Opioid Pain Medication in Vietnam: Controls, Brands and Import Rules

All opioid analgesics are controlled narcotics in Vietnam. You may bring a maximum 7-day supply without an import licence, declared at customs.

Quick reference

Drug class: Opioid analgesics, all members of this class are classified as narcotic controlled substances in Vietnam
Controlled substance: Yes, all active ingredients in this class (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, tramadol, tapentadol, fentanyl) are narcotic-class controlled substances under Vietnam's Decree 163/2025/ND-CP
Prescription required: Yes, a valid prescription from a Vietnamese-registered doctor is required for any local dispensing. Foreign prescriptions carry no formal legal weight in Vietnamese pharmacies.
Available locally: Tramadol: available at licensed pharmacies (Tramal, Nalsarac). Morphine: available at major hospital pharmacies. Codeine: available in combination products (Efferalgan Codeine, Actadol Codeine, Biragan Codein). Fentanyl: available in hospital/anaesthesia settings (Durogesic). Oxycodone, hydrocodone, tapentadol: limited availability concentrated in specialist hospital-based practice, verify with the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) before travel.
Storage: Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Fentanyl patches: store below 25°C, away from direct heat sources. Keep all opioids in original pharmacy packaging with the label intact.
Max supply to carry: 7 days without an import licence under Decree 163/2025/ND-CP. Larger quantities require prior authorisation from the Ministry of Health. Bring your full trip supply from home.
Key document: Doctor's letter on clinic letterhead (English or Vietnamese) plus original prescription, both required at customs declaration (Red Channel). The letter must name the active ingredient (INN), brand, dose, frequency, quantity, and diagnosis.
Emergency alternative: If your specific medication is unavailable, consult a Vietnamese-registered doctor at a hospital pain clinic for a local prescription, never substitute one opioid for another without direct medical supervision.

Opioid pain medication options in Vietnam

Active ingredient	Available locally?	Local brand(s)	Controlled status	Prescription required?	Max supply
Oxycodone	Limited (hospital/specialist)	No confirmed retail brand, verify with DAV	Narcotic, 1961 Convention / Decree 163/2025	Yes, Vietnamese doctor required	7 days without import licence
Hydrocodone	Limited (hospital/specialist)	No confirmed retail brand, verify with DAV	Narcotic, 1961 Convention / Decree 163/2025	Yes, Vietnamese doctor required	7 days without import licence
Morphine	Yes (major hospital pharmacies)	Generic morphine sulfate, hospital setting	Narcotic, 1961 Convention / Decree 163/2025	Yes, Vietnamese doctor required	7 days without import licence
Codeine	Yes (combination products)	Efferalgan Codeine, Actadol Codeine, Biragan Codein	Narcotic, 1961 Convention / Decree 163/2025	Yes, Vietnamese doctor required	7 days without import licence
Tramadol	Yes (licensed pharmacies)	Tramal, Nalsarac (+ paracetamol, Mekophar)	Narcotic, 1961 Convention / Decree 163/2025	Yes, Vietnamese doctor required	7 days without import licence
Tapentadol	Not confirmed, verify with DAV	No confirmed local brand	Narcotic, 1961 Convention / Decree 163/2025	Yes, Vietnamese doctor required	7 days without import licence
Fentanyl	Yes (hospital/anaesthesia settings only)	Durogesic (patch)	Narcotic, 1961 Convention / Decree 163/2025	Yes, Vietnamese doctor required	7 days without import licence

Taking opioid pain medication to Vietnam: the narcotic-class rules you need to know

Vietnam classifies every active ingredient in this class as a narcotic controlled substance. Oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, tramadol, tapentadol, and fentanyl^[1] all fall under Decree 163/2025/ND-CP and the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, to which Vietnam is a signatory. The personal import limit without a Ministry of Health licence is^[2] a strict maximum of 7 days' supply at the dose stated on your prescription.

Regulatory status differs slightly within the class in practical terms: tramadol and codeine combination products are the most accessible at retail pharmacies, while oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, and tapentadol are concentrated in hospital-based settings. Foreign prescriptions carry no formal legal weight at Vietnamese pharmacies, a prescription from a Vietnamese-registered doctor is required for any local dispensing.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with opioid medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation. Regulations can change; confirm current rules with the Vietnamese Embassy or the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) before departure.

Documentation for travelling to Vietnam with opioid pain medication

Because every opioid analgesic falls under Vietnam's narcotic class, you must carry a valid original prescription and a doctor's letter for every active ingredient in your bag. The prescription must include your full name, the drug's INN and brand name, strength, dosage, quantity, and the prescribing doctor's full name, signature, and clinic address^[2].

