What food can I take to Vietnam?
Food import regulations are good to know when one is traveling to Vietnam. Although travelers to Vietnam are usually allowed to bring in some food items for their personal use, there are a few things that they have to keep in mind. What food can and cannot be taken into Vietnam? A quick guide may be helpful here.
Allowed Food Items
The following foods can mostly be brought into Vietnam provided the quantities do not exceed certain limits:
| Food Item | Quantity Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuits and cookies | Reasonable amount for personal consumption | Must be in original packaging |
| Baby food and formula | Reasonable amount for the duration of stay | Must be in original packaging |
| Canned or packaged food | Reasonable amount for personal consumption | Must be in original packaging, not expired |
| Dried fruits and nuts | Reasonable amount for personal consumption | Must be in original packaging, not expired |
| Honey | Reasonable amount for personal consumption | Must be in original packaging, not expired |
| Spices and condiments | Reasonable amount for personal consumption | Must be in original packaging, not expired |
| Tea and coffee | Reasonable amount for personal consumption | Must be in original packaging, not expired |
| Vitamins and supplements | Reasonable amount for personal consumption | Must be in original packaging, not expired |
It should be noted that the term “reasonable amount” is open to interpretation so it is better to bring what you will actually require during your stay. Large amounts of food can cause suspicions among customs officers thereby necessitating further checks.
Prohibited Foods
Other types of foods are considered illegal and therefore cannot be transported into the country. These include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Raw meat and poultry
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Pets
- Products from endangered species
This measure ensures that plant pests, animal diseases, and contaminants that could have harmful effects on agriculture or food production in Vietnam are not introduced.
Restricted Items of Food
Some food items require additional documentation or permits when coming into Vietnam. Such products involve:
- Spirituous beverages (up to 2 liters per person)
- Smoking goods (up to 400 cigarettes or up to 100 cigars per person)
- Cured meats (such as sausages, ham)
- Powdered milk
- Genetically modified organisms
- Irradiated foods
In order to find out about precise requirements and restrictions regarding these items it would be advisable to contact an airline or Vietnamese embassy/consulate located in your country.
Read also What can you not bring into Vietnam and Medications not allowed in Vietnam
Declaration of Foods
No matter how much you have with you, every time before entering Vietnam you must declare all foodstuffs by completing the customs declaration form given by airline staff at the airport. Noncompliance with these rules may lead to fines or even loss of edible stuffs smuggled through borders undetected.
If bringing lots of foodstuffs or those need special permissions, the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in one’s country is the first call to make for help on official documents and procedures.
Taking Food Out of Vietnam
As you leave Vietnam, some food items might be allowed back into your home country depending on the laws of your destination. Nonetheless, it is better to get a list of specific requirements from both your flight company and customs in that nation.
In general, it will not be a good idea to take any fresh fruits or any other perishable foods as this may lead to confiscation or demand for additional papers at border points.
Conclusion
One may take food along when going to Vietnam so that they do not miss their favorite meals while there. However, the traveler should keep abreast with the country’s regulations and prohibitions regarding imports of food products otherwise he/she will have problems with customs control. This article does provide travelers with a way out by delineating what should be done and consulted before traveling to Vietnam in particular so that they can enjoy their stay without thinking about where to find something tasty.
