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This year's April 30th and May 1st holidays have seen a surge in air travel, leading to stricter security checks at international airports. While passengers are rushing to prepare for their vacations, a legal risk regarding identification documents is becoming a barrier, causing many to have their flights suspended at the check-in counter. This is especially crucial for passengers with dual citizenship, as understanding the regulations regarding the consistency between passports and airline tickets is vital for a smooth journey.
The most significant change that travelers need to be aware of is the security control process under Circular 14/2026/TT-BCA of the Ministry of Public Security. Accordingly, the current aviation security data system requires that travelers have "consistent documentation" when entering and traveling domestically. The passport used for entry into Vietnam must be the same passport used for check-in procedures for subsequent domestic flights. Using a different passport, even if it has the same name and is still valid, will be considered a data discrepancy and may result in being denied boarding.
One of the most common mistakes that leaves travelers stranded at the airport is incorrect names on airline tickets due to confusion between nationalities. For passengers with Vietnamese names in their Vietnamese passports but English names in their international passports, choosing the wrong name when booking tickets can be risky. The Immigration Department advises that you carefully check your passport that has been stamped with an entry stamp at the border. If the entry stamp is in your Vietnamese passport, the airline ticket must be booked with the correct Vietnamese name. Conversely, if you entered Vietnam with a foreign passport, the information on the ticket must match the passport letter by letter.
To avoid worst-case scenarios such as having to cancel flights or buy new tickets at inflated prices during the peak April 30th holiday season, travelers should review their documents early. Before paying for domestic flights, take 5 minutes to double-check the information on your passport and the most recent entry stamp. This careful attention will not only protect you from unnecessary expenses but also help reduce the pressure of disputes at the check-in counter.
Travelers need to understand the "document consistency" rule when checking in for domestic flights.
Besides informational issues, the physical condition of a passport is also a detail that passengers often overlook. Experts advise travelers to check the integrity of their passports; small tears, blurred photos, or scratches on the barcode strip can all cause security scanners to reject them. In particular, make sure your passport has enough blank pages for stamps and is valid for at least six months. Even if you're only flying domestically, if your passport is about to expire or is damaged, the risk of being rejected by the airline is very high for security reasons.
In addition, passport validity is also an important factor. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Finally, if a discrepancy is discovered between the name on the ticket and the passport before departure, passengers should proactively contact the airline's call center to find a solution to correct the information as soon as possible. Waiting until the airport to resolve the issue often leads to missed check-in times or no seats available on alternative flights. A perfect vacation starts with the smallest details on your passport. Be a smart traveler by understanding the legal regulations so that your April 30th holiday with your family is truly a relaxing time.
