Vietnam airports to make biometric check-in and digital IDs mandatory from December – What travelers must know

Vietnam Airports Introduce Mandatory Biometric Check-In & Digital IDs from December 1 – Faster, Safer, and Fully Digital Travel for Passengers (Representative Image: Canva)

Vietnam is preparing for one of the biggest changes to its air travel system. Starting December 1, 2025, most passengers will no longer go through traditional airport counters. Instead, they will be required to use biometric check-in and digital IDs through the VNeID app or self-service kiosks.

The move, outlined in Directive No. 24 signed by the Prime Minister, is part of Vietnam’s nationwide push to modernize its infrastructure, improve security, and create a seamless digital travel experience.

What Will Change for Passengers?

Under the new policy, air travelers without checked baggage will need to complete the entire airport process digitally—from check-in to security clearance and boarding—using biometric authentication. Only those with checked baggage or in special categories will continue to use staffed counters.

Passengers will scan their IDs and boarding passes at self-service kiosks or through the VNeID app, with biometric data (face or fingerprint recognition) ensuring faster clearance. The government says this will cut waiting times drastically while boosting security.

Trial Period Before Mandatory Rollout

Between September 15 and November 30, passengers will begin registering their biometric data at airports or via the VNeID app. This transition period will help airlines, airports, and travelers adapt to the new system before it becomes compulsory on December 1.

By October 30, biometric-enabled systems are expected to be fully installed across all airports nationwide. The directive also mandates that the same technology be deployed at urban railway stations, Hanoi Station, and major parking facilities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City before the end of the year.

Coordinated Nationwide Effort

The Ministry of Public Security is leading the rollout in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Construction, and provincial governments. The plan is to integrate airports and transport hubs into a national digital ID platform, ensuring smooth data management and consistency across services.

The Ministry of Finance will oversee the installation of biometric equipment, while the Ministry of Public Security will expand the VNeID app to include more transport-related services. Airlines are also expected to encourage adoption by offering incentives and discounts to early users.

Why This Matters for Travelers

Vietnam is aligning with global aviation hubs such as Singapore, Dubai, and the US, which already use biometrics to speed up travel. For passengers, the benefits are clear:

1. Faster processing: Check-in, security, and boarding in minutes, without long queues.

2. Higher security: Biometric authentication reduces risks of identity fraud.

3. Digital convenience: A single app (VNeID) managing travel, transport, and eventually more public services.

Toward a Digital Future

Vietnam’s biometric and digital ID integration is more than an airport upgrade—it’s part of a broader vision of building a connected digital ecosystem across transportation, finance, and public services.

For travelers, the advice is clear: download the VNeID app, register biometric data early, and get comfortable with the new system before it becomes mandatory in December.

With this step, Vietnam is not only cutting queues at airports but also positioning itself as a regional leader in smart, secure, and tech-driven travel infrastructure.