Vietnam Mandates Biometric-Only Check-in for Domestic Flights Starting December 1, 2025
New Rules Enhance Airport Security and Passenger Efficiency
Vietnam will mandate biometric-only check-in for domestic flights starting December 1, 2025, requiring passengers to use VNeID or self-service kiosks. Passengers without checked baggage or special needs must complete online check-in through the VNeID app or airport self-service kiosks.
Travellers will undergo facial recognition scans at security and boarding gates, eliminating the need for paper tickets or IDs. Authorities expect reduced queues, faster processing. Improved security through automated biometric systems, supporting the country’s ongoing national digital transformation initiatives.
By early 2026, Vietnam targets 70% of domestic passengers using automated biometric gates, reducing manual processing for most travellers nationwide.
Implementation Progress and Nationwide Adoption Challenges
Vietnamese airports have piloted biometric systems since August 2025, including VNeID verification at counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. Adoption has grown, particularly at boarding gates where biometric usage has nearly tripled since initial rollout across major airports.
Directive No. 24 mandates biometric identity checks at all domestic airports beginning December 1, replacing traditional paper-based processes. Staffed counters will remain open only for passengers requiring assistance or handling checked baggage, ensuring accessibility while modernising airport procedures.
Airports are providing promotional support, priority lanes, and staff assistance through November 2025 to encourage early adoption of biometric check-in procedures.
Digital Transformation Goals and Biometric Rollout Challenges
The Ministry of Public Security leads the initiative, coordinating with ministries and the Airports Corporation of Vietnam under national directives. The VNeID platform already integrates online services including taxation, social insurance, and residence management, now expanding into domestic aviation identity verification.
Supporters claim biometric check-in improves security, accelerates processing, reduces reliance on paper documents, and enables future seamless travel. Challenges include upgrading infrastructure at smaller airports, ensuring passenger VNeID registration, and addressing cybersecurity risks from centralised digital identity management systems.
Vietnamese airports will serve as testbeds for biometric identity, with adoption rates determining whether government targets are met by early 2026.
Key Rollout Phases, Deadlines, and Adoption Targets
| Phase | Date/Period | Scope | Target/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot Testing | August 2025 | Major airports including Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai | Facial recognition and VNeID verification at counters and gates |
| Early Adoption Support | November 2025 | All participating airports | Promotional support, priority lanes, staff assistance to encourage usage |
| Mandatory Biometric Check-in | December 1, 2025 | Most domestic flights nationwide | Passengers without checked baggage or special needs must use biometric gates |
| Nationwide Expansion | Early 2026 | 11 additional airports | Goal of 70% domestic passengers using automated biometric gates |
| Ongoing Monitoring | 2026 | All domestic airports | Evaluate adoption rates, infrastructure efficiency, and user compliance |
Vietnam Biometric Check-In Process (December 2025)
Step 1: Online Check-In
Passengers complete online check-in via the VNeID app or self-service kiosk before arriving at the airport for verification.
Step 2: Biometric Verification at Security
At security checkpoints, travellers undergo facial recognition scans, linking their identity to VNeID for seamless and paperless access through the airport.
Step 3: Boarding Gate Authentication
Passengers proceed to boarding gates, where biometric facial recognition verifies identity, allowing entry without showing boarding passes or paper documents.
Step 4: Exceptions Handling
Travellers with checked baggage or special assistance requirements use traditional counters for manual verification and luggage processing.
Step 5: Seamless Airport Experience
Biometric gates reduce waiting times, enhance security, and accelerate passenger flow, aiming for seventy percent adoption by early 2026 nationwide.