Importing Personal Effects into Vietnam: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Vietnam Import Guide (PDF)

Household goods and personal effects

• Origin agent must provide:
• AWB/OBL (telex release is acceptable)
• A legible inventory/packing list (in English).
• Shipper must be employed by a licensed company/organization in Vietnam, required documents are:
• Passport A notarized copy certified by a Vietnam Notary Department (full pages) and entry stamp
• Entry Visa Business (valid 3+ months) or Temporary Residence Card A notarized copy certified by a Vietnam Notary Department
• Work Permit (valid at least 1 year)
• Copy of employer’s business license in Vietnam (your agent can arrange to collect in Vietnam)
• Original Vietnam Arrival-Departure Card
• Application Letter & Power of Attorney (your agent will provide)
• Notes:
• 3 copies of each document are required for each shipment. If there are multiple shipments, a separate set of documents (of 3) are required.
• Certified true copies required, this can
• be obtained by bringing the original document to Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee or People’s Committee Office of Ho Chi Minh City.
• Documents must be signed and stamped/chopped (company seal) by the shipper’s registered local employer in Vietnam.

• All shipments, except diplomatic, are subject to physical inspection and to import duties/taxes, even for temporarily imports.
• Duty is calculated based on the tariff provided by the Ministry of Finance.
• Shippers are allowed to import 1 sea and 1 air shipment. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
• All the shipments MUST cleared within 30 days of the shipment arrival to Vietnam.
• Arrival-Departure Declaration Card:
• The shipper MUST complete this when they arrive at the Vietnam airport and have it signed and stamped by customs.
• One card is required per shipment.
• Shipper should declare either 1 sea or 1 air shipment on each card as relevant.
• Write “Y” when answering “Any unaccompanied baggage” question.
• This is strictly required for customs clearance and will also help alleviate VND 10,000,000 in taxes/duties (approx. US$ 385).

• Work permits are required to import personal effects shipments, except for air shipment weighing less than 100kgs gross.
• Foreigners working in Vietnam are required to obtain work permits at least 1 year duration.
• Entry visas (Business Visa sponsored by client employing company in Vietnam) are required to enter Vietnam and can be obtained for 1 or 3 months, single or multiple entries.
• The shipper must have arrived in Vietnam at least one time prior to customs clearance, to submit his/her original Arrival-Departure Declaration Card as the clearance cannot be completed without this document.
• Air shipments must arrive within 30 days of the shipper’s arrival, and sea shipment must arrive within the first 6 months after the shipper’s Work Permit issued date.
• In Ho Chi Minh, it takes approximately, 1-2 working days to clear air shipments, 5-7 working days to clear sea shipments through Customs. Please allow 3 weeks or longer for
• vehicles.
• In Hanoi, it takes approximately 1-3 working days to clear air shipments; 7-10 working days to clear FCL and LCL shipments.
• Above estimates are based on completed documentation being available at the time of shipment arrival for normal Customs clearance.
• It is recommended to provide all required documents to your agent at least 1 week before arrival of the Sea shipment. For the Air, as soon possible, and latest 1 day before arrival of shipment at the airport of entry.
• You should check with your agent prior to dispatching your shipment, most importantly air shipments.
• Customs and Cultural officers may inspect all shipments to access duties and screen cultural items. Please check with your VN agents for more details.
• The items that are subject to duty are mainly electrical appliances and furniture, subject to change:
• Duties on consumer electronics 4060%
• Alcohol 125-150%
• Furniture 10%;
• Bicycles 100%;
• Clothes & personal belongings duty free with reasonable quantity in service of the trip’s purpose.
• Computer software, including floppy disks, music discs, tapes and all video tapes 40%;
• Videos, CD’s are screened for approximately US$ 2.00/each. All written material is screened for contents.
• Vehicles approx. 170% and upwards.

