Vietnam Tightens Entry Rules to Curb Fake Documents, Airlines Asked to Step Up Checks

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has issued a directive to airlines operating regular international flights to Vietnam. The directive emphasizes the need for thorough document checks for incoming and transit passengers.

This action comes in response to a global increase in fraudulent passport use and related travel document incidents since 2022, as assessed by the Standing Council of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee.

Aviation industry data confirms a sharp rise in foreign travelers denied entry at Vietnamese airports. In 2020, there were 506 cases, followed by 404 in 2022, and a significant spike to 886 in 2023. The first two months of this year alone have already seen 217 cases, compared to only 5 denied entries throughout 2021 when international flights were limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The number of such cases at Vietnamese airports has mirrored the global trend since the pandemic," the CAAV stated.

"Growing numbers of denied entries create financial burdens for airlines and strain airport resources as passengers await return flights. Additionally, these incidents heighten potential security risks at airports and on aircraft," the agency warned.

Vietnamese regulations allow for denial of entry based on factors like threats to national security, lack of valid documents (passport, visa), preventing disease spread, recent deportation from Vietnam (less than 3 years), or unaccompanied minors under 14 years old.

To address this issue, the CAAV urges airlines to stay updated on Vietnam's entry, exit, and transit regulations. It also recommends proactive communication to passengers and travel agencies regarding travel document requirements.

Finally, the CAAV suggests that authorities in departure countries increase scrutiny of passengers' travel documents before flights to Vietnam. This preemptive step aims to minimize cases where passengers are denied entry due to invalid documentation.