Vietnam’s airports are accelerating the rollout of biometric and digital identification services through the VNeID platform, though adoption remains uneven across the country. The expansion comes as Vietnam prepares to make these systems mandatory for most domestic travelers by December 2025, part of a broader national digital transformation effort.
Growing Adoption, Below Target Rates
Since August 2025, major airports have deployed biometric services including facial scans and VNeID verification at staffed check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. These systems are designed to allow passengers with properly configured VNeID accounts to complete formalities without presenting physical IDs or boarding passes. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) reports that usage has grown steadily, with the most notable increases at boarding gates where adoption has nearly tripled since rollout. However, overall usage levels remain below targets set under the national plan, and uptake varies widely between airports.
According to Directive No. 24/CT-TTg, issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, biometric and digital ID verification will become the default at all domestic airports starting December 1, 2025. After that date, traditional counters will remain available only for passengers checking luggage or requiring special assistance. To encourage early adoption, airports are introducing promotional policies, including support staff and streamlined lanes, through November.
Part of Vietnam’s Digital Transformation
The initiative is a key component of Vietnam’s National Digital Transformation Project, which seeks to modernize governance and expand seamless access to public services. The Ministry of Public Security leads the effort, coordinating with agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Construction, and ACV. The VNeID platform already underpins online services including tax declarations, social insurance, and residence management, and its extension to air travel represents a significant expansion of its role in daily life.
Supporters say biometric check-in promises faster processing times and enhanced security, while also reducing reliance on physical documents. Airlines have signaled that digital ID adoption could eventually integrate with broader travel management services. However, the transition faces obstacles, including infrastructure upgrades at smaller airports and the need for passengers to register VNeID accounts at the required level to use biometric services. Privacy advocates have also raised concerns about centralized control of identity data and cybersecurity risks in large-scale systems.
With mandatory implementation approaching, Vietnam is positioning its airports as testbeds for nationwide biometric identity management. The coming months will determine whether usage rates rise sufficiently to meet the government’s ambitious targets and reassure the public about the benefits and risks of digital ID.
Sources: Vietnam Law Magazine, VietNamNet
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By Cass Kennedy
