What Documents Are Required for Air Travel? A Pre-Flight Document Guide

Knowing what documents are required for air travel is essential before every journey, especially for families with children, international passengers, pregnant travellers or companies arranging flights for executives, experts and business delegations.

In general, passengers should prepare their flight ticket or booking reference, valid identification documents and any additional documents required for specific cases. For international flights, passports, visas, entry documents and destination-specific requirements should also be reviewed carefully.

What Documents Are Required for Domestic Flights in Vietnam?

For domestic flights in Vietnam, passengers need a flight ticket or booking reference and valid identification documents. The accepted document types may vary depending on age, nationality and document status.

Documents used for domestic flights should remain valid, be clear and match the information on the ticket. For physical documents, passengers should prepare the original document with a photo, or a certified copy where permitted. For electronic documents, passengers should ensure that the relevant account or app can be accessed properly at the time of check-in.

For business travel, companies should verify full name, date of birth, document type, document number and document validity before ticket issuance. It is a small step, but it helps avoid many check-in counter issues, where even one incorrect detail has an impressive talent for wasting everyone’s time.

Passengers Aged 14 and Above

Vietnamese passengers aged 14 and above travelling on domestic flights may use valid identification documents such as a level-2 electronic identification account, passport, travel document, Citizen ID card, Identity Card or other accepted professional documents.

If these documents are not available, passengers may use a personal identification confirmation issued by the police authority, with a photo and official seal. This confirmation is generally valid for 30 days from the date of certification.

For corporate travel, the team handling flight bookings should verify each passenger’s document before ticket issuance, especially for large groups, early departures or connecting itineraries. If ticket information does not match the passenger’s documents, additional handling time may be required at the airport.

Children Under 14 Years Old

Children under 14 years old need their own documents when travelling on domestic flights. Commonly used documents include the child’s level-2 electronic identification account, personal information integrated in the level-2 electronic identification account of a parent or guardian, passport, travel document, Identity Card, birth certificate, birth extract or birth confirmation for infants under 2 months old who do not yet have a birth certificate.

If the child is under the care of a social organization, a confirmation issued by that organization may be used and is generally valid for 6 months from the date of certification.

Parents should prepare the original document or a certified copy where required. Families travelling with young children should check documents at the booking stage, instead of discovering a missing birth certificate at the airport, because nobody needs that kind of family drama before a flight.

Foreign Passengers Travelling on Domestic Flights in Vietnam

Foreign passengers travelling on domestic flights in Vietnam should prepare a passport or an international travel document bearing the latest entry verification stamp. In addition, passengers should carry residence-related documents in Vietnam, such as a visa, permanent residence card, temporary residence card or APEC Business Travel Card where applicable.

If a foreign passenger has lost their passport, a diplomatic note from the embassy or consulate of the passenger’s country, or an official letter from the local foreign affairs authority with police confirmation, may be required. This document should include a photo, official seal and is generally valid for 30 days from the date of certification.

For companies booking flights for foreign experts, passports, visas, temporary residence cards and residence status should be checked before ticket issuance. This helps reduce check-in risks, especially for domestic flights following the expert’s arrival in Vietnam.

Requirements for Documents Used on Domestic Flights

Documents used for domestic flights must remain valid, be clearly legible and match the information on the ticket. For physical documents, passengers should use original photo identification. For birth certificates, civil status extracts, civil status confirmation documents or birth confirmations, the required document should be an original or certified copy as applicable.

For level-2 electronic identification accounts, passengers should ensure that the account is accessible at the time of presentation. If the phone runs out of battery, loses connection or cannot access the app, the check-in process may be affected. A backup option is therefore recommended where possible.

Companies booking flights for multiple employees should prepare a document checklist before the travel date. The list should include full names as shown on documents, document type, document number, travel date, route and baggage requirements. This helps Admin or HR teams manage travel arrangements with greater accuracy and less airport-level improvisation.

What Documents Are Required for International Flights?

For international flights, passengers need a valid passport, flight ticket or booking reference, visa where required and relevant entry documents. Depending on the destination, additional documents may include an e-visa, sticker visa, electronic travel authorization, invitation letter, return ticket, hotel confirmation, travel insurance or documents proving the purpose of travel.

