From March 1, 2023, the Ministry of Public Security started issuing electronic chip-embedded passports, which offer several advantages. Join us in exploring what an electronic chip-embedded passport is and how to obtain one in the article below!
1. What is an Electronic Chip-Embedded Passport?
Electronic Chip-Embedded Passport
According to Clause 4, Article 2 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens 2019, an electronic chip-embedded passport is defined as follows:
“4. An electronic chip-embedded passport is a passport with an embedded electronic device that stores encrypted information of the passport holder and the digital signature of the issuing authority.”
Thus, an electronic chip-embedded passport is a type of passport that contains an electronic chip storing encrypted personal information and the digital signature of the issuing authority.
Additionally, according to the provisions of Article 2 of Circular No. 73/2021/TT-BCA, an electronic chip-embedded passport has specific technical and design features, as outlined below:
“Article 2. Passport Specifications
1. General specifications and techniques for passports:
a) The outer cover page shall display the country’s name and coat of arms, along with the passport’s name; passports with embedded electronic chips shall feature an electronic chip symbol;
b) The inner pages shall display beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage sites of Vietnam, combined with Dong Son drum patterns;
c) The passport shall be bilingual, using both Vietnamese and English languages;
d) The number of pages inside the passport, excluding the cover, shall be: 48 pages for diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports with a validity of 5 or 10 years, and 12 pages for ordinary passports with a validity of no more than 12 months;
e) The size shall conform to the ISO 7810 (ID-3) standard: 88mm x 125mm ± 0.75 mm;
f) The corner radius of the passport shall be: r: 3.18mm ± 0.3mm;
g) The electronic chip shall be placed in the back cover of the passport with an embedded electronic chip;
h) The passport cover shall be made of durable synthetic material;
i) The letters and numbers on the passport shall be laser-perforated from page 1 to the back cover and shall match the letters and numbers on page 1;
j) The content and images printed in the passport shall be produced using modern technology, meeting security requirements, preventing counterfeiting risks, and complying with ICAO standards.”
2. Benefits of an Electronic Chip-Embedded Ordinary Passport
- High level of information security due to encryption within the chip, making information replication challenging.
- Facilitates citizens’ entry and exit processes.
- Foreign countries will prioritize those with electronic chip-embedded passports during visa application reviews.
Benefits of an Electronic Chip-Embedded Ordinary Passport
3. Documents Required for an Electronic Chip-Embedded Ordinary Passport
When visiting the Exit and Entry Management Agency of the Provincial Public Security to obtain an electronic chip-embedded ordinary passport, you need to prepare the following documents:
- 01 application form for an ordinary passport (form TK01) issued together with Circular No. 73/2021/TT-BCA dated June 29, 2021, by the Ministry of Public Security.
- 02 photos taken within the last 06 months, sized 4cm x 6cm, with a straight view, no hat, clear face and ears, no glasses, and a plain background; the dress code should be neat and tidy.
- A copy of the ID card or Citizen ID card if there are changes in personal information compared to the information in the previously issued passport.
- A certified copy of the legal representative’s ID document issued by a competent authority of Vietnam for individuals lacking civil act capacity or those with limited capacity for civil acts; if the copy is not certified, the original must be presented for verification.
- Valid ID card/Citizen ID card or Passport.
Additionally, you can submit your application online through the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal and send the supplementary documents via the public postal service as per the notification from the Exit and Entry Management Agency of the Provincial Public Security on the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal (if applicable).
Documents Required for an Electronic Chip-Embedded Ordinary Passport
4. Procedures for Obtaining an Electronic Chip-Embedded Ordinary Passport
Step 1 Prepare the Required Documents as Specified by Law
First, prepare the necessary documents, such as a valid ID card/Citizen ID card or Passport, in accordance with the regulations.
Step 2 Submit the Application
You can visit the Exit and Entry Management Agency of the Provincial Public Security (when submitting the application, you must present your valid ID card, Citizen ID card, or passport) to complete the procedure.
Alternatively, you may submit your application online through the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal and send the supplementary documents via the public postal service as per the notification from the Exit and Entry Management Agency of the Provincial Public Security on the respective portals. The specifics are as follows:
- For first-time passport applicants: Apply at the Exit and Entry Management Agency of the Provincial Public Security where you are permanently or temporarily residing. If you have a Citizen ID card, you may apply at the Exit and Entry Management Agency of the Provincial Public Security that is convenient for you.
- For applicants requesting a passport for the second time or more: Apply at the Exit and Entry Management Agency of the Provincial Public Security that is convenient for you.
The exit and entry management officer will receive the application, verify the legality and completeness of the documents, take your photo, and collect your fingerprints if you are applying for an electronic chip-embedded passport for the first time.
- If the application is complete and valid, the officer will issue a receipt for the passport and instruct you to pay the fee to the designated officer, who will then provide you with a payment receipt. Alternatively, you may be notified via the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal to make the payment online and obtain an electronic receipt.
- If the application is incomplete or invalid, the receiving officer will guide you or notify you via the respective portals to complete or correct the application.
- If the application does not meet the requirements, it will not be accepted, and a written response or notification via the portals will be provided, stating the reasons.
Applicants can opt to receive their passports via postal services and will be required to pay the corresponding delivery fees.
Application Acceptance Hours: Monday to Friday, and Saturday mornings (for units that accept applications on Saturday mornings); excluding public holidays.
The electronic chip-embedded passport cover is dark purple.
Is it mandatory to switch to an electronic chip-embedded passport?
Vietnamese citizens who already hold ordinary passports without electronic chips can continue using them until their expiration date and are not required to switch to electronic chip-embedded passports.
What is the fee for obtaining an electronic chip-embedded ordinary passport?
According to Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC dated April 7, 2021, issued by the Ministry of Finance, the fee is 200,000 VND per passport.
The fee for an electronic chip-embedded ordinary passport is 200,000 VND.
Can I apply for an electronic chip-embedded passport online?
Yes, you can apply for an electronic chip-embedded passport online through the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal.
What information is stored in the electronic chip-embedded passport?
The electronic chip-embedded passport contains information such as name, date of birth, nationality, and biometric data, including fingerprints, iris patterns, facial images, and blood type.
Where can I obtain an electronic chip-embedded passport?
You can obtain an electronic chip-embedded passport at the Exit and Entry Management Agency of the Provincial Public Security.
Alternatively, you may submit your application online through the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal and send the supplementary documents via the public postal service as per the notification from the Exit and Entry Management Agency of the Provincial Public Security on the respective portals.
Obtaining an electronic chip-embedded passport.
How long does it take to get an electronic chip-embedded passport? Where can I receive the new passport?
The processing time for an electronic chip-embedded passport is 8 working days if applied at the Exit and Entry Management Office of the local Public Security and 5 working days if applied at the Exit and Entry Management Department of the Ministry of Public Security.
Passports can be collected in person at the exit and entry management agency or delivered by postal services to the registered address, with postage fees payable upon receipt.
Source: Consolidated
The above information summarizes what an electronic chip-embedded passport is and the procedures for obtaining one. Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable insights when applying for an electronic chip-embedded passport. Don’t forget to refer to for more information!
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