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Understanding the mandatory temporary residence declaration process for foreigners traveling or living in Vietnam in 2026.
What is Temporary Residence Registration?
Under Vietnamese law, every foreign visitor must be registered with the local police upon checking into any accommodation. This mandatory process is known as the "temporary residence declaration" (khai báo tạm trú). As of 2026, this system is primarily digital, and the registration must be completed within 12 hours of your arrival at the accommodation (or 24 hours in remote areas). This applies whether you entered using an eVisa, a visa exemption, or a traditional visa. For the full entry process, see our Entering Vietnam Guide.
You do not need to visit the police station yourself if you stay at a hotel. The hotel staff will handle this automatically using your passport.
Who is Responsible for the Registration?
In most cases, you don't have to lift a finger. The responsibility falls entirely on the accommodation provider. When you check into a hotel, hostel, or resort, they will ask to keep your passport or take a photo of your visa page and passport bio page. They use this information to log into the national immigration portal and register your stay. You can easily apply for a visa and enjoy your trip without worrying about the police registration, as long as you provide your passport to your host.
- Hotels, hostels, and resorts: Staff handle the registration via the online portal.
- Airbnb and homestay hosts: The landlord or host must register you.
- Staying with Vietnamese friends or family: The homeowner must declare your stay to the local ward police.
What Happens if You Rent an Apartment?
If you rent an apartment long-term or use a service like Airbnb, your landlord is legally required to register you. However, some landlords may ask you to do it yourself or might forget. It is highly recommended to remind them, as failing to register can lead to fines ranging from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND. Additionally, if you plan to extend your stay or apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) later, you will need a stamped "proof of residence" from the local police. If you want to stay longer, read about Vietnam visa extensions.
Always ask your landlord or Airbnb host: "Have you registered my temporary residence with the police?" and request a screenshot of the online portal confirmation.
Required Documents and Process
To facilitate the registration, you only need to provide two things to your host or hotel: your passport and your valid visa (such as an eVisa or visa exemption stamp). If you haven't secured your visa yet, you can apply for a Vietnam eVisa online before your trip. The host will input your details into the immigration portal.
| Accommodation Type | Who Registers | Registration Method |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel / Resort | Receptionist | Online Portal |
| Airbnb / Apartment | Landlord / Host | Online Portal or Ward Police |
| Private House (Friends/Family) | Homeowner | Online Portal or Ward Police |
Why is this Registration Important?
Beyond avoiding fines, the temporary residence registration is crucial for your safety and legal standing in Vietnam. It is required if you need to report a lost passport, extend a visa, open a bank account, or apply for a work permit. Make sure your eVisa details perfectly match your passport to avoid any hiccups during check-in. If you need a visa, start your eVisa application today.