Can you bring a drone to Vietnam?

• Drones

  depends on specifics

  Decree No. 288/2025/ND-CP classifies drones into 5 weight tiers (under 0.25kg, 0.25–under 2kg, 2–under 25kg, 25–under 150kg, 150kg+). Recreational drones under 0.25kg (250g) flown outside prohibited/restricted airspace are exempt from a flight permit, but must still be reported to local military and public security agencies. Import licenses for drones are issued by the provincial-level People's Committee, after consulting the Ministry of National Defense or Ministry of Public Security — not a standalone military license, contrary to what's commonly claimed online. Flight-permit applications for drones that do need one must be submitted at least 7 days ahead; the competent agency must decide within 5 working days.

  The decree itself doesn't specify financial or criminal penalties for violations — it defers to other legal documents and the parent Law on People's Air Defense. Separately reported but not independently verified against primary text: registration has reportedly been mandatory for all drones regardless of weight since 1 July 2025, with a further 2026 circular adding a mandatory electronic ID-code stamp per drone — treat that specific claim as unconfirmed rather than settled.

  Also covers: drone, uav, quadcopter, unmanned aircraft, rpas, flycam

  Checked 2026-09-18 — Source: Decree No. 288/2025/ND-CP (Government of Vietnam) — Management of Unmanned Aircraft and Other Aerial Vehicles, Arts. 4, 6, 21, 22

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Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. See update history