No ID Required at Airports: How Biometric Check-in Works

This policy, outlined in Directive 24/CT-TTg signed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, aims to simplify procedures, shorten waiting times, and strengthen aviation security. Passengers can authenticate their identity through facial recognition at check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. Other valid identification documents are still accepted, but the government is encouraging biometric use. Starting December 1, counters will mainly serve passengers with checked baggage or those in priority groups.

Authorities are rapidly expanding infrastructure to support the new system. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has rolled out biometric technology across all airports since July 31 on a trial basis. ACV requires airports to deploy dedicated support teams, create “VNeID Help Desks,” and maintain 24/7 technical staff to ensure smooth operation. Passengers are guided through the process via staff, posters, videos, and direct assistance from police units.

Public response has been mixed. Many travelers welcome the convenience of faster procedures and reduced paperwork. However, some express concern about data security and the ability of older passengers to adapt to new technology. To address this, airports are urged to provide on-site staff support and backup solutions in case of technical issues.

Experts see biometric adoption as a key step toward “smart aviation.” By reducing identity fraud, expediting security checks, and cutting labor costs, the system enhances both safety and efficiency. For tourism, smoother passenger flows and reliable identity verification help strengthen Vietnam’s image as a modern, traveler-friendly destination.

According to Dr. Duong Duc Minh, Deputy Director of the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development, biometric-enabled travel not only benefits domestic passengers but also boosts Vietnam’s competitiveness in attracting international tourists. Streamlined airport procedures reduce missed connections, improve the overall travel experience, and support the development of a digital tourism ecosystem where services can be increasingly personalized through data integration.

In the long run, biometric technology and VNeID are expected to become central pillars in positioning Vietnam’s aviation and tourism as smarter, safer, and more globally competitive.