Vietnam requires air passengers without checked baggage to use electronic ID, self-service kiosks

By Tuan Anh November 30, 2025 | 06:51 pm PT

Passengers check in automatically at the security gate of a Vietnamese airport. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Airlines

Passengers flying with Vietnamese airlines will be allowed to check in at the counters only when they have checked baggage or in special categories, starting Dec. 1.

All other passengers must complete the entire process, from purchasing tickets and checking in to passing security and boarding flights, using the VNeID app with biometric authentication or at self-service kiosks, according to a government directive aimed at improving customers' experience.

A spokesperson said the new regulation aims to save time and enhance the passengers experience.

The airline recommends that passengers should authenticate their VNeID level-2 account.

On aviation forums, many people expressed concern about not having VNeID level-2 authentication.

Others welcomed the change as a step forward for the aviation industry, saying it would reduce check-in times and queues.

Passengers also no longer need to worry about forgetting their identity card, a common reason for missing flights.