Diplomatic Removals

• Diplomatic ID Card.
• Inventory/packing list.
• AWB/OBL (original not required).
• Passport copy (identification pages only), , visa or TRC, arrival date stamp.
• Application Letter & Power of Attorney (Embassy/Consulate will provide their own).
• Additional Documents Required to Import Vehicle:
• Original Duty-Free Book.
• Original ID Card.

• Duties:
• Diplomatic shipments are duty free.
• Note that there are different types of Diplomat and therefore different types of allowances. This would need to be verified and confirmed by your employing entity in Vietnam.
• Kindly provide the contact at your employing company to your agent so that they can reach out to verify on your behalf.
• Full diplomat can import 1 vehicle duty free. Confirmation for vehicle import will need to be checked/confirmed by your agent with your employing entity.
• Quantity of liquor imported duty free will varies depending on the type of diplomatic status. This will again need to be verified with client employing entity in Vietnam.

• The Embassy/Consulate or Diplomatic Organization will provide all required import documents your agent for customs clearance.
• In Hanoi, it takes approximately, 1-3 working days to clear an air shipment through Customs, 5-7 working days to clear a sea shipment through Customs. In HCM, it takes 1-2 days to clear an air shipment through Customs, 2-3 days to clear a sea shipment.
• Above estimates are based on completed documentation being available at the time of shipment arrival for normal Customs clearance.
• You should check with your agent prior to dispatching your shipment, most importantly air shipments.
• The client should provide all required documents to its destination agent:
• at least 1 week before arrival of the Sea shipment.
• for the Air, as soon possible, and latest 1 day before arrival of shipment at the airport of entry.

Returning Nationals

• Please contact your destination agent for current requirements.
• Depending on the shipper situation, the document requirements may differ.

Books, CD’s, audiotapes, computer disks

• Books, CD’s, audiotapes, computer disks have to be inspected by the Ministry of Culture prior to release (allow 1 week for clearance).
• All items should be packed separately noting the quantity of each “type” on the carton and packing list.
• Undesirable material, publications mentioning/referring to Vietnam will be confiscated.

• Cultural items guidelines, subject to customs’ decision.
• If Cultural items are packed in less than 10 small boxes (30x30x50 cm) the check is made by Customs officials and is usually easy.
• If Cultural items are >10 small boxes, an official from the Ministry of Culture must be called and a cultural inspection fee paid (time consuming and costly).

Laser colour printers and colour copiers

• Laser colour printers and colour copiers will be inspected by the Department of Communication and a separate license will be issued for registration of installation.

• Up to 1 colour/laser printer can be imported without a license. Subsequent printers will require a special license.
• If you have laser colour printers, please mark clearly its details on the packing list.

Electrical items

• Each family is allowed to bring in one type of each electrical item.

• All electronic items must have the brand name, model, and serial number detailed on the packing list.

Food

• Canned food in limited quantity, for personal use.

• Please get the advice from your agent before sending out the food.

Vehicles

• Used cars (Less than 5 years old – 80% new):
• Proof of Ownership.
• Details of vehicle, make, model etc.
• History of Vehicle.
• Other documents will be prepared by your agent and will require the customer to sign and stamp with company seal.
• New vehicles:
• Certificate of Title (proof of ownership).
• Details of vehicle, make, model etc.
• Invoice.
• Other documents will be prepared by your agent and will require the customer.

• Non-diplomats cannot import vehicles.
• Only allowed for Full Diplomats.
• Vehicle importation is based on allocated import quota by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Vehicle must arrive within 30 days of shipper’s arrival.
• All documents related to the vehicle must be in the name of the shipper employed by
• the organisation in Vietnam.

• Please contact your destination agent for current information.
• For clearance, please allow 3 weeks or longer.
• Customs clearance process for the vehicles is only completed after the Ministry of Transport /Vietnam Register issue the Certificate of conformity from inspection of
• quality technical safety and environmental protection for imported motor vehicle.
• NON-diplomats and Vietnamese citizens CANNOT import vehicles for personal use even if they agree to pay duties and taxes.
• For reference only: Import duties/taxes are approx. 170% of the value determined by the customs valuation book.

