Baggage is an important part of your journey hence what you need to bring with you to Vietnam will vary according to the means of transport you have chosen and when you are travelling.
Vietnam’s days as an outcast state, cut off from the rest of the world are long gone. Today the country boasts of numerous land crossings with all of its neighbors and international flight connections to Australia, Cambodia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the USA (among others). You can also enter by boat from Cambodia and by train from China.
However, as you search for the most suitable means for you to get there, you also have to consider the luggage that you will be expected to drag all the way to the airport, for example, for inspection before being allowed to board. Does your luggage adhere to the custom or aviation regulations set aside for tourists traveling to Vietnam? Are you aware of these regulations to begin with? As a sensible visitor, you should pay attention to basic information about essential documentation and things you are obliged and not obliged to bring along on arrival at and departure from Vietnam.
Luggage Regulations
Not everyone is well-informed about what can and can’t be brought in carry-on baggage. Even the experienced air travelers may be confused about aviation regulations to Vietnam.
When travelling to Vietnam, each passenger might only be allowed to carry 20 kilograms of registered luggage (excluding hand luggage). Hand luggage must not exceed 7 kilograms and must not be bloated. This also helps travelers to avoid being exhausted with their luggage while moving in their expeditions.
Prohibited Items
You will need to know about prohibited items that are not allowed when travelling abroad to Vietnam in order to avoid complications at the airport or prevent some of your valuables from being confiscated.
At the Airport
The airport is where your destination begins. Common sense will allow you to figure out that explosives and drugs are the first most prohibited items to carry to Vietnam.
Do not put weapons or fire appliances in your hand luggage at the airport. All liquids, related to the water or perfume, should not be carried in your hand luggage as customs can confiscate them. These items roughly include:
- Knife
- Scissors
- Firearms
- Radioactive or toxic substances
- Fireworks
- Flares
- Dynamite
- Corrosive substances
- Blades
- Self-contained lithium batteries (electric skis, scooters, etc.
Inside Vietnam
It is illegal to import pornographic materials into Vietnam as pornography itself, including the production, distribution and possession, are all illegal in this country. Enforcement of this law really depends on your luck and the punishment varies between fines and detention.
Drugs is another illegal item on the menu. It is prohibited to try carrying any form of illicit drug into the country as it goes against the country’s drug laws. Penalties for drug offences are severe. A person caught in possession of even a small amount of heroin can be sentenced to death. When good advice is ignored, travelers should be aware that recreational drugs available in Vietnam can be extremely potent.
Unrestricted Considerations
You are able to bring the maximum amount of the followings; otherwise, it is mandatory to declare and pay import taxes:
Duty Free:
- Cigarettes: 400
- Cigars: 100
- Tobacco: 100 grams
- Liquor: 1.5 liters
- Perfume and jewelry for personal use
- Souvenirs and gift items valued at not more than US$ 300
Materials Under a Declaration
There are no restrictions on the amount of currency, gold, precious metals and stones; however, you have to declare on the customs forms provided that your luggage includes:
Declare if you bring:
- Foreign currency: in excess of US$ 5,000
- Vietnam Dong: in excess of VND15.000.000
- Gold: in excess of 300gr
- Gold and jewelry not for personal use
- Video tapes, CDs: CDs and tapes are often kept for screening and returned to you after a while
Choosing the right type of suitcase
You should choose a lightweight suitcase but safe enough. Some types of suitcase manufactured from 100% recycled plastic seem to be suitable in that case. However, you should check out information about the airline’s luggage weight allowing.
After weighing luggage at the check-in position in Vietnam, use the wire lock to seal your luggage, not only small lock, which might be easy to unlock.
You can now enjoy your entry into Vietnam once you have adhered to this information keenly.