For children travelling internationally, accompanying adults may need documents proving relationship, the child’s birth certificate, the child’s own passport or authorization documents depending on the itinerary. For transit passengers, airport and transit-country requirements should also be checked in advance.

For companies sending employees on international business trips, Lotus Air recommends reviewing the flight ticket, passport, visa, transit point and connection time together. When itineraries involve foreign experts, invited guests or business delegations, document review before ticket issuance helps reduce airport-related risks.

What Documents Do Pregnant Passengers Need for Air Travel?

Pregnant passengers need valid identification documents like other passengers, along with medical documents depending on the stage of pregnancy. With some airlines, passengers under 32 weeks of pregnancy may need to carry a maternity health record, prenatal check-up document or other documents showing gestational age and fitness to fly.

From 32 weeks to under 36 weeks, passengers may need to prepare medical clearance forms required by the airline, or prenatal check-up records, ultrasound results, maternity health records and documents confirming that both mother and baby are fit for air travel. Some airlines may refuse carriage for passengers from 36 weeks of pregnancy, those expected to give birth within 7 days or those within 7 days after delivery.

Requirements may vary by airline. Pregnant passengers should inform the airline or booking agent of their pregnancy status when booking and check document requirements before travel. For international flights, some airlines may require medical documents in English or properly certified medical records.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Travel Documents

Can Passengers Fly Without a Citizen ID Card?

If a Citizen ID card is not available, passengers aged 14 and above may use other accepted documents such as a passport, travel document, Identity Card, level-2 electronic identification account or personal identification confirmation issued by the police authority.

The personal identification confirmation should include a photo and official seal, and is generally valid for 30 days from the date of certification. Passengers should check specific requirements before travel, especially for urgent trips or peak-season flights.

What Should Passengers Do If They Lose Their Identification Documents?

If identification documents are lost before a domestic flight, passengers should contact the police authority to obtain a personal identification confirmation. This document should include a photo, official seal and remain valid on the travel date.

If a foreign passenger loses their passport, they should contact the embassy or consulate for a diplomatic note confirming identity and passport loss in accordance with applicable requirements.

What Documents Are Required for Passengers with Disabilities?

Passengers with disabilities still need valid identification documents like other passengers. If special assistance is required, such as wheelchair service, mobility support or medical assistance, passengers should inform the airline or booking agent in advance to receive guidance on registration timing and service conditions.

Certain assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility must be requested within a specific period before departure. If a guide dog is involved, passengers should prepare the required documents and notify the airline in advance for carriage eligibility review.

What Documents Do Elderly Passengers Need for Air Travel?

Elderly passengers need valid identification documents such as a Citizen ID card, Identity Card, passport or level-2 electronic identification account. If the passenger has underlying health conditions, limited mobility or requires wheelchair assistance, the family should inform the airline or booking agent in advance to arrange suitable support.

For senior executives or VIP guests, companies should review flight timing, airport walking distance, boarding gate access and special assistance needs before departure. This helps create a more comfortable journey and reduces unnecessary waiting time.

What Documents Are Required When Travelling with Pets on Domestic Flights?

When travelling with pets, passengers should check each airline’s policy in advance, as not all flights accept pet carriage. Some airlines may require documents such as quarantine certificates, certificates from the place of departure, entry or destination quarantine documents, health certificates, pet passports or other valid documents depending on the itinerary.

In addition to documents, pets must meet health, crate, weight and carriage requirements. Passengers should request pet transport service within the airline’s required timeframe before departure, instead of asking at the airport, because airports are not exactly built for last-minute creativity.

Lotus Air Support for Itineraries with Special Document Requirements

For itineraries with special document requirements, Lotus Air can support customers in reviewing ticket information, airline conditions, baggage requirements, airport services, Fast Track options and visa or immigration-related factors.

For enterprises, this is not merely about booking a ticket code. It is about managing air travel with greater accuracy, flexibility and reliability for executives, experts, invited guests or business delegations. Early document review helps reduce check-in counter risks and creates a more professional travel experience.

Customers may share their itinerary or contact the Lotus Air hotline for pre-flight consultation.

• Hotline: 1900 6654
• Email: info@lotusair.vn