Police issue new guidance on passports: what citizens need to know

Police have issued updated guidance on passport handling, noting that when a passport is reported lost and later found, a replacement passport is not always required. Instead, under specific conditions, citizens may request restoration of the passport’s value. Tay Ninh Provincial Police said the online restoration procedure can save citizens considerable time and cost while supporting smoother administrative processing.

When a lost passport can be restored

Under the Vietnamese Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens (amended 2023), restoration is not available for every case where a passport is found after being reported lost.

Citizens may request restoration only if the passport:

• Was reported lost validly and is later found;
• Remains intact and within its validity period; or
• Has not been replaced with a new passport that replaces the reported-lost one.

When restoration is not allowed

Restoration is not permitted if a new passport has already been issued, or if authorities have completed canceling the validity of the old passport to serve the new passport. In these cases, the old passport cannot be restored.

Benefits of online restoration

According to the guidance, using the Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Public Security provides clear utilities for citizens. The procedure can be carried out at any time and from anywhere without needing to visit authorities.

Restoration also helps retain any visas that are still valid in the old passport, avoiding unnecessary additional administrative procedures.

How to submit the restoration request online

Citizens need an internet-connected device such as a smartphone or computer and should follow these steps:

1. Access the Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Public Security at dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn. Sign in using the Electronic Identity (VNeID) account at level 2.

2. In the search bar, enter “Khôi phục giá trị sử dụng hộ chiếu”. Select the corresponding public service (Provincial or Central depending on the need).

3. Fill in the information fields and attach documents, ensuring all required details are provided in the electronic declaration. Scan or photograph the found passport’s information page and attach supporting documents if available.

4. After verifying the information, click “Nộp hồ sơ”. The system will send a case number via phone number or email. Citizens pay the online fee according to the system’s instructions.

Processing time and compliance reminders

The Immigration and Passport Management Department of Tay Ninh Province stated that processing time is not more than 3 working days from the date authorities receive a complete valid dossier.

To avoid problems during exit and entry, authorities also urged citizens to verify passport status before proceeding, ensuring the passport is not damaged, defaced, or altered.

Citizens were further advised not to use a passport that has been reported lost but not restored. Authorities warned that if someone intentionally uses an invalid document, violators may be detected, blocked at border gates, and sanctioned under the law.

Authorities also recommended using the phone number registered with digital identity to receive notifications and monitor case resolution.

(Source: Tay Ninh Provincial Police)