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Details on the mandatory temporary residence declaration process for foreign nationals traveling or residing in Vietnam in 2026.
Overview of Temporary Residence Registration
Under Vietnamese law, all foreign nationals must be registered with the local ward or commune police upon checking into any residential accommodation. This mandatory procedure is officially termed the "temporary residence declaration" (khai báo tạm trú). As of 2026, the declaration is primarily conducted through a digital portal managed by the immigration authorities. Registration must be completed within 12 hours of arrival at the accommodation (or within 24 hours in remote areas). This requirement applies universally, regardless of whether entry was granted via an eVisa, a visa exemption, or a traditional visa. For standard entry requirements, consult the Entering Vietnam Guide.
Individuals staying at registered commercial accommodations (such as hotels or resorts) do not need to visit a police station. Accommodation staff are legally obligated to process the registration using the guest's passport.
Registration Responsibilities
The legal responsibility for submitting the temporary residence declaration rests with the accommodation provider or the property owner. Guests are required only to provide a valid passport and evidence of legal entry (such as a visa or entry stamp) to facilitate the process.
- Commercial Accommodations (Hotels, Hostels, Resorts): Front desk personnel process the registration via the national immigration portal.
- Leased Properties (Apartments, Airbnbs, Homestays): The landlord or host is responsible for executing the registration online or at the local police station.
- Private Residences (Staying with Friends or Family): The homeowner or primary tenant must declare the foreign guest's stay to the local ward police.
Compliance for Rented Accommodations and Private Residences
For long-term apartment leases or short-term private rentals (such as Airbnb), the property owner or landlord holds the legal obligation to register the tenant. Non-compliance can result in administrative penalties for the landlord, with fines typically ranging from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND.
Additionally, a stamped proof of temporary residence is a mandatory document for administrative procedures such as visa extensions, Temporary Residence Card (TRC) applications, work permits, or opening a local bank account.
Tenants are advised to request confirmation from their landlord or host that the temporary residence registration has been successfully filed with the authorities. A printout or digital screenshot of the portal confirmation serves as valid proof.
Required Documentation
To comply with registration requirements, foreign nationals must present the following to their accommodation provider:
- A valid passport.
- A valid entry document (such as an eVisa, TRC, or visa exemption stamp).
The host uses these details to formally log the stay in the official immigration portal. Visitors holding an eVisa must ensure their passport information perfectly matches the data on their visa document. For eVisa applications, the official National Web Portal on Immigration must be used.
| Accommodation Type | Responsible Party | Registration Method |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel / Resort | Accommodation Staff | Online Portal |
| Apartment / Airbnb / Homestay | Landlord / Host | Online Portal or Ward Police |
| Private Residence | Homeowner | Online Portal or Ward Police |
Purpose of Registration
Temporary residence registration is a strict legal requirement under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam. Proper registration establishes legal standing during the stay and is necessary for all administrative interactions with state authorities, including police reports, visa modifications, and employment applications.