According to the assessment of the National Air Security Risk Evaluation Council, the use of fake passports or incidents related to travel documents by air travel are increasing globally since 2022.
A sharp rise in the number of passengers denied entry in Vietnam (illustrative photo: NIA).
Data from the aviation industry in 2023 and the January-February period of 2024 showed a significant increase in the number of international passengers denied entry into airports nationwide. There were 506 cases in 2020, 404 cases in 2022, 886 cases in 2023, and 217 cases in the first two months of 2024. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were only 5 cases of passengers denied entry in 2021 as there were very few international commercial flights to Vietnam.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has reported an increasing number of cases of passengers being denied entry at airports in Vietnam. Notably, the increase in the number of cases of passengers being denied entry can cause damage to airlines, put pressure on airports (where passengers are managed before being returned to their place of departure), and pose risks to airport security and safety.
In order to minimize the negative impacts of this situation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has recommended that airlines operating international flights to Vietnam promptly update the regulations of Vietnam and international regulations regarding immigration, transit related to air travel, and implement various forms of communication to inform passengers and relevant travel agencies about the regulations regarding travel documents for air travel.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam also recommends that authorities and functional forces in the country where the aircraft departs (before arriving in Vietnam) tighten the control of passengers’ travel documents.
