 July 2025, so no capital exposure.
If prescribed / medical: Prescription ADHD/narcolepsy medicine (e.g. Ritalin/Concerta) via controlled channels; carry the original prescription and any required import permit.

Decree 28/2026/ND-CP · Penal Code (Law 100/2015) · drug death penalty abolished 1 July 2025 · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

Methylphenidate in Vietnam, full detail →

Modafinil

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 / 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 · Updated July 13, 2026

Modafinil in Vietnam, full detail →

Morphine

Legal status: Morphine is a controlled narcotic (List I) under Vietnam's narcotics regime; Penal Code Article 251 formerly made large-quantity trafficking capital, but Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025 (existing sentences commuted to life), so morphine is scheduled but not death-eligible — the ceiling is life imprisonment.
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under Penal Code Articles 249-252, up to life imprisonment; the drug death penalty was abolished on 1 July 2025.
If prescribed / medical: Available on prescription as a special-control narcotic for severe and cancer pain.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging and declare controlled narcotics on entry.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Morphine in Vietnam, full detail →

Nicotine

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 / 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.

who.int · Updated July 14, 2026

Nicotine in Vietnam, full detail →

Oxycodone

Legal status: Oxycodone is a controlled narcotic (a special-control prescription medicine) in Vietnam — a strong opioid; Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025, so oxycodone is not death-eligible (ceiling life imprisonment).
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under Penal Code Articles 249–252; the death penalty for drug offences was abolished on 1 July 2025 (existing sentences commuted to life) — oxycodone is not death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled narcotic on a special-control prescription.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging and declare controlled medicines.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Oxycodone in Vietnam, full detail →

Pink Cocaine / Tusi

Legal status: Pink cocaine (tusi) is not scheduled as such; it is a variable mixture (typically ketamine + MDMA) prosecuted through its constituents — Vietnam lists MDMA as a Schedule I narcotic and ketamine as a List III narcotic under the Penal Code and Law on Drug Prevention and Control, which reach any preparation containing a controlled substance. Because the blend varies batch to batch, exposure follows the most-severely-controlled component, so an MDMA-containing tusi sample carries the death penalty exposure for trafficking.
Consequences if caught: An MDMA-positive mixture is a Schedule I narcotics offence where trafficking above statutory thresholds is punishable by death under Penal Code Arts 248–251; a ketamine-only mixture (List III) carries heavy but non-capital penalties.
If prescribed / medical: No lawful supply of the mixture; ketamine is a List III controlled medicine permitted for medical/veterinary use, whereas MDMA has no accepted medical use.
Documentation: Sold as a party powder of unknown makeup; because the blend varies batch to batch, buyers cannot know whether death-eligible MDMA is present, so capital-level legal exposure is unknowable at purchase.

chinhphu.vn · Updated July 14, 2026

Pink Cocaine / Tusi in Vietnam, full detail →

Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice)

Legal status: Controlled. Synthetic cannabinoids are listed on Vietnam's controlled-substance schedules (e.g. Decree 57/2022), incorporating the synthetic cannabinoids added to Schedule II of the 1971 Convention. There is no capital exposure for this class: the death penalty for drug offences was abolished on 1 July 2025 under the 2025 Penal Code amendment.
Consequences if caught: Illegal; possession and trafficking carry heavy (non-capital) imprisonment. Not death-eligible since 1 July 2025. Do not carry.
If prescribed / medical: These synthetic cannabinoids have no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route in Vietnam.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for controlled synthetic cannabinoids; do not carry.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice) in Vietnam, full detail →

Tramadol

Legal status: Tramadol is a special-control prescription medicine in Vietnam — a single-ingredient addictive-active ('gây nghiện') drug under Circular 19/2014/TT-BYT and its successor Decree 163/2025/NĐ-CP; Vietnam's narcotics capital tiers are keyed to heroin/methamphetamine/opium/cocaine, no tramadol-specific capital tier is established, and Vietnam abolished the death penalty for drug offences on 1 July 2025.
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or supply is punished by quantity under the Penal Code; tramadol is not death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a special-control 'gây nghiện' prescription medicine.
Documentation: Carry a prescription or doctor's letter for a personal supply only; controlled/addictive medicines must be declared and are tightly limited on import.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Tramadol in Vietnam, full detail →

Xanax (Alprazolam)

Legal status: Alprazolam is a List III psychotropic (benzodiazepine group) under Decree 57/2022/NĐ-CP (carried into Decree 28/2026/NĐ-CP).
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or trafficking is punished by quantity under Penal Code Articles 249–252. Vietnam abolished the death penalty for all drug offences on 1 July 2025 (replaced with life imprisonment) — benzodiazepines are not death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a List III psychotropic on a special-control prescription.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

vanban.chinhphu.vn · Updated July 13, 2026

Xanax (Alprazolam) in Vietnam, full detail →

Not individually verified

For these 47 substances the governing national drug law is cited, but we have not verified that the substance specifically is scheduled under it. Treat them as unanswered, not as legal. Confirm with Vietnam’s drug authority or your embassy.

1P-LSD

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

2-FDCK

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

25I-NBOMe

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

2C-B

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

2C-E

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

2C-I

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

2C-T-7

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

4-AcO-DMT

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

4-HO-MET

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

5-MeO-DMT (Bufo / Toad)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

6-APB

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Amanita muscaria

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Amyl Nitrite

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Ayahuasca

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Benzodiazepines

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Caffeine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

DMT

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

DOM

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

DXM

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Fentanyl

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Gabapentin

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

GBL

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

GHB

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

HHC

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Kratom

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

LSA (Morning Glory)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

LSD

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Memantine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Mescaline

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Methaqualone (Quaaludes)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Mitragynine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

MXE

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Nitrous Oxide

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

PCP

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Peyote

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Phenibut

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Poppers

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Pregabalin

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Psilocybin

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Quetiapine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Salvia divinorum

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Scopolamine (Devil's Breath)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

THC-P

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Tobacco

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Xylazine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Zolpidem

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Vietnam's authorities (Penal Code / Law 73/2021) / your embassy
Consequences if caught: VIETNAM IS A DEATH-PENALTY COUNTRY for drug trafficking. This specific substance was not named in the reachable Vietnamese sources (Penal Code 2015 / Law 73/2021 / Decree 57/2022) — do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. VIETNAM RETAINS THE DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking, manufacture and transport (Arts 248/250/251): it applies at ≥100 g of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or MDMA; ≥5 kg of cannabis resin/coca glue; ≥75 kg of cannabis leaves/roots/flowers/seeds; ≥600 g of dried opium-poppy fruit; or ≥300 g of other solid narcotics. Possession (Art 249) carries 2 years to life by weight. Use is an administrative matter (2021 Law + Decree 144/2021): a fine of VND 1–2 million plus deportation for foreigners. [reported — verify] A 2025 Penal Code amendment is reported to have REMOVED the death penalty for the possession offence (Art 249) regardless of quantity — trafficking/manufacture/transport still carry it — and to criminalise drug use during or after compulsory rehabilitation (2–5 years); confirm against the current statute.
If prescribed / medical: If a prescribed controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription and declare it on arrival (see documentation).
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.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary by country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with the destination’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 →

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