If you live in Vietnam and regularly hop on domestic flights, there is a major change you need to know about. As of February 3, 2026, new identification rules under Circular No. 14/2026/TT-BCA now govern how all passengers – especially foreign residents – board domestic flights across the country.
New Domestic Flight ID Rules For Expats In Vietnam
Why This Update Matters For Foreign Residents?
Domestic flights are a core part of life for expats in Vietnam. Whether you commute between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for work, visit friends in Da Nang, or escape to Phu Quoc for the weekend. Getting caught at check-in without compliant documents is no longer a minor inconvenience; under the new rules, it means you do not board.
The change hits foreign residents harder than Vietnamese nationals because it eliminates previously accepted single-document shortcuts. Long-term expats who once relied solely on a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) to board domestic flights now need to meet stricter, clearly defined requirements before stepping onto any domestic aircraft.
What Law Introduced The Change?
The update stems from Circular No. 14/2026/TT-BCA, issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. All major domestic airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Bamboo Airways, reference the same Appendix IX of the Circular in their updated passenger guidelines. The change took effect on February 3, 2026.
What Exactly Changed For Domestic Flights In Vietnam?
Previous Identification Rules For Expats
Before February 2026, foreign residents could often board domestic flights using just their Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or Permanent Residence Card (PRC) as a standalone document. Many long-term expats had grown accustomed to leaving their passports at home and travelling light with only their residency card and boarding pass. That option is no longer available.
New Identification Requirements For Foreign Passengers
Foreign passengers on domestic flights must now present one of two valid options. The first is a valid passport showing the most recent immigration entry stamp, combined with a residency document such as a TRC, PRC, valid visa, visa exemption certificate, or APEC Business Travel Card. The second and more strongly recommended option is a Level 2 VNeID digital identity account, which replaces all physical documents entirely
| Option | Documents Required | Physical Documents Needed |
| 1 | Passport + Residency Document (TRC/ PRC/ Visa/ Exemption/ ABTC) | Yes |
| 2 | Level 2 VNeID account (app only) | No |
Changes That Affect Vietnamese Citizens
The update also impacts Vietnamese nationals. Driver’s licenses are no longer accepted as valid identification for domestic flights. Older-style national ID cards (CMND) have also been phased out in most cases. Vietnamese passengers must now use a chip-based citizen ID card, a passport, or their own Level 2 VNeID, making the digital identity push a nationwide shift.
Two Ways Expats Can Meet The New Flight ID Requirements
Option 1 – Passport And Residency Documents
The first option requires carrying your original passport alongside your current residency document. This works for anyone who already holds a TRC, PRC, or a valid visa. It requires no additional registration and is immediately available, making it the default choice for newly arrived expats still waiting on their residency paperwork.
Option 2 – Level 2 VNeID Digital Identity
The second option is the Level 2 VNeID, a government-issued digital identity app that replaces all physical travel documents for domestic flights. Once activated, you check in and board using facial recognition or a fingerprint scan via the app. No passport, no TRC, no paper required. It is faster, more secure, and accepted across all domestic airlines in Vietnam.
Read More: Electronic Identification (eID) Accounts for Expats in Vietnam
Option 1 Explained: Flying With Passport And Residency Documents
Documents You Must Bring
To comply with Option 1, you need two physical documents: your original passport (valid, showing the most recent entry stamp) and your current residency document. Acceptable residency documents include a Temporary Residence Card, Permanent Residence Card, a valid visa, a visa exemption certificate, or an APEC Business Travel Card. Photocopies and digital images are not accepted,
Advantages And Disadvantages
Option 1 requires no registration and works immediately for anyone with the right documents. However, it means carrying your passport, which is your most valuable and difficult-to-replace document, to every airport, every time. If your passport is lodged at an embassy for renewal, or you simply leave it at home, you cannot fly. It is a workable short-term solution, but a fragile one for frequent travelers.
Practical Tips For Avoiding Check-in Problems
Always ensure the name on your flight booking matches your passport exactly, including middle names; this is the most common cause of check-in delays. If you are on a visa exemption (such as a 45-day or 90-day stamp), confirm with your airline whether additional documentation is required. New arrivals awaiting their TRC should plan to arrive at least 90 minutes early until they are fully familiar with the process.
Why Level 2 VNeID Is The Best Long-Term Solution For Expats?
Benefits Of Using VNeID For Domestic Flights
Level 2 VNeID eliminates the need to carry any physical identification for domestic air travel. The app is accepted nationwide for flights, hotel check-ins, banking, and government services. Biometric check-in at the gate takes under five minutes, compared to the slower manual document checks at the counter. As Vietnam continues rolling out digital-first processes, VNeID will only become more integrated into daily life.
