Circular No. 31/2025/TT-BCA on air transport security cards, permits, and certificates

 

CIRCULAR

Regulations on air security cards, permits, and certificates

 

Pursuant to Resolution No. 190/2025/QH15 dated February 19, 2025 of the National Assembly on handling certain issues related to the restructuring of the state apparatus;

Decree No. 02/2025/NĐ-CP dated February 18, 2025||| of Public Security;

"a) State agencies, organizations, and individuals owning power plants operating within the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam connected to the national power grid, except strategic multi-purpose hydropower plants, small renewable energy power plants applying the avoided cost tariff, power plants and units providing ancillary services, independently invested energy storage systems, and power plants applying the electricity purchase price mechanism as stipulated in relevant authorized documents;" Exit and Entry Administration;

Minister of of Public Security issues this Circular regulating air security cards, permits, and certificates.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates the subjects, conditions, authority, procedures, and responsibilities for issuing and managing air security cards, permits, and certificates.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to agencies, organizations, and individuals engaged in civil aviation activities in Vietnam or within the airspace under Vietnam's management; state management agencies and related agencies and individuals.

Article 3. Application of Law

The application of regulations on air security cards, permits, and certificates shall be carried out in accordance with this Circular and other legal documents issued before the effective date of this Circular, provided that they do not conflict with the content of this Circular.

Chapter II
AIR SECURITY CONTROL CARDS AND PERMITS

Article 4. Air Security Control Cards and Permits

1. Air security control cards and permits include:

a) Long-term and short-term air security control cards and permits for airports and airfields according to models 6, 7, 8, and 9 specified in Appendix I attached hereto;

b) Long-term and short-term internal air security control cards and permits;

c) Flight crew identification cards of airlines.

2. Air security control cards and permits must be kept confidential and protected against forgery.

3. Regulations on long-term air security control permits for airport facilities issued pursuant to this Circular only apply to self-propelled vehicles and road transport vehicles.

4. Flight crew identification cards of airlines; internal air security control cards and permits must not resemble the models of airport and airfield air security control cards and permits and must be reported to the provincial-level Exit-Entry Administration Bureau, Public Security Department for monitoring and management at the airports and airfields operated by the airlines and enterprises.

Article 5. Validity Period of Air Security Control Cards and Permits

1. Long-term air security control cards and permits for airports and airfields have a validity period of up to two years from the date of issuance.

2. Short-term air security control cards and permits for airports and airfields have a validity period of up to thirty days from the date of effectiveness.

3. Long-term internal air security control cards and permits for Vietnamese airlines have a validity period of up to two years from the date of issuance.

4. Short-term internal air security control cards and permits have a validity period of up to thirty days from the date of effectiveness.

Article 6. Subjects and Conditions for Issuing Airport and Airfield Air Security Control Cards

1. Subjects eligible for consideration for long-term airport and airfield air security control cards include:

a) Employees of airlines, airport enterprises, service providers, and tour operators working in restricted areas of airports and airfields under fixed-term or indefinite-term labor contracts as prescribed by labor laws;

b) Employees of cargo and postal companies operating via air transport;

c) Employees of enterprises conducting surveys, construction, repair, and maintenance work at airports and airfields;

d) Employees of state agencies, political organizations, and social-political organizations;

đ) Personnel of foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, and international organization representative offices in Vietnam.

2. Subjects specified in point a Clause 1 of this Article shall be issued long-term airport and airfield air security control cards if they meet the following conditions:

a) No criminal record as prescribed by law;

b) Assigned tasks by the airline or main enterprise to work in shifts or daily or periodically weekly or monthly in restricted areas of airports and airfields for at least three consecutive months or have inspection and supervision duties in the aviation sector in restricted areas.

3. Subjects specified in points b and c Clause 1 of this Article shall be issued long-term airport and airfield air security control cards if they meet the following conditions:

a) No criminal record as prescribed by law;

b) Assigned tasks by the managing enterprise to work in shifts or daily or periodically weekly or monthly in restricted areas of airports and airfields for at least three consecutive months.

