Vietnam

Vietnam punishes drug possession, use, and trafficking severely — up to the death penalty — and police raid nightspots to drug-test everyone present, filing charges on a positive test even if you used the drug before arriving.

Long sentences up to the death penalty

Vietnamese law prohibits the export of antiques, and Customs may seize items without compensation, with the definition of 'antique' applied arbitrarily.

Seizure of goods on departure; keep receipts/Ministry of Culture confirmation for valuables.

Entering or leaving Vietnam you must declare to border customs if you carry more than US$5,000 (or equivalent foreign currency) or more than VND 15,000,000 in cash.

Undeclared cash over the threshold can be seized and penalized.

Vietnamese law prohibits exporting antiques; rules are vague and unevenly enforced, and customs may seize items they deem antique without compensation.

Seizure without compensation

Vietnam bans e-cigarettes and heated tobacco — production, trade, import and use — nationwide since 2025; using one now carries a VND 3–5 million fine.

Fine of VND 3–5 million for users, effective 31 Dec 2025 (Decree 371/2025/ND-CP).

Photographing near military bases or anything perceived as of military/security interest in Vietnam may bring questioning, fines, or delayed travel.

Questioning by authorities, fines, or delayed travel

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or attending LGB events in Vietnam.