You must declare these medications at customs through the Red Channel on arrival. Controlled narcotic medicines must be declared to Vietnamese customs and must not exceed the quantity stated in the enclosed prescription^[3], capped at 7 days.

What your doctor's letter must include

Full name of the patient. Medication name, both the INN (international nonproprietary name, e.g. tramadol hydrochloride) and the brand name. Dose and frequency. Total quantity being carried. Condition name (one word is sufficient, e.g. 'pain'). Doctor's full name, signature, and registration number. Clinic letterhead with address and contact details. If you take more than one opioid active ingredient, each must appear on the same letter or on separate letters, one entry per active ingredient.

Write the letter in English or Vietnamese; Vietnamese import rules require a certified translation of documents in other languages. To bring more than 7 days' use, you need an import permit from the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health^[3], granted in advance; confirm the timeline with a Vietnamese embassy before departure.

Questions to ask your prescriber before you travel

Bring this list to your appointment at least 4 weeks before departure.

If my usual opioid (e.g. oxycodone, tramadol) is not available in Vietnamese pharmacies, can you write documentation identifying an alternative active ingredient in this class that would provide equivalent pain relief, to present to a local Vietnamese doctor?
Can you calculate my 7-day supply at my current dose and write this quantity explicitly on the prescription, to meet Vietnam's import limit without a special licence?
Can you include both the INN (international nonproprietary name) and brand name on my letter and prescription, so Vietnamese customs officers and pharmacists can identify the medication?
If my trip exceeds 7 days, what documentation will I need to obtain a Ministry of Health special import permit, and can you provide a supporting medical certificate?
How should I store my medication if refrigeration is unavailable, and at what temperature does my specific formulation degrade?
What is the best way to contact your clinic from Vietnam if I need urgent documentation or a replacement prescription?

How much opioid pain medication to bring to Vietnam

The 7-day limit applies to every opioid in this class, with no exceptions for specific active ingredients. Without an import licence, the law caps narcotic medication at the amount required for 7 days of use, based on the dosage written on the prescription^[1].

If your trip is longer than 7 days, contact the nearest Vietnamese Embassy before departure to enquire about a special import permit from the Ministry of Health. Do not rely on refilling any opioid locally, hospital-based supply is limited and requires a Vietnamese doctor's prescription.

Split your supply

Carry your main 7-day supply in your hand luggage and keep the prescription and doctor's letter with it at all times. If you have a second supply for any reason, pack it in checked luggage in original pharmacy packaging. Customs officers will compare what you declare with what your prescription states, the quantities must match exactly.

Packing and storing opioid pain medication for travel to Vietnam

Oral formulations (tablets, capsules) of oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, and tramadol are generally stable at room temperature up to 25°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture.^[7] Vietnam's climate is hot and humid: average temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi regularly exceed 30°C, so keep oral opioids in an insulated bag or hotel air-conditioned room rather than in a car or beach bag.

Fentanyl patches require particular care: apply or store them below 25°C and keep them away from direct heat, as high temperatures increase the rate of drug delivery from the patch.^[8] Keep all medications in original labelled pharmacy packaging, customs officers and local medical staff need to read the label.

Airport security with opioid pain medication

Present your prescription and doctor's letter at security screening if asked, and keep all opioid medications in original pharmacy packaging to avoid delays. Liquids, gels, or patches are subject to standard airport liquid rules at departure: check the security rules of your departing country's airport authority, as these vary by country.

Patches such as fentanyl transdermal systems are exempt from the 100 ml liquid restriction when accompanied by a prescription, but present them proactively to screening staff. At Vietnamese airports on arrival, proceed to the Red Channel (customs declaration), this is mandatory for all narcotic-class medications.

Customs and import rules for opioid pain medication in Vietnam

All opioids are controlled substances under Vietnamese law, so a declaration is not optional, it is a legal requirement. Use the Red Channel at your port of entry and present your prescription, doctor's letter, and the medication in original packaging^[2]. The quantity you declare must match exactly what your prescription states. If you carry a combination product (e.g. tramadol plus paracetamol), the narcotic ingredient is what determines the classification, declare it as a narcotic.