Alcoholic beverages and Tobacco

• Inventory with exact number, size of bottles and degree of alcohol.
• AWB or B/L with consignee mentioned in name & address of shipper’s company in Vietnam.
• Letter applying for the importation with shipper’s company/organization stamp.
• Letter of authorization to your selected movers.

• Import tax is from 125% to 150%.
• The following amounts are duty free into shipment for Ho Chi Minh:
• 2 litres of Alcohol <20% degree, or 1.5 litres with alcohol contents > 20%, or alcoholic drinks, or 3 litres of beer
• Tobacco: rolled cigarettes (200 cigarettes), or cigars (20 cigars) or 250 grams of shredded tobacco.

• Import of alcohol is allowed for diplomats but limited to annual quota agreed by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies in the country.
• For clearance, allow 3 days for airshipments, 10 days for sea-shipments.
• All alcohol and Tobacco import are dutiable for Hanoi, except bought at the airport and hand carried on the plane to enter Vietnam.
• Please advise your destination agent if there are any alcohol/ beverages/ tobacco in the shipment and send to them the details before packing.

Domestic pets

• For pets traveling as excess baggage:
• Copy of owner’s passport (travelling with pet).
• Pet’s vaccination record with proof of rabies vaccination.
• Pet’s origin heath certificate/export permit.
• Pet’s destination health certificate/import permit.
• For pets traveling as manifest cargo (additional to documents above):
• Owner’s passports copy A notarized copy certified by a Vietnam Notary Department (full pages).
• Owner’s Vietnam entry visa copy (must be valid 3+ months).
• Pet’s flight details & air waybill number.
• Power of attorney & application letter.
• Owner’s Original Vietnam ArrivalDeparture Card
• Work Permit (valid at least 1 year)

• Each shipper is allowed to import 2 pets.
• Quarantine is not required.

• Pets should arrive on a weekday (M-F) before 3:00pm.
• If the pet arrives after 3:00pm, please contact your agent immediately so that they can assist with special arrangements.
• Please contact your agent for current information.

Prohibited Items

• All type of weapons
• Ammunition
• Radio transmitters
• Narcotics
• Drugs
• Pornographic/subversive materials
• Satellite dishes
• Publications motioning/referring to Vietnam
• Used motorbikes
• Used vehicles over 5 years.
• Antiques
• Flycam, UAV

• No toy guns allowed.
• Maps are very sensitive and will be inspected by Customs. Please advise your destination agent if there are any maps in the shipment and send to them the details before packing.
• Contact your destination agent for more information on restricted vs. prohibited items.

Exporting Personal Effects from Vietnam: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Vietnam Export Guide (PDF)

Household goods and personal effects –Foreign Passport Holder (Submit before Completion of packing)

• Each copy below must be signed by the client and signed & rubber-stamped by your Vietnam legal employer in Vietnam.
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your Vietnam Entry Visa/Temporary Resident Card in Vietnam
• Copy of your Working Permit in Vietnam
• Authorization Letter - Power of attorney
• Templates provided by your agent.
• Confirmation Letter
• Templates provided by your agent.
• All above are required in 2 copies for each shipment

• Articles NOT Accepted for Shipping:
• Combustible Liquids
• Lubricants,
• Antifreeze
• Photograph chemicals
• Explosives
• Fireworks
• Flash Bulbs
• Small arms ammunitions
• Live plants
• Compressed Gas
• Aerosol Cans
• Fire extinguishers
• Scuba diving tanks
• Corrosives
• Acids
• Drain cleaner
• Photograph chemicals
• Bleach
• Weed killers
• Chemicals
• Matches
• Wood oil stains
• Petrol-based garden sprays
• Flammables
• Gasoline
• Butane
• Lighter Fluids
• Propane
• Chemicals
• Matches
• Wood oil stains
• Petrol-based garden sprays
• Signal Flares
• Charcoal briquettes

