A Comprehensive Guide to Drone Use in Vietnam for Tourists
- 2BIG Team
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Understanding Drone Regulations in Vietnam
Vietnam is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes. Many visitors want to capture these views with drones. However, using drones in Vietnam comes with specific regulations. This guide will help you navigate the rules, ensuring a smooth experience while flying your drone.
Table of Contents
Bringing a Drone Into Vietnam
Do I need to declare my drone at customs?
How declaration usually works
Is there a cost to declare a drone?
What if I don’t declare?
Where You Should NOT Fly (Regardless of Size)
Do Tourists Need a License to Fly a Drone?
How 2BIG Production Can Help
Key Takeaways
Legal Disclaimer
Bringing a Drone Into Vietnam
Do I need to declare my drone at customs?
Yes, you must declare your drone upon arrival in Vietnam.
How declaration usually works
Prepare your drone details in advance (model, weight, serial number and purpose of use), and declare the drone to customs upon arrival if requested. Any declaration form, if required, will be provided by customs officers at the airport..
You may be asked to:
- Show the drone.
- Provide basic details (model, weight, serial number).
- Confirm it is for personal, non-commercial use.
In many cases, officers will record the information and allow entry.
Important: Customs procedures are *not fully standardized and may vary by airport or officer
Is there a cost to declare a drone?
For most tourists carrying small personal drones (<250g), there is often no official customs fee.
Some airports may apply administrative or inspection charges, but:
- These charges are not consistently applied.
- There is no fixed nationwide published fee specifically for tourist drone declaration (as of late 2025).
What if I don’t declare?
Possible consequences include:
Temporary confiscation of your drone.
Fines or penalties.
Delays or issues when leaving Vietnam.
All drones must meet the requirements:
Obtain permission from the authority of the flying area, with a local guarantor.
Operate the drone outside of no-fly zones or restricted areas.
Fly responsibly.
Where You Should NOT Fly (Regardless of Size)
Avoid flying near or over:
Military or defense areas.
Government buildings.
Airports or airfields.
Border regions.
Dense city centres or large crowds.
Many landmarks, resorts, and heritage sites also prohibit drones. If unsure, do not fly.
Do Tourists Need a License to Fly a Drone?
Under 250g, personal use: A pilot license is generally not required if you are using a:
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Potensic Atom 2
DJI Flip
DJI Neo
HoverAir X1 Pro Max
BetaFPV Pavo Femto
You can fly these drones without a license if you meet all the following conditions:
✔ Personal, non-commercial use.
✔ Not flown in restricted or sensitive areas.
✔ Kept at a safe altitude and distance.
✔ Operated responsibly.
✔ Registration and compliance are still expected.
Over 250g or commercial filming: A license, flight permit, and often a local sponsor are required. Processing times vary depending on location, drone type, and purpose. As a general guideline, I recommend planning 1–2 weeks in advance. There is no officially guaranteed processing timeline for all cases. Travelers should be aware that professional coordination, local sponsorship, and administrative support often involve service costs. These costs vary depending on drone size, purpose, and location.
How 2BIG Production Can Help
2BIG Production can assist travellers by providing the latest updated information on Vietnam's drone laws. Brands interested in any type of corporate video production in Vietnam can contact us for thorough assistance from A to Z. We aim to be the go-to partner for global brands needing top-notch video production and commercial photography in Vietnam and across Asia.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | November 2025 |
|---------|----------------|
| Drone Weight < 250g | Generally, registration at customs for all drone operations is essential. |
| Drone Weight > 250g | Requires a flight license, an aircraft registration, and a special flight permit from the Ministry of Defense. |
| Foreign Operators | Requires a local Vietnamese guarantor (agency, organization, or individual) for the permit process. |
Legal Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Drone regulations and enforcement in Vietnam may change and vary by location. Travellers are responsible for confirming local requirements before flying.
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