The passports with electronic chips are issued from March 1. VNA/VNS Phạm Kiên

HÀ NỘI — Starting March 1, Vietnamese citizens will experience faster and more streamlined entry and exit procedures with the implementation of the new biometric passports.

The chip embedded in the new passports contains encrypted data including both the passport holder's and the issuer's signature. In addition to standard information such as name, date of birth, and nationality, the chip also includes biometric data like fingerprints, facial recognition, and blood type.

This upgraded technology ensures that passport information is stored accurately and systematically, streamlining customs procedures. Furthermore, foreign agencies will give priority to e-passport holders when granting visas.

According to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, over 100 countries have switched to electronic passports.

The chips in passports help improve security by making it difficult for information to be copied, forged, stolen, or tracked, said the department.

This modern technology meets security requirements, anti-counterfeiting risk and ICAO standards.

There are not many other changes in size, colour and pages to the existing passport. A symbol of a chip is placed on the front cover page, though the chip itself is on the back cover.

The place of birth is added to the page of personal details.

Vietnamese citizens over 14 years old can choose either e-passports or ordinary passports for registration.

Passports with and without e-chips will be used simultaneously.

Procedures to apply for a chip-based passport

Citizens queue up to apply for a passport at the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security on March 1. — VNA/VNS Phạm Kiên

On the first day of rollout, crowds flocked to the Hà Nội immigration office in anticipation of the new biometric passport. However, the overwhelming turnout and a lack of familiarity with the registration process resulted in wait times of up to two hours for many attendees.

In response to the bottleneck, an officer advised those with ordinary passports with more than six months left before expiration to wait before obtaining the new e-passport.

Instead, the office is prioritising individuals whose passports have less than six months of validity for expeditious processing.

To reduce administrative procedures and save time, citizens can make a declaration to apply for a passport through the Public Service Portal of the Public Security Ministry via the following link: https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/

Alternatively, citizens can apply for a passport at any immigration office in the province or city. Those who still use identity cards must go to the immigration office where they register permanent or temporary residence.

If citizens apply for a passport from the second time onward, they can choose to carry out the procedures for passport issuance at the Immigration Department or the immigration office of any provincial-level police station.

Passports will be issued within eight working days if the procedures are done at the localities' immigration office and five working days if the passport is registered at the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security. — VNS