Narcotic-class warning for all opioids in Vietnam

Every opioid in this class is a narcotic under Decree 163/2025/ND-CP and the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Carrying any opioid beyond the 7-day personal-use limit without a Ministry of Health import licence constitutes an offence under Vietnamese pharmaceutical and criminal law. Penalties can include confiscation, fines, and prosecution. High-dose codeine, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and hydrocodone face particularly strict scrutiny at Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) airports. Always declare, always use the Red Channel, and never carry more than your prescription states.

Opioid pain medication availability in Vietnam

Tramadol is the most accessible opioid in Vietnam's retail pharmacy network, available under the brand names Tramal and Nalsarac (a tramadol plus paracetamol combination product by Mekophar). Codeine is available in combination products including Efferalgan Codeine, Actadol Codeine, and Biragan Codein^[4] at licensed pharmacies, but requires a Vietnamese prescription. Morphine is available at major hospital pharmacies^[5], primarily in palliative and oncology settings, and is not routinely stocked at retail pharmacies.

Fentanyl (Durogesic patch) is available in hospital and anaesthesia settings. Oxycodone, hydrocodone, and tapentadol have no confirmed retail brand presence in Vietnam, their availability is concentrated in specialist hospital-based practice; verify with the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) at dav.gov.vn before you travel if you take any of these.

Approximate cost at licensed pharmacies for a 7-day supply: tramadol generic ranges from around ₫50,000 to ₫150,000 (~$2 to ~$6 / ~€2 to ~€5.50) depending on formulation. Brand-name combination products (tramadol plus paracetamol) cost slightly more. Hospital-dispensed morphine and fentanyl pricing varies by institution and is typically covered by the consultation fee rather than sold retail. Always buy from licensed nhà thuốc (pharmacies) displaying their Ministry of Health registration number; Long Chau, Pharmacity, and Guardian are national chains with English-capable staff in major cities.

Pharmacy phrases in Vietnamese

Use these at the pharmacy counter when asking about your opioid pain medication or checking for a specific brand.

“Tôi cần thuốc giảm đau theo toa bác sĩ. Bạn có [tên thuốc] không?”

I need prescription pain medication. Do you have [medication name]?

“Có thuốc gốc thay thế cho [tên thuốc] không?”

Is there a generic equivalent for [medication name]?

“Tôi có đơn thuốc và thư của bác sĩ. Thuốc này là chất ma túy được kiểm soát. Tôi cần gặp dược sĩ hoặc bác sĩ.”

I have a prescription and a doctor's letter. This medication is a controlled narcotic. I need to speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

Get these phrases in 23 languages — offline

Nomedic Translate works at the pharmacy counter even without signal.

Try Nomedic Translate

Finding a doctor who can prescribe opioid pain medication in Vietnam

Opioid prescribing in Vietnam is handled by pain management specialists and oncologists at major public and private hospitals. A prescription from a doctor registered in Vietnam is required for any dispensing of controlled narcotic medication^[6], a foreign prescription alone will not suffice. International hospitals in Hanoi (such as Vinmec Times City, Hanoi French Hospital) and Ho Chi Minh City (FV Hospital, Vinmec Central Park) have English-speaking staff and can assess and prescribe.

A private consultation costs approximately ₫500,000 to ₫1,500,000 (~$20 to ~$60 / ~€18 to ~€55). Telemedicine options with Vietnam-registered doctors exist through apps such as Doctor Anywhere Vietnam, but a controlled substance prescription requires an in-person consultation.

Search for providers near your destination

Use Nomedic's provider search to find English-speaking pain specialists and licensed pharmacies in Vietnam.

Find a provider

Storing opioid pain medication while in Vietnam

Store oral opioids in your hotel room or accommodation with air conditioning, away from windowsills and direct sunlight. Vietnam's humidity regularly exceeds 80%, which can degrade medication not stored in airtight original packaging. Fentanyl patches must not be stored near heat sources such as saunas, direct sunlight, or hot vehicles, excess heat accelerates absorption and is clinically dangerous.

If your accommodation has a safe or locked drawer, use it: controlled substances carry theft risk and replacement is not straightforward. Keep medications in their original labelled containers at all times for customs and medical identification purposes.

What to do if something goes wrong with your opioid pain medication in Vietnam

If your opioid medication is lost or stolen, report it to the local police (dial 113) immediately and obtain a written police report. This report is critical documentation if your prescriber or insurance company needs to verify what happened. Contact your embassy or consulate, they can assist with emergency documentation and connect you with a recognised local doctor. Do not attempt to purchase opioid medication without a valid Vietnamese prescription: buying from unlicensed sources is illegal and carries serious risk of counterfeit products.

