Vietnam Airport Security & Aviation Laws
Vietnam Aviation Security — The Legal Framework
Vietnam's airport and aviation security regulations are governed by the Law on Civil Aviation of Vietnam (No. 66/2006/QH11), its 2014 amendments, and implementing decrees issued by the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV). Vietnam is also a signatory to ICAO standards, meaning many rules align with international norms.
Since 2020, Vietnam has significantly tightened aviation security measures at its international airports. Security equipment has been upgraded across all major airports, and violations are now tracked and enforced more stringently.
For travelers, the most important rules relate to: what you may carry on the plane, liquid restrictions, prohibited items, and customs declaration requirements.
Carry-On Baggage Rules at Vietnam Airports
Carry-on baggage allowances depend on your airline. Security screening rules apply uniformly regardless of airline:
| Airline | Pieces | Max Weight | Max Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Airlines | 1 piece | 12 kg | 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
| VietJet Air | 1 piece | 7 kg | 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
| Bamboo Airways | 1 piece | 10 kg | 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
| Thai / Emirates / etc. | 1–2 pieces | 7–12 kg | Varies by airline |
What You Can Always Carry On
- Personal items (handbag, laptop bag, camera bag)
- Prescription medicine with doctor's prescription
- Baby food / infant formula for the flight
- Small umbrella, books, personal electronics
- Duty-free liquids purchased beyond security (sealed bag with receipt)
Liquid, Gel & Aerosol (LAG) Rules
Vietnam strictly follows international LAG rules at all international airports. Each container max 100ml — all must fit in one 1-litre transparent re-sealable bag per passenger.
✅ Allowed in Carry-On
- Water bottles up to 100ml
- Toiletries: shampoo, lotion, toothpaste (max 100ml)
- Perfume / cologne (max 100ml)
- Sunscreen (max 100ml)
- Baby formula / breast milk
- Essential prescription medicines
- Duty-free liquids in sealed airport bag
❌ NOT Allowed in Carry-On
- Water bottles over 100ml with liquid
- Toiletries in containers over 100ml
- Large wine / spirits from outside airport
- Soups, sauces, jams, honey over 100ml
- Snow globes over 100ml
- Aerosol sprays over 100ml
- Liquids not in transparent 1L bag
Prohibited Items on Vietnam Flights
Some items are banned from all aircraft (both carry-on and checked baggage), while others are restricted to carry-on only:
🚫 Banned from ALL Baggage
- Explosives and detonators
- Flammable gases (butane, propane)
- Flammable liquids (petrol, paint)
- Oxidising materials / organic peroxides
- Radioactive materials
- Toxic or infectious substances
- Corrosive substances (acids, mercury)
- Hoverboards / self-balancing boards
✈️ Banned from Carry-On Only
- Knives / scissors with blade over 6cm
- Standalone razor blades
- Sports equipment (bats, clubs, martial arts)
- Firearms and replicas
- Stun guns / tasers
- Pepper spray / mace / tear gas
- Lighter fluid
Electronics & Lithium Batteries
| Item | Carry-On | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop / tablet | ✓ Allowed | ⚠️ Not recommended | Remove from bag at security |
| Power bank (≤100Wh) | ✓ Allowed | ✗ Banned | Carry-on only |
| Power bank (100–160Wh) | ⚠️ Max 2 | ✗ Banned | May need airline approval |
| Power bank (>160Wh) | ✗ Prohibited | ✗ Prohibited | Not permitted on any aircraft |
| E-cigarette / vape / IQOS | ✗ Prohibited | ✗ Prohibited | Banned in Vietnam since 1 Jan 2025 — do not bring |
| Drone with battery | ⚠️ Check airline | ⚠️ Check airline | Battery must be in carry-on |
| Camera (with battery) | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Allowed | Extra batteries: carry-on only |
Checked Baggage Rules & Weight Limits
Checked baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket class:
| Airline / Class | Economy | Business | Max per bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Airlines | 23 kg × 1 | 32 kg × 2 | 32 kg |
| VietJet Air | 0 kg (add-on) | 20–30 kg | 32 kg |
| Bamboo Airways | 23 kg × 1 | 32 kg × 2 | 32 kg |
| Emirates / Qatar etc. | 25–30 kg | 30–40 kg | 32 kg |
Special Items in Checked Baggage
- Alcohol: Up to 5 litres under 24% ABV. Spirits 24–70% ABV: up to 5 litres. Over 70% ABV: not permitted.
- Sporting firearms: Allowed with prior airline notification — must be unloaded in a hard-sided, locked container.
- Dry ice: Up to 2.5 kg for perishable goods with airline approval.