4. Subjects specified in point d Clause 1 of this Article shall be issued long-term airport and airfield air security control cards provided they have no criminal record as prescribed by law and meet one of the following conditions:

a) Tasks related directly to civil aviation operations in the field of security and defense;

b) Serving special aircraft or special compartments as prescribed by law on special aircraft and special compartments;

c) Performing dedicated duties to welcome and see off international delegations of central-level political organizations, central-level state agencies, or provincial-level agencies.

d) Regularly and exclusively transporting and picking up officials holding key leadership positions and high-level leadership roles of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam State, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front as specified in Clause 1 of Article 10 of the Security Guard Law; members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, alternate members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Ministers and equivalent positions or higher; former members of the Politburo, former Secretaries of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, former Vice Presidents, former Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly, former Deputy Prime Ministers; Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries of provincial party committees directly under the central government; Chairpersons of Provincial People's Councils, Chairpersons of Provincial People's Committees; Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Public Security, Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Construction, Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Defense, Deputy Chief of General Staff, Director of the Operations Department of the General Staff, Director and Deputy Director of the Political General Department of the Vietnam People's Army; persons controlling vehicles as specified in points b and c of Clause 1 of Article 7 of this Circular;

đ) Assigned by the managing agency to work on shifts or daily or periodically weekly or monthly in restricted areas of airports for a continuous period of three months or more, or have the task of inspecting and supervising in the aviation sector in restricted areas;

e) Special cases examined and decided by the head of the authority issuing the card and bearing responsibility therefor;

5. The subjects specified in point đ of Clause 1 of this Article shall only be issued long-term security control cards for international airports if they have regular work in the diplomatic and consular sectors within restricted areas of airports;

6. Subjects and conditions for issuing short-term security control cards for airports are as follows:

a) Subjects with urgent tasks in restricted areas of airports or those specified in Clause 1 of this Article who have not been issued long-term security control cards for airports may be considered for issuance of short-term security control cards;

b) Individuals receiving short-term security control cards must read and understand the regulations on the use of cards stipulated in this Circular and commit to disseminating such regulations to users of the cards. Users of the cards bear the responsibility to contact someone to supervise and escort them into and operate within restricted areas according to regulations;

c) Special cases examined and decided by the head of the authority issuing the card and bearing responsibility therefor;

Article 7. Subjects and Conditions for Issuing Security Control Permits for Airports

1. Subjects eligible for consideration for issuance of long-term security control permits for airports include:

a) Vehicles operating regularly in restricted areas of airports;

b) Vehicles under the management of Party and State agencies tasked with serving special aircraft or special cargo compartments;

c) Vehicles under the management of Party and State agencies specifically serving the leaders of the Party and State mentioned in point d of Clause 4 of Article 6 of this Circular;

2. Subjects eligible for consideration for issuance of short-term security control permits for airports include:

a) Vehicles used to transport foreign guests from the level of Minister and above;

b) Vehicles performing urgent state management, defense, security, health, diplomatic tasks; serving airport operations in restricted areas;

c) Vehicles specified in Clause 1 of this Article but not yet issued long-term security control permits;

d) Special cases examined and decided by the head of the authority issuing the permit and bearing responsibility therefor;

3. Individuals receiving short-term security control permits for airports must read and understand the regulations on the use of permits stipulated in this Circular and commit to disseminating such regulations to users of the permitted vehicles. Users of the permitted vehicles bear the responsibility to contact someone to escort or guide vehicles according to regulations regarding entry, exit, and operation in restricted areas;

Article 8Scope of Issuance of Security Control Cards and Permits for Airports Security Control Cards and Permits for Airports

1. Scope of Issuance of Security Control Cards for Airports:

a) Individuals working at one airport shall only be issued long-term security control cards for that airport;

b) Individuals working at multiple airports shall be issued long-term security control cards for each airport where they work;

c) Individuals assigned to restricted areas shall only be issued security control cards for those specific restricted areas; individuals assigned to restricted areas during specific periods shall only be issued security control cards valid for those periods;

d) Short-term security control cards for airports shall only be valid for use at one airport;

2. Scope of Issuance of Security Control Permits for Airports:

a) Vehicles assigned to restricted areas shall only be issued security control permits for those specific restricted areas; vehicles assigned to restricted areas during specific periods shall only be issued security control permits valid for those periods;

b) Long-term and short-term security control permits for airports shall only be valid for use at one airport.

