Vietnam regulatory and security tightening

Vietnam has implemented new regulatory measures to enhance safety and security across several sectors. In July 2026, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Directive 4402 to strengthen tourism safety, mandating stricter inspections of watercraft and tourist sites prone to natural disasters following recent accidents. Simultaneously, officials at the Vietnam RWA Summit 2026 called for improved risk-management frameworks and technical standards for the digital-asset and blockchain sectors.

In August 2026, the Ministry of National Defence expanded security oversight by announcing strict drone regulations. These include the establishment of absolute no-fly zones around airports, military installations, and government headquarters. The new rules require drone registration with the police and mandate specific permits or licenses based on the weight of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the nature of the flight.

Further details released in mid-August clarify that these no-fly zones include all airport boundaries and a radius of 5 to 15 kilometers around runways. Regulations specify that operators must be at least 18 years old for most devices, while those operating equipment over 2kg or flying beyond visual line of sight must hold professional certifications. These measures follow reports of dozens of unauthorized drone incursions at airports in cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.