Vietnam's VNeID digital passport info does not replace paper passport

The Ministry of Public Security in Vietnam has added a service that allows citizens to apply for ordinary passports directly through the VNeID mobile application, effective 1 May 2026. The app displays electronic passport data that is synchronised from the immigration authority’s database, enabling users to check passport status, submit applications and verify identity for online transactions.

Despite the digital integration, the electronic record on VNeID does not substitute the physical passport for border‑control purposes. Travelers must still present the paper passport when exiting or entering a country, applying for visas, or proving nationality abroad. The VNeID data is intended mainly for administrative convenience and e‑government services, not for replacing the legally recognised travel document.

Officials advise citizens to continue carrying their physical passports on trips, verify passport validity before travel, and keep the VNeID app updated to benefit from the new online features while avoiding misunderstandings about its legal standing.