Vietnam's VNeID System Opens to Foreigners, Streamlining Public Services

Foreigners legally entering or residing in Vietnam can now obtain electronic identification accounts through the country’s VNeID system, granting them easier access to public services, digital transactions, and other government-linked services. The VNeID system is particularly beneficial for foreign residents who regularly interact with Vietnamese authorities, banks, telecommunications providers, transport services, and other digital platforms. Accounts can also be registered for children under 14, with parents or legal representatives managing them. Unlike Vietnamese citizens, foreigners are not assigned different levels of eID accounts. Once issued, an account can be used for a range of digital services, including administrative and public services, allowing users to submit procedures electronically and receive results without relying entirely on traditional paperwork. The account also serves to authenticate electronic transactions in areas such as banking and credit, telecommunications, transport, e-commerce, import and export, and other services permitted by Vietnamese law. Through the VNeID app, users can access integrated electronic identification information and data from national and specialized databases, as well as digital services connected to Vietnam’s electronic identification and authentication system. VNeID can also function as a communication channel between users and government agencies or other organizations, enabling authorities to send notifications and users to submit feedback. A significant benefit for frequent travelers is the upcoming ability to use automated immigration control gates upon entry or exit from Vietnam, starting September 28, 2026. This is for foreigners whose information is fully collected in the National Immigration Database and who have been issued eID accounts. Foreign residents can apply at the Immigration Division of the provincial-level Department of Public Security in their locality. Applicants need to bring their passport or other international travel documents and provide accurate personal information, including a mobile phone number registered in their name and an email address. During the application process, an immigration officer will collect biometric information, including facial images and fingerprints, for verification against the National Immigration Database. Processing times vary depending on whether the applicant’s biometric information is already available in the National Immigration Database, ranging from two working days to up to five working days. Accounts must be activated via the VNeID app within seven days of issuance. There is no fee for registering an eID account or using it for electronic transactions. Accounts can be locked through the VNeID app if no longer needed. The introduction of VNeID for foreigners aligns with Vietnam's broader digital transformation agenda, aiming to enhance administrative efficiency and improve the experience for residents and visitors, supporting the nation's economic growth and its integration into the global economy.