Chapter II
Effect of the Penal Code
Article 5.- The effect of the Penal Code on criminal acts committed in the territory of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
1. The Penal Code applies to all acts of criminal offenses committed in the territory of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
2. For foreigners who commit offense in the territory of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam but are entitled to diplomatic immunities or consular privileges and immunities under Viet Namese laws, international treaties which the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam has signed or acceded to or the international practices, their criminal liabilities shall be settled through diplomatic channels.
Article 6.- The effect of the Penal Code on criminal acts committed outside the territory of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
1. Viet Namese citizens who commit offenses outside the territory of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam may be examined for penal liability in Viet Nam according to this Code.
This provision also applies to stateless persons who permanently reside in the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
2. Foreigners who commit offenses outside the territory of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam may be examined for penal liability according to the Penal Code of Viet Nam in circumstances provided for in the international treaties which the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam has signed or acceded to.
VietNam-Penal Code, Art. 5 and 6-1999-eng (text in English, PDF)
VietNam-Penal Code, Art. 5 and 6-1999-fra (text in French, PDF)
link to the complete text of the Penal Code, in English: VietNam-Penal Code-1999-eng
link to the complete text of the Penal Code, in French: VietNam-Penal Code-1999-fra