Article 9. Authority to Issue Security Control Cards and Permits for Airports

1. The Immigration Management Department has the authority:

a) To issue security control cards for airports with long-term validity at two or more airports and at airports where the Immigration Management Department is responsible for implementing aviation security measures;

b) To issue security control cards for airports with short-term validity and security control permits for airports with long-term and short-term validity at airports where the Immigration Management Department is responsible for implementing aviation security measures.

2. Provincial Public Security Departments have the authority to issue security control cards and permits for airports with long-term and short-term validity at airports where the Provincial Public Security Department is responsible for implementing aviation security measures.

3. Airlines issuing crew identification cards are permitted to enter and operate in restricted areas related to their duties.

4. Enterprises managing restricted-use areas issue internal security control cards and permits allowing entry and operation in their own restricted-use areas.

Article 10. Procedures for Issuing New and Reissuing Security Control Cards and Permits for Airports

1. Procedures for issuing new and reissuing security control cards and permits for airports with long-term validity are as follows:

a) The agency requesting the card or permit submits one set of application documents directly, through postal services, or via electronic means to the competent authority as prescribed in Appendix I attached to this Circular;

b) Within one working day from the date of receipt of the application, if the application is incomplete according to regulations, the issuing authority will notify and request supplementary information.

Within seven working days from the date of receiving all necessary documents and the applicant having fulfilled the payment obligation according to regulations, if the conditions are met, the issuing authority will issue the card or permit; if not, the issuing authority will notify in writing or electronically the requesting agency about the denial and specify the reasons.

c) The agency requesting the card or permit may choose to collect the result directly from the issuing authority or through postal services; in case of collecting results through postal services, postage fees must be paid.

2. Procedures for issuing security control cards and permits for airports with short-term validity are as follows:

a) The agency requesting the card or permit submits one set of application documents directly, through postal services, or via electronic means to the competent authority as prescribed in Appendix I attached to this Circular;

b) Within sixty minutes from the time of receiving all necessary documents and the applicant having fulfilled the payment obligation according to regulations, if the conditions are met, the issuing authority will issue the card or permit; if not, the issuing authority will notify directly or electronically the requesting agency about the denial and specify the reasons.

c) The agency requesting the card or permit collects the result directly from the issuing authority.

3. Review and Explanation of Issuance of Security Control Cards and Permits for Airports

a) The issuing authority is responsible for reviewing the application documents and contents regarding the subject, conditions, scope, and validity period of the card or permit;

b) Agencies, units, and individuals requesting the card or permit are responsible for explaining and providing supporting documents to the issuing authority to clarify the contents stipulated in point a, Clause 3 of this Article during the review process;

c) The issuing authority has the right to refuse issuance of the card or permit if the requesting unit or individual does not provide explanations or supporting documents, violates management and usage regulations of the card or permit, or is found to have made false declarations in the application for the card or permit.

Article 11. Management and Use of Security Control Cards and Permits for Civil Aviation Airports

1. The person granted the card, the user of the means of transport granted the permit must preserve and maintain the card and permit, and not allow others to use them under any circumstances. In cases where the person or means of transport holding the card or permit no longer have duties in restricted areas, they must return the card or permit to the agency that issued the card or permit. If the card or permit is lost, it must be reported immediately to the issuing agency and their own managing agency.

2. The security control cards and permits for civil aviation airports will be revoked if they fall into any of the following situations:

a) The holder of the card or the user of the means of transport granted the permit violates aviation security regulations;

b) The holder of the card or the user of the means of transport granted the permit disrupts order at civil aviation airports;

c) The holder of the card or the user of the means of transport granted the permit violates the regulations on the use of cards and permits;

d) The person granted the card no longer meets the criteria and conditions for obtaining the card;

đ) The means of transport granted the permit no longer meets the criteria and conditions for obtaining the permit.

