HCMC – Air passengers are legally responsible for all carry-on and checked baggage, including items carried on behalf of others.
The Ministry of Public Security has issued Circular 14/2026 which requires passengers to know the contents of their baggage and bear legal responsibility for those items during air travel.
Passengers must also comply with all aviation security screening, supervision, and control measures at airports throughout check-in and boarding procedures.
Airlines must verify that passengers match their boarding passes and identification. Accepted forms include physical ID, biometric authentication data, or legally valid electronic ID.
Carry-on baggage must be screened by X-ray. Security staff may conduct manual inspections or searches if suspicious signs are detected.
Those passengers checking in baggage must be present at check-in counters. Airline staff may question passengers about their baggage and notify aviation security officers if concerns arise.
The circular requires passengers to actively manage and verify their baggage. Passengers carrying or checking in luggage are considered legally responsible for its contents.
Passengers who carry items for others without verifying the contents may face legal consequences if prohibited or restricted items are found. Depending on the violation, penalties may include warnings, administrative sanctions, or criminal prosecution under applicable laws.
The same responsibility applies to organizations and individuals sending cargo or parcels by air.
Diplomatic and consular bags follow separate verification procedures. Authorities inspect seals and external markings and verify documents such as passports, authorization letters, and official confirmation from diplomatic or consular missions.
Transport operators may refuse to carry diplomatic or consular bags if there is evidence they contain prohibited or dangerous items. X-ray screening is only allowed with written airline requests and written consent from diplomatic or consular couriers.
