Can I Bring Medicine to Vietnam in 2025?

If you’re traveling to Vietnam in 2025, one of the most common concerns is:
“Can I bring my medicine with me to Vietnam?”

✅ The short answer: Yes, you can — but there are rules you must follow to avoid delays or problems at customs.

This guide explains what medicine is allowed, what’s restricted, how much you can bring, required documents, and what to expect at the airport. It’s designed for international travelers, business visitors, and expats who rely on regular medications.

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✅ What Medicines Can You Bring Into Vietnam?

Most travelers can bring medicines for personal use without issues. This includes:

• Prescription drugs (with a valid prescription)

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as cold tablets, painkillers, or allergy relief

• Vitamins, probiotics, and dietary supplements

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

📦 Tip: Keep all medicines in their original packaging with clear labels.

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⚠️ What Medicines Are Restricted or Prohibited?

Some medicines are controlled in Vietnam due to their active ingredients. Travelers should take extra care if carrying:

• Painkillers containing codeine, morphine, or opioids

• Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)

• Medicines with psychotropic or narcotic substances

If your medicine falls under these categories, prepare:

• A copy of your prescription showing your full name and dosage

• A doctor’s letter explaining your medical condition

• A translation in English or Vietnamese (recommended)

❌ Do not carry loose pills or large, unlabeled quantities — these may be confiscated.

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📦 How Much Medicine Can You Bring?

Vietnamese customs permits a reasonable quantity for personal use, usually:

• Up to 30-day supply of prescription medicine

• Small amounts of OTC medicine (1–2 boxes or bottles)

For longer stays, you should plan to see a doctor in Vietnam or arrange for refills locally.

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📄 Required Documents for Bringing Medicine

Pack these documents in your carry-on luggage:

• ✔️ Passport (valid for 6 months)

• ✔️ Valid Vietnam visa or e-Visa

• ✔️ Doctor’s prescription (with your name, medicine name, dosage)

• ✔️ Doctor’s letter (required for controlled medicines)

• ✔️ Original packaging (no unlabeled tablets or powders)

💡 Pro tip: Take photos of your prescriptions in case paper copies are lost.

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🛃 What Happens at Customs?

At airports in Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), or Da Nang:

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

• ✅ Keep documents easily accessible

• ❌ Avoid mailing medicine into Vietnam (packages are often confiscated)

• ❌ Never carry unknown powders or unmarked pills

Most travelers clear customs smoothly when they follow these steps.

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🏥 Buying Medicine in Vietnam

Yes, you can buy many medications in Vietnam:

• Pharmacies are widely available in big cities

• Common medicines like paracetamol, antibiotics, and antacids are easy to find

• Prescriptions may not always be required, but quality and dosage can vary from your home country

👉 If you rely on a rare or critical medication, always bring your supply from home.

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🧳 Quick Summary: Can You Bring Medicine to Vietnam in 2025?

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✈️ Before You Fly: Don’t Forget Your Visa

All travelers must hold a valid visa.

• Apply easily at 👉 vietnamentryvisa.com

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

• Trusted by 10,000+ travelers worldwide

• 24/7 English support for urgent cases