Who Is Eligible For VNeID Level 2?
Level 2 VNeID is available exclusively to foreign nationals who hold a valid Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or Permanent Residence Card (PRC). Short-term visitors on e-visas or visas-on-arrival are not eligible. This makes it specifically relevant for long-term expats.
How To Register For Level 2 VNeID?
Step 1 -Download And Create A Level 1 VNeID Account
Begin by downloading the VNeID app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The app is available in English. Create a Level 1 account first using your passport number, a photo, and a Vietnam-registered phone number or email address. This basic account is approved within one working day and lets you explore the interface before completing the full upgrade to Level 2.
Step 2 – Prepare The Required Documents
To upgrade to Level 2, you will need your original passport, your original TRC or PRC, a Vietnam-registered phone number for OTP verification, and an email address. Prepare these before visiting the immigration office so the appointment is quick and efficient.
Step 3 – Visit The Immigration Office
One in-person visit is required. Go to the Immigration Management Authority in your province or city, typically located under the Ministry of Public Security. Check the VNeID app or official immigration website for current addresses, hours, and whether online appointment booking is available in your area.
Step 4 – Biometric Verification And Processing Time
At the counter, fill in Form TK01. Officers will capture your photo and fingerprints on-site. If your biometrics are already in the immigration system from your TRC application, processing takes approximately three working days. First-time biometric registrations may take up to seven working days. The service is completely free. You will receive an in-app notification when your Level 2 account is activated and ready to use.
Real-Life Travel Scenarios
Newly Arrived Workers Waiting For A TRC
If you have recently arrived in Vietnam and are still waiting for your Temporary Residence Card (typically four to six weeks after your work permit is issued), you must use Option 1: passport plus your current valid visa. Book refundable flights where possible during this period, and arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure to allow extra time for document verification at the check-in counter.
Families Traveling With Children
Children under 14 can be linked to a parent’s Level 2 VNeID account, which simplifies check-in considerably for family travel. For families travelling during school holidays or making regular domestic trips, this connection removes the need to manage separate physical documents for young children. Ensure the link is set up in the app before the day of travel to avoid any last-minute issues at the airport.
What Happens If You Lost Your Passport?
A lost passport is a serious situation under the new rules. You will need an emergency travel document issued by your home country’s embassy in Vietnam, supported by a local police report. This document is typically valid for only 30 days. In this scenario, even a fully activated Level 2 VNeID account cannot substitute for the missing passport.
Airport Tips During The Transition Period
- Arrive Earlier Than Usual: During the new system rollout, verification may take longer. Arrive 90–120 minutes early to avoid delays.
- Prepare Backup Documents: Test the VNeID check-in in your airline app, and keep your phone charged.
- Avoid Check-in Mistakes: Make sure your booking name matches your passport exactly. Vietnamese travellers must use a chip-based ID, passport, or Level 2 VNeID, not a driver’s license.
Why VNeID Will Become Essential For Daily Life?
Beyond domestic flights, Level 2 VNeID is already accelerating bank account openings, enabling instant hotel check-ins, and streamlining access to government services for foreign residents. As adoption widens, it is likely to become required or strongly preferred in more contexts. For expats planning to stay in Vietnam long-term, registering as soon as your TRC is issued is the single most practical step you can take.
Final Thoughts
The February 2026 identification changes add one extra step for new residents, but once you have Level 2 VNeID activated, domestic travel in Vietnam becomes genuinely easier than before. The app-based check-in is fast, reliable, and removes the anxiety of carrying irreplaceable physical documents through crowded airports every time you travel.
For anyone who just arrived: use Option 1 (passport plus valid visa) while your TRC is being processed, then register for VNeID the same week your card arrives. For long-term residents: if you have not registered yet, prioritise it. The earlier you set it up, the sooner you stop thinking about airport documentation entirely and get back to enjoying what Vietnam does best.
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The Nest Asia is a one-stop resource offering comprehensive information, practical relocation advice, cultural insights, valuable connections, and trusted services to help expatriates living in Vietnam navigate the transition, overcome challenges, and build a fulfilling life abroad. Starting your journey in a new country can often feel overwhelming. The Nest Asia is your trusted partner – we’re here to simplify that process and ultimately make Vietnam feel like home for you and your loved ones.
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Disclaimer: The Nest Asia is not an authorized provider of official government or non-government services. The information provided is intended for general guidance only. While we strive to offer accurate and timely information, we make no representations or warranties regarding its completeness or accuracy.
