No, owning a monkey in Vietnam is prohibited under Decree 06/2019/ND-CP, which classifies non-human primates as prohibited wildlife species. Exceptions require permits from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), but these are rarely granted for private ownership. The 2026 draft Law on Biodiversity tightens enforcement, criminalizing unauthorized possession with fines up to VND 1 billion (≈$42,000).
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Vietnam
- Prohibited Species: All non-human primates (e.g., macaques, gibbons) are listed in MARD’s 2019 wildlife protection decree, barring private ownership without special approval.
- Permit Requirements: Even for research or conservation, permits demand proof of necessity, ethical sourcing, and compliance with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) standards.
- Penalties: Violations trigger administrative fines (VND 50–100 million) or criminal charges under the 2018 Penal Code, with stricter 2026 amendments targeting illegal trade networks.
Local authorities (e.g., provincial Forest Protection Departments) conduct periodic inspections, particularly in urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where exotic pet trafficking persists. International imports require additional permits from the Vietnam CITES Management Authority, further complicating legal acquisition.