• Safety is your agent’s priority and we want to make sure that your personal effects are shipped in a safe manner and in compliance with government regulations. We would like to bring to your attention the dangers that can arise from packing certain common household products in your shipment, as well as to inform you that federal law prohibits the packing of hazardous and restricted items in any shipment.
• Many common household items, including aerosol hair spray and cleaning products, are very hazardous when packed. Heat quickly builds up inside the containers, which can trigger an explosion or fire that can not only cause serious damage to a shipment, but endanger the lives of passengers/transporters as well. Therefore, for everyone’s safety, please make sure none of the items on our partial list below, are packed in a shipment to be moved. Please carefully review the list below and eliminate all dangerous items
• In addition, please make sure to be aware of the destination country’s customs guidelines for prohibited items (i.e. food items, alcohol, electronics, etc.) before packing.

Household goods and personal effects - Vietnamese Passport Holder (Submit before Completion of packing)

• Each copy below must be signed by the client and signed & rubber stamped by your Vietnam legal employer.
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of Overseas work contract/ work permit/work visa
• Copy of your Assignment Letter at Destination country
• Authorization Letter - Power of attorney
• Templates provided by your agent.
• Confirmation Letter
• Templates provided by your agent.
• All above are required in 2 copies for each shipment

• Same as above

• Same as above

ANTIQUE items

• Application letter
• Passport copy
• Pictures and dimensions of items

• Vietnam customs does not allow exporting of antiques unless the antique was imported into Vietnam and duly registered with Cultural Department.
• If the antique(s) was not declared upon arrival to Vietnam, they are prohibited to be exported.

• Your agent will arrange for cultural department inspection before export.
• The registration process will take extra approximately 7-14 working days.

Motorbike

• De-registration certificate of motorcycle (Giay xoa so) must be in shipping client name and it must be the original version of the document.
• Sales contract from where you purchased
• the motorbike.
• Passport Copy.
• Passport copy must be true certified by the Government Agency.
• Power of Attorney.
• Application Letter.

• Customs Department require the original deregistration of the motorcycle. It is very important; the motorcycle cannot be exported otherwise.

Diplomat

• Copy of your ID card with stamp
• Inventories in Vietnam with stamp
• Application Letter & Power of Attorney
• Provided by your agent.
• You will need to print the letters on your Embassy/organization letterhead - 2 copies for every shipment.

Vehicles for diplomats

• Copy of your ID card with stamp.
• Original import Customs Declaration Form (Pink form).
• Application Letter & Power of Attorney
• Provided by your agent after they receive your copy of your car registration card.
• You will need to print the letters on your Embassy /organization letterhead - 2 copies for every shipment.

Vietnam Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Vietnam Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport (identification pages only) with entry stamp — certified true copies required in Ho Chi Minh City (certified at the People's Committee Office of Ho Chi Minh City)
• Packing list in English
• Bill of lading (telex release) or air waybill (AWB)
• Vietnam entry visa (valid for at least 3 months) or temporary residence card — certified true copies required in Ho Chi Minh City
• Original Vietnam arrival-departure card (3 copies per shipment) — in Ho Chi Minh City, must be signed and stamped (company seal) by the owner of the goods' registered local employer in Vietnam
• Letter of employment
• Copy of business license of the owner of the goods' Vietnam employer
• Application letter
• Owner of the goods' address in Vietnam

• Copy of labor contract (required by Hanoi Customs in addition to all above)

• Copy of work permit

• Diplomatic documentation as applicable; diplomatic shipments are exempt from physical Customs inspection

Specific Information

3 Copies Required: 3 copies of each document are required per shipment. If there are multiple shipments, a separate full set of 3 copies is required for each.

