Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered the implementation of biometric authentication at all airports, ports, and border gates by September of this year. The directive requires the integration of the VNeID platform across all immigration checkpoints to enhance security and streamline passenger processing.
The mandate, which is part of Vietnam’s broader Project 06 digital transformation initiative, tasks the Ministry of Construction and Ministry of Public Security with coordinating the deployment of biometric systems nationwide. This follows Vietnam’s recent implementation of mandatory biometric authentication for online banking, demonstrating the government’s systematic approach to modernizing digital infrastructure across multiple sectors.
A key component of the initiative includes the development of online visa procedures for foreigners whose biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans, have been collected. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must complete this system by April 2025, working in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Security.
The directive also extends to Vietnamese citizens living abroad, with plans to issue electronic identification cards to those who have provided biometric samples. This aligns with the broader National Data Strategy, which is scheduled for completion by the second quarter of 2025.
Implementation of the new system may face challenges, as suggested by the recent rollout of banking biometrics requirements in the country. However, the government has set clear deadlines and coordination requirements between ministries to ensure successful deployment.
The biometric authentication initiative is expected to contribute to significant market growth, with Vietnam’s facial recognition technology sector projected to reach USD 59.83 million by 2028. This investment in digital infrastructure represents a crucial step in Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to modernize its border control systems and enhance national security measures.
Sources: Sai Gon Giai Phong, Vietnam.vn, Smith Stone Walters
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March 19, 2025 – by Ji-seo Kim