- Medical equipment: Wheelchairs, CPAP machines generally allowed — notify airline in advance.
What to Expect at Security Screening
Check-In & Baggage Drop
Check in at the airline counter or self-check-in kiosks. Drop checked bags. Keep your boarding pass and passport accessible at every checkpoint.
First Security & Boarding Pass Check
An initial security gate checks your boarding pass and ID before you enter the departure area. Standard at all Vietnamese airports.
X-Ray Screening of Carry-On
Place bags on the X-ray conveyor. Remove: laptops and tablets, liquids bag, jackets or belts with metal. Walk through the metal detector or body scanner.
Additional Screening (if flagged)
If the X-ray flags your bag or you trigger the detector, an officer will conduct a manual search. Cooperate calmly — electronic wand checks are common.
Immigration (Departure)
For international flights, passport control verifies your passport, visa status, and confirms you haven't overstayed. Automated e-gates are available at major airports for eligible nationalities.
Gate Security (Final Check)
A final boarding pass and ID check is conducted before boarding. Some flights may include an additional bag search or security questioning at the gate.
Vietnam's Main International Airports
Noi Bai International
Hanoi's main airport and Vietnam's second busiest. Terminal 2 handles international flights. Immigration runs about 30 minutes off-peak, but peak season can reach three hours.
35+ million passengers (2025)
Tan Son Nhat International
Ho Chi Minh City's airport — Vietnam's busiest. International Terminal 2 is frequently congested. Allow extra time at peak hours.
42.4 million passengers (2025)
Da Nang International
Central Vietnam's gateway. Compact, modern airport. Usually fast immigration due to lower passenger volumes.
13.4 million passengers (2024)
Cam Ranh International
Nha Trang's gateway and one of Vietnam's fastest-growing airports. Direct international routes from Russia, Korea, China, and Southeast Asia.
~7 million passengers (2024)
Phu Quoc International
The island gateway. Handles direct international charters. Small terminal — can get crowded peak season (Nov–Apr).
4.1 million passengers (2024)
Violations & Penalties at Vietnamese Airports
Under Decree No. 162/2018/NĐ-CP and subsequent amendments, the following fines apply to aviation security violations:
| Violation | Fine (VND) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited item in carry-on (minor, e.g. scissors) | 1–3 million | $40–$120 |
| Prohibited item in carry-on (serious, e.g. knife) | 5–10 million | $200–$400 |
| Attempting to board with undeclared dangerous goods | 10–20 million | $400–$800 |
| Disrupting or obstructing security screening | 5–10 million | $200–$400 |
| Providing false security declaration | 10–15 million | $400–$600 |
| Unauthorized access to restricted airport areas | 15–20 million | $600–$800 |
Customs Overage Fines
Customs violations (separate from aviation security) are common for arriving passengers — failing to declare cash over $5,000 USD, undeclared gold, and commercial quantities of goods. Fines range from 500,000 VND to confiscation plus up to 50 million VND. See our Vietnam Customs Guide for full details.
Skip the Airport Queue
Fast Track service — dedicated greeter, VIP immigration, customs assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solid foods (dried, packaged, sealed) are generally allowed in carry-on. However, liquid or semi-liquid foods like soups, pho broth, fish sauce fall under the liquid rule — containers must be under 100ml in carry-on. Pack liquids in checked baggage to avoid confiscation.
One lighter (excluding torch/cigar lighters) is permitted in carry-on per person. Safety matches (one box) are generally allowed. Lighter fluid and torch-style lighters are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Power banks must always travel in carry-on — banned from checked baggage on all airlines. At security, you may need to remove them for X-ray. If over 100Wh, you may need airline approval in advance.
Yes. Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports have millimetre-wave body scanners at some security lanes. These are non-invasive and do not use radiation. You may request a pat-down as an alternative.
You can fly into Vietnam with a drone, but the battery must be removed and placed in carry-on. The drone can go in checked baggage. Operating drones in Vietnam requires a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority — operating without one is illegal.
Anywhere from 15 minutes to over 90 minutes depending on the time and how many flights arrive simultaneously. Peak hours: 6–9am and 3–8pm. Our Fast Track service bypasses the standard queue — clients typically clear in under 15 minutes.
Confiscated items are generally not returned. You may be given the option to return the item to check-in for checked baggage (if time permits). For items of value, ask if they can be checked in — sometimes possible but not guaranteed.
Skip the Queues — Book Airport Fast Track
Our dedicated greeter meets you at the aircraft, escorts you through VIP immigration lanes, and guides you through customs. Available at all major Vietnamese airports. From $22 USD.