Vietnam Passport, Driving License & ID: Your Guide to Mobility in Vietnam
Navigating identification and travel in Vietnam involves understanding its key documents for citizens and foreign residents. Vietnam’s system for passports, driving licenses, and ID cards is designed for national security and administrative efficiency.

The Vietnamese passport is a vital travel document for citizens, providing international travel access. As of 2025, it offers visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival/e-visa access to approximately 51 countries, primarily in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Caribbean. Newer biometric e-passports enhance security and streamline border clearance. Passports are generally valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 14.

For residents, the Citizen Identity Card (Căn cước công dân) is the primary and mandatory ID card for Vietnamese citizens. It contains essential personal information and biometric data, serving as official proof of identity for daily activities and services. Foreign residents in Vietnam are issued an Alien Registration Card (ARC), which serves as their official ID and proof of immigration status. Recently, foreign nationals holding a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or Permanent Residence Card are also eligible to register for VNeID, a digital identity system for accessing various administrative functions.

Driving in Vietnam requires a Vietnamese driving license; international driving permits are generally only valid for the first 3 months of stay. Foreigners with a valid temporary residency permit (TRC) can exchange their foreign driving license for a Vietnamese one. This process typically involves submitting a notarized Vietnamese translation of the foreign license, a health certificate, and other documents. In some cases, a written theory test in Vietnamese may be required.

Vietnam has an active e-Visa system (evisa.gov.vn) that streamlines short-term tourism visa applications for eligible nationalities. The e-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, for single or multiple entries, and can be applied for and received entirely online. However, for other visa types (e.g., work, study, long-term stay), traditional in-person applications at Vietnamese embassies or consulates are usually required.