If you run out of medication before your prescription allows a refill, go directly to a major hospital emergency department and present your original prescription, doctor's letter, and police report if applicable. A Vietnamese-registered pain specialist is the only person who can authorise a substitute or bridging supply.

Never attempt to switch from one opioid to another without direct medical supervision, as dosing equivalence varies significantly between active ingredients. Tramadol is the most readily accessible opioid in major cities and may be prescribed as a bridging measure, but this is a decision for the treating doctor, not a self-substitution.

Emergency phrases in Vietnamese

“Tôi cần thuốc [tên thuốc] của tôi. Đây là thuốc được kiểm soát theo toa bác sĩ.”

I need my medication [medication name]. This is a controlled prescription drug.

“Tôi uống [tên thuốc] mỗi ngày theo toa bác sĩ.”

I take [medication name] every day as prescribed by my doctor.

“Vui lòng gọi bác sĩ ngay lập tức.”

Please call a doctor immediately.

“Bệnh viện hoặc nhà thuốc mở 24 giờ gần nhất ở đâu?”

Where is the nearest hospital or 24-hour pharmacy?

In Vietnam, call ambulance services on 115, police on 113. Major private hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with 24-hour emergency departments include Vinmec, FV Hospital, and Hanoi French Hospital. Ensure your medical evacuation insurance is active before you travel, opioid-dependent patients who cannot access their medication may require repatriation.

Your medication details, ready to share

Nomedic stores your medication name, INN, dosage, and frequency in your IPS, readable by any clinician worldwide.

Go to my record

Frequently asked questions

Are opioid pain medications legal in Vietnam?

Opioid pain medications are legal in Vietnam for personal medical use when properly documented. All opioid analgesics are narcotic controlled substances under Decree 163/2025/ND-CP; personal import requires a valid prescription, a doctor's letter, customs declaration at the Red Channel, and is strictly capped at 7 days' supply without a Ministry of Health import licence.

Can I bring opioid pain medication into Vietnam?

Yes, with a valid prescription and doctor's letter, and provided the quantity does not exceed 7 days' supply at your prescribed dose. You must declare all narcotic medications through the Red Channel at Vietnamese customs on arrival. Quantities above the 7-day limit require a special import permit from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, which must be arranged before departure.

Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with opioid pain medication?

Yes, a doctor's letter is required for all opioid analgesics when entering Vietnam. It must appear on clinic letterhead and include your name, the medication's INN and brand name, dose, frequency, quantity, and your doctor's signature and registration number. Present it together with the original prescription when declaring at the Red Channel at Vietnamese customs.

Which opioid pain medications are available in Vietnam?

Tramadol is the most widely available, sold as Tramal and Nalsarac (with paracetamol, by Mekophar) at licensed retail pharmacies. Codeine is available in combination products: Efferalgan Codeine, Actadol Codeine, and Biragan Codein. Morphine is stocked at major hospital pharmacies in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, primarily for palliative care. Fentanyl is available in hospital settings as Durogesic. Oxycodone, hydrocodone, and tapentadol have no confirmed retail brand presence and are found only in specialist hospital-based practice.

Is OxyContin (oxycodone) available in Vietnam?

OxyContin (oxycodone extended-release) is not a confirmed retail brand in Vietnam. Oxycodone availability is concentrated in specialist and hospital-based practice, and there is no widely available local retail brand equivalent. If you take oxycodone, bring your full prescribed supply from home and verify the current availability of any local equivalent with the Drug Administration of Vietnam (dav.gov.vn) before departure.

What if my specific opioid brand isn't available in Vietnam?

Bring your full 7-day supply from home, as this is the safest strategy for every active ingredient in this class. If you need a local alternative because your supply runs out, consult a pain specialist at a major hospital, only a Vietnamese-registered doctor can prescribe a substitute. Never switch from one opioid to another without direct medical supervision, as dosing equivalence varies and the consequences of error are serious.

What if I run out of opioid pain medication in Vietnam?

Go directly to a major hospital emergency department and present your original prescription and doctor's letter. A pain specialist or physician registered in Vietnam can assess you and, if clinically appropriate, write a local Vietnamese prescription. Tramadol and codeine-based products are the most accessible options in retail pharmacies if a bridging supply is needed, but the prescribing decision rests with the treating doctor.

Related practical guide

Opioid Pain Medication Abroad: Strict Countries, Required Paperwork and What to Do When You Run Out

Carrying opioid pain medication across borders is legal in most countries, but the paperwork gap between 'legal' and 'detained at customs' is razor thin.