If you’re landing in Vietnam and planning to buy a local SIM card at the airport, you might be wondering whether you need to show your passport or take a photo.
Short answer: Yes, you’ll need to show your passport when buying a SIM card at Vietnam’s airport counters. However, you typically don’t need to provide a separate photo—the passport photo is usually sufficient for registration.
This is a standard government requirement that has been fully enforced since 2018—not a scam or trick.
Let’s explore why it’s required, how the process works, and what alternatives you can choose if you prefer not to share personal documents.
I. Do you need to show photo and passport when buying a SIM card at Vietnam airports?
Yes. When purchasing a SIM card at any Vietnam airport, such as Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), or Da Nang, you must present your passport (original, physical copy) and passport photo (the one in your passport is used)
You do NOT need:
- A separate printed photo
- A digital photo on your phone
- Any additional ID documents
The registration process is quick, often 5 – 10 minutes, and required by law for all new SIM users, both locals and foreigners.
II. How is the process at Airport SIM counters in Vietnam?
- Approach the counter (usually located right after customs/immigration)
- Hand over your passport to the staff
- Staff will photocopy or scan your passport page
- Choose your SIM plan (prepaid data packages)
- Staff registers the SIM in your name
- Receive your activated SIM card (usually ready in 2-5 minutes)
III. Which Airports in Vietnam Follow This Rule?
This SIM registration rule applies to all major Vietnam airports:
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- Da Nang International Airport
- Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)
- Phu Quoc International Airport
► Read more: Hanoi airport SIM cards, HCMC airport SIM cards
IV. Why Vietnam requires passport and photo for SIM registragion?
Vietnam introduced the identification and photo requirement several years ago to prevent misuse of SIM cards for spam, fraud, or phishing activities.
Below is the table showing how the SIM card registration rule applies to different user types.
| User Type | Required Documents |
| Foreign Tourists | Passport (with valid visa or visa exemption stamp) |
| Vietnamese Citizens | National ID card or Citizen ID |
| Long-term Residents | Passport + Temporary Residence Card |
This rule ensures every mobile number is linked to a verified identity, which helps:
- Stop scammers from buying many unregistered SIMs
- Protect users against fraudulent or fake numbers
- Track and block illegal activities more easily
So if a vendor at the airport asks for your ID and photo — don’t worry. It’s a legal compliance step required by the carrier.
V. Is it safe to share your passport and photo at the SIM counter?
Yes, it is generally safe if you buy from official counters.
Licensed SIM counters inside Vietnamese airports (often branded with Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone logos) are authorized to collect and submit ID information securely to the carrier.
Some safety tips you should keep in mind:
- Only buy from official or clearly labeled network stores.
- Get a receipt with your purchase
- Keep your passport in sight during the process
- Avoid small, unmarked stalls or sellers offering “no passport needed” SIMs – these are often unverified and risk deactivation later.
- Avoid handing your passport to unofficial resellers – You can ask to see the store’s operator certificate if in doubt.
VI. What if you don’t have your passport or don’t want to share a photo?
If you don’t have your passport with you or prefer not to share a personal photo, buying a regular SIM card will be difficult or not possible.
Most official carriers will decline sales without ID. Some small vendors might sell you an unregistered SIM, but it is risky. These cards can be blocked after a few days once unverified.
In this case, you can use some other alternative methods like:
- Vietnam eSIM: you can buy it before arrival activate upon arrival. There is no in-person document required.
- International roaming: it allows you to keep your home country SIM active. NO Vietnam registration needed. But the roaming fees is high.
- Free WiFi: Vietnam’s free WiFi is widely available but generally not secured. You also have to rely on hotel/cafe/restaurant WiFi
► Read more: Queue SIM vs QR SIM in Vietnam
VII. The better alternative: Vietnam eSIM (No passport, No photo needed)
A Vietnam eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. It can be purchased and activated online and works seamlessly on eSIM compatible smartphones.
It lets you access mobile data instantly upon arrival — with no passport scan, no photo, and no waiting in line.
Everything is handled online before you travel or right after landing.
The best part of using a Vietnam eSIM is that you can choose plans from different network carriers without visiting multiple SIM counters at the airport.
For example, with one Hanoi eSIM on Vietnamesim.com, you can select plans from Viettel, Vinaphone, or MobiFone in just a few clicks:
- 2GB/day – 7 days (Vinaphone) – only $10.9
- 5GB/day + on-net calls – 15 days (Vinaphone) – only $14.9
- 5GB/day + on-net calls – 30 days (Vinaphone) – only $19.9
- 5GB/day – 15 days (Viettel) – only $13.9
- 5GB/day – 30 days (Viettel) – only $19.9
- 3GB/day – 10 days (MobiFone) – only $6.9
- 3GB/day – 15 days (MobiFone) – only $8.9
- 6GB/day – 30 days (MobiFone) – only $17.9
With so many flexible options, a Vietnam eSIM is perfect for tourists, digital nomads, and anyone who values convenience, privacy, and instant connectivity.
VIII. Conclusion
Here we make a quick concluding table to help you figure out passport and photo requirements when buying Vietnam SIM cards:
| Option | Passport Required | Photo Taken | Setup Time | Best For |
| Airport SIM Card | Yes | Yes | 5–10 min | Travelers with older phones |
| Local SIM Stores | Yes | Usually | 10–20 min | Long-term visitors |
| Vietnam eSIM (from Vietnamesim.com stores) | No | No | Instant | Tourists & Short-term stays |
To sum up, you need to show your passport and have your photo taken at airport SIM counters in Vietnam. If you’d rather skip the hassle and protect your privacy, choose a Vietnam eSIM — fast, easy, and documentation-free.