You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
You can be detained or held without formal charges for lengthy periods while under police investigation. In some cases, you won’t be allowed to make a phone call and our ability to provide consular assistance during the investigation period will be limited.
Drugs
There are strict security and investigative measures to stop drug trafficking.
Penalties for all types of drug offences, including those with small amounts of drugs, are severe. Many drug offences attract the death penalty or life in jail.
It is a crime to have drugs in your system, and you can also be charged for using drugs, even if it was outside of Vietnam.
Marijuana in any form is illegal.
Never carry parcels or luggage for others.
For information about carrying prescription medications into Vietnam, see 'Travel'.
More information:
Marriage laws
Foreigners who want to marry a Vietnamese citizen in Vietnam must get formal approval from the Department of Justice. This must be done in the province where the Vietnamese citizen is registered.
You also need a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) if you plan to marry in Vietnam.
Apply for a CNI through the:
You can also apply for the CNI from DFAT in Australia. Fees apply. The embassy or consulate of Vietnam in Australia needs to authenticate it. Only then will the Department of Justice in Vietnam recognise it.
More information:
Business laws
Increased Australian business activity has resulted in a higher number of commercial disputes in recent years.
If you're thinking about entering into a contract, get professional legal advice.
If you're involved in a business or civil dispute, authorities could stop you from leaving Vietnam until you resolve the matter.
More information:
Exit bans
Vietnamese authorities may place an exit ban on certain individuals to prevent them from leaving the country.
An exit ban can relate to investigations into:
- an individual, their family or an employer
- criminal and civil matters, such as business disputes or motor vehicle accidents
- employment without a valid work permit
- unpaid financial debts
People involved in any of these circumstances can request an exit ban. You may not be aware that authorities have placed an exit ban on you until you try to leave the country. Your passport may be seized until the case is fully investigated and settled.
If you are subject to an exit ban because of an ongoing investigation, legal matter or business/commercial dispute, get professional legal advice.
Employment
Disputes over alleged misrepresentation of working and living conditions for Australians working in Vietnam often happen. This is especially the case for people teaching English.
Before signing an employment contract or travelling to Vietnam for work, verify the true nature of the work you're offered.
Check for unacceptable employment conditions. For example, conditions for early termination may state that you surrender your right to a return air ticket. Your potential employer may also withhold your pay.
To safeguard your stay, also:
- check the living arrangements your potential employer has offered
- make sure you have the correct visa before arriving — ask an embassy or consulate of Vietnam
- get professional legal advice before signing any contract
- get all the work permits you need
The Australian embassy or consulate-general can provide a limited range of notarial services for some documents needed for a work permit.
Never hand over your passport to your employer, even for safekeeping. Reputable businesses won't ask you to hand over your passport.
Make sure you keep a valid visa and work permit. If you don't, authorities will fine you and could detain you.
More information:
Other laws
Penalties for serious crime, such as rape, espionage and hijacking, may include the death penalty.
It's illegal to:
- take photos at border crossings or military installations
- go too close to the border with China, Cambodia or Laos without prior written permission from the local authorities
- gamble, except in government-licensed casinos where foreign passport holders can gamble
- possess pornography
- possess non-state sanctioned political or religious material
- bring, sell, use or distribute electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and vaping liquids in Vietnam
These activities may result in arrest and imprisonment.
Taking part in unsanctioned religious activities, including online, is against the law. Any involvement with non-state sanctioned political organisations, or groups perceived by the Government of Vietnam to be associated with dissident groups is also illegal. If authorities suspect you of involvement in these activities, they could stop you from entering the country, detain or deport you. Authorities could also stop you from leaving, place you under surveillance or subject you to interrogation until an investigation has been completed.
It's illegal to export antiques without a permit. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism offers advice and necessary permits.
Possessing or distributing images or objects linked to the former Republic of Vietnam, including commemorative or Vietnam War service-related items, is an offence that could attract harsh penalties.
More information: