Drone Regulations in Vietnam 2026
- 2BIG Team
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Vietnam offers incredible aerial views, but drone use is regulated. This guide explains what most tourists actually need to know, especially those flying small drones under 250g for personal travel use.
Table of Contents
Bringing a Drone Into Vietnam
Do I need to declare my drone at customs?
Yes. Drones should be declared on arrival.
How declaration usually works
Fill the registration form before arrival for efficiency or at the airport, and inform customs officers that you are carrying a drone.
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 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
Fines or penalties
Delays or issues when leaving Vietnam
All drones must meet the requirements:
Permission from the authority of the flying area, with a local guarantor
The drone is operated outside of no-fly zones or restricted areas
The operation is done 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 centers 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 ProPotensic Atom 2
DJI Flip.
DJI Neo.
HoverAir X1 Pro Max.
BetaFPV Pavo Femto.
Or any drones under 250g. and if all conditions below are met:
✔ Personal, non-commercial use ✔ Not flown in restricted or sensitive areas
✔ Kept at 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, we 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 help travellers by providing the latest updated information on the Vietnam Drone law. Brands who are in favor of any type of corporate video production in Vietnam, can contact for a thorough assistance from A - Z.
Key takeaways
Feature | November 2025 |
Drone Weight < 250g | Generally, a registration at customs for all drone operations is essential. |
Drone Weight over 250g | Required 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. Travelers are responsible for confirming local requirements before flying.