Document Signing and Stamping: All documents must be signed and stamped (with the company seal) by the owner of the goods' registered local employer in Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, certified true copies are required for the passport and entry visa/temporary residence card; these are obtained from the People's Committee Office of Ho Chi Minh City.

Cultural Inspection: All shipments are subject to a cultural inspection conducted by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This process takes approximately 3 to 4 days and may cover books, artwork, DVDs, CDs, antiques, and similar cultural items. Antiques must be clearly photographed and well documented; they are inspected and registered upon entry (an additional 2 to 3 days). Antique descriptions must be clearly noted on the packing list and on individual cartons.

Clearance Complexity: The Vietnamese customs environment involves multiple agencies (Customs, Culture, Agriculture/veterinary for shipments with food or plant products) and is known for inconsistency across ports. The destination agent must be deeply experienced with local clearance requirements.

ISPM 15: All wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary treatment standards.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Weapons of all kinds
• Ammunition
• Explosives
• Military equipment
• Radio transmitters and receivers
• Satellite dishes
• Poisonous chemicals
• Cultural products that contravene Vietnamese law or national sovereignty
• Articles of anti-government or anti-state nature
• Fireworks
• Toys and games that negatively affect public moral education or security
• Pornographic or subversive materials
• Motorbikes (for private import outside diplomatic status)

Alcohol — Import Duty Rates:

• Spirits with alcohol content below 30% ABV (measured at 20°C): 125%–150% duty
• Spirits with alcohol content above 30% ABV (measured at 20°C): 125%–150% duty
• Wine: 10 to 20 bottles duty-free; excess subject to 125%–150% duty

Tobacco — Import Duty Rates:

• More than 100 cigars: 150%
• More than 400 cigarettes: 150%
• Prepared tobacco (more than 50 grams): 45%
• Other manufactured tobacco products: 45%

Electronics:

• Personal computers: 15% import duty
• Personal printers: 10% import duty

Food: Non-perishable food items and canned/durably packaged goods can be imported in small quantities for personal use.

Special Categories

• Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus
• Cats: viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, leukemia

For Pets Traveling as Cargo (Separate from Owner)

All of the above plus:

• Original Vietnam arrival-departure card (3 copies per shipment)
• Vietnam employer's company license copy
• Application letter and Power of Attorney
• Air waybill
• Flight arrival details

Consignment Instructions

Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences between air and sea shipments, and between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Three-Copy Rule: Three copies of every document are required for each shipment. Multiple shipments require separate full document sets of 3 copies each.

City-Specific Requirements: Hanoi requires a labor contract copy in addition to all other documents. Ho Chi Minh City requires certified true copies of the passport and entry visa/temporary residence card, obtainable from the People's Committee Office. Document signing and stamping requirements differ between the two cities. Always confirm with the destination agent which city will handle clearance.

Work Permit — Over 300 kg: Shipments over 300 kg gross weight (sea or air) require a copy of the owner's work permit. Advise clients to have their work permit finalized before the shipment arrives if the weight threshold will be exceeded.

Cultural Inspection — Plan for It. The cultural inspection by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism adds 3 to 4 days to every clearance timeline. Antiques add a further 2 to 3 days. Advise clients that Vietnam clearance timelines are longer than most regional peers due to this mandatory step.

Antiques. Antiques must be clearly photographed before packing, well documented, individually described on the packing list, and marked on the carton. They will be inspected and registered on arrival — an additional 2 to 3 days. Undocumented antiques cause significant delays.

No Vehicles for Private Importers. Private expatriates cannot import motor vehicles. Advise clients before the move so they can plan for local vehicle acquisition.

Visa Duration. The entry visa must be valid for at least 3 months at the time the shipment arrives. Monitor visa renewal dates carefully — expired visas block clearance.

ISPM 15. All wooden packing materials (pallets, crates, lift vans) must comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary treatment standards.