💊 Can I Bring Medicine to Vietnam in 2025?

Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling

Planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering if you can bring your medications?
You’re not alone — this is one of the most common questions travelers ask before boarding a flight.

✅ Yes, you can bring medicine to Vietnam, but you must follow a few important rules to avoid problems at customs.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What types of medicine are allowed

• What documents you should prepare

• What’s restricted or prohibited

• How much medicine you can bring

• What to expect at the airport

Let’s get started.

✅ What Medicines Can You Bring into Vietnam?

You’re allowed to bring most personal-use medicines, including:

• Prescription drugs (with documentation)

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like painkillers, cold medicine, allergy tablets

• Vitamins, probiotics, and dietary supplements

• First-aid items (bandages, antiseptic cream, etc.)

📦 Keep all medications in original packaging with clear labels.

⚠️ What Medicines Are Restricted or Prohibited?

Some medications are controlled in Vietnam due to their ingredients. You must be extra cautious if you’re bringing:

• Painkillers with codeine or morphine

• Sleeping pills or anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)

• Drugs containing psychotropic or narcotic substances

If your medication falls into these categories, you need to carry:

• A copy of the prescription with your full name and dosage

• A doctor’s letter explaining your medical condition and treatment

• A translation in English or Vietnamese (recommended)

❌ Never carry large quantities or loose pills without documents. These may be confiscated or lead to legal consequences.

📦 How Much Medicine Can You Bring?

Vietnamese customs allows travelers to bring a reasonable amount for personal use. Generally:

• 30-day supply of prescription drugs

• Small quantities of OTC medicines (1–2 boxes or bottles)

For longer stays, you should consult a local doctor or arrange for a prescription refill in Vietnam.

📄 Documents to Prepare

To avoid customs issues, bring the following in your carry-on luggage:

💡 Tip: Take a photo of your prescription in case paper copies are lost.

🛃 What Happens at Customs?

At Vietnamese airports:

• ✅ Declare medications if they are prescription-based or look unusual

• ✅ Keep documents accessible

• ❌ Do not carry unknown powders, unlabeled pills, or large amounts

• ❌ Avoid mailing medicine into Vietnam — this often leads to confiscation

Most travelers pass through smoothly when they follow the rules.

🏥 Can You Buy Medicine in Vietnam?

Yes. Vietnam has many pharmacies, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

• Common medications like paracetamol, antibiotics, antacids, etc. are easy to find

• Prescriptions may not be required for some items, but quality and dosage may differ from your home country

👉 If you take essential or rare medication, it’s better to bring your own supply from home.

🧳 Summary: Can You Bring Medicine to Vietnam?

✈️ Before You Fly: Don’t Forget Your Visa

All travelers must have a valid visa before arriving in Vietnam.

👉 Apply now at VietnamVisaEasy.com

• Get your Vietnam e-Visa in 1–2 business days

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Your visa. Our priority.