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From April 15, 2026, mobile operators in Vietnam will lock SIM cards and block calls and text messages in several cases, following guidance in Circular 08/2026/TT-BKHCN issued by the Minister of Science and Technology.
The circular takes effect from April 15, 2026 and provides guidance on verifying information for mobile subscriptions (landline and mobile). Under the regulation, mobile users must verify four data fields:
The biometric facial data must match the information stored in the encrypted information repository of the verified identity card issued by the police.
Verification can be completed using one of four methods:
Subscribers who registered VNeID Level 2 using their own phone number will not need facial biometrics, except when changing phones.
When a subscriber changes devices, the mobile network system will automatically detect the SIM being moved to a new phone and require identity verification. Users have up to two hours to complete facial biometric scanning via the operator’s app or VNeID.
If verification is not completed within the time limit, the subscription will be locked one-way. After 30 days, it will be locked two-way, and 5 days later the number may be reclaimed.
Users still using a nine-digit citizen ID to register SIMs are advised to update to the new citizen ID and add facial biometric data. Because the new data system is not fully interoperable with old documents, users have 60 days to finalize data normalization; otherwise, service may be suspended.
If a user confirms on the VNeID app that they do not register or do not use a phone number, the operator will issue continuous notices for 5 days requesting re-authentication and completion of the contractual process. If the notices are ignored, the subscription will be suspended.
Subscribers whose information does not match the national population database will be categorized as having incomplete information. Operators will coordinate with the Public Security Ministry to cross-check and notify users. Within 60 days, users must update their information and complete verification; otherwise, they will be processed according to regulations.
The regulation also applies to foreigners using SIM cards in Vietnam. Those registering with a passport must re-verify information within 60 days from the regulation’s effective date; otherwise, the subscription may be locked.
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