3. The head of the agency or unit managing the persons and means of transport granted the cards and permits shall be responsible for:

a) Ensuring that the persons and means of transport proposed for granting cards and permits meet the criteria stipulated in Articles 6 and 7 of this Circular;

b) Ensuring the accuracy of the application files for cards and permits;

c) Explaining and providing documents to prove to the issuing agency during the file review process;

d) Specifying the management and use of cards and permits for individuals and means of transport within their unit when granted to ensure proper use. Retrieving and handing over to the issuing agency in cases where the cards and permits are revoked according to Clause 2 of this Article and lose their validity as specified in point a, Clause 1, Article 13 of this Circular. Reporting immediately in writing any cases of loss of cards and permits to the issuing agency. Within 15 days after the expiration of the use period of the cards and permits, they must destroy the cards and permits.

4. Persons entering and working in restricted areas must wear security control cards for civil aviation airports, except for staff of state agencies managing immigration at border gates who use identification badges as prescribed by the Ministry of Public Security.

Article 12. Displaying and Storing Application Files for Security Control Cards and Permits for Civil Aviation Airports

1. At the place where cards and permits are issued, regulations on application files and the issuance process must be displayed; there must be a logbook for receiving and delivering cards and permits.

2. Application files for cards and permits must be stored and destroyed in accordance with legal provisions on record keeping.

Article 13. Situations Where Cards and Permits Lose Their Validity and Reissuance of Security Control Cards and Permits for Civil Aviation Airports lose their validity and new cards, permits for aviation security control at airports shall be issued

1. Cards and permits lose their validity in the following situations:

a) Cards and permits are damaged; the content on the cards and permits is blurred, no longer showing security signs;

b) Situations where cards and permits are revoked as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 11 of this Circular;

c) Cards and permits are lost;

d) Situations requiring the revocation of cards and permits but the person or unit holding them does not return the cards and permits to the issuing agency.

2. The issuing agency must update the database or report immediately in writing the list of lost cards and permits to the air security control force to promptly prevent the use of lost cards and permits. Within 15 days after receiving the cards and permits that have lost their validity, the issuing agency must destroy the cards and permits.

3. Security control cards and permits for civil aviation airports may be considered for reissue in the following situations:

a) Cards and permits still have a valid usage period but are blurred, damaged, or no longer show security signs;

b) Cards and permits have expired; are lost; due to changes in position, work tasks, or the name of the agency proposing the issuance of the card has changed.

Chapter III

AIR SECURITY GUARD CARD,

INTERNAL SECURITY GUARD CARD

Article 14. Air Security Surveillance Card, Internal Security Surveillance Card, internal security supervisors

1. The air security surveillance card prescribed in Appendix II attached to this Circular.

2. The internal security surveillance card shall be issued by airlines or enterprises with security programs and regulations and must not resemble the model of the air security surveillance card and must notify the Exit and Entry Administration Department, provincial police managing airports where the airline operates or enterprises operate for supervision and management.

3. The air security surveillance card and the internal security surveillance card must be kept confidential and protected against forgery.

Article 15. Recipients and Conditions for Issuance of CardsFor Air Security Surveillance Card and Internal Security Surveillance Card aviation security supervisors, internal security supervisor cards 

1. Officers and soldiers of the Exit and Entry Administration Department, Exit and Entry Management Office, provincial police with airports shall be issued an air security surveillance card when meeting the following conditions:

a) Possessing specialized knowledge and experience in the field of aviation security;

b) Having at least three years of work experience in the field of aviation security or at least two years for those who have worked in the police force;

c) Completing the air security surveillance officer training course and obtaining a certificate or certification according to the regulations on vocational training, professional development, and aviation security training.

2. Staff members of airlines or enterprises with security programs and regulations shall be issued an internal security surveillance card when meeting the following conditions:

a) Having at least two years of work experience in the field of aviation security or at least one year for those who have worked in the police or military forces;

b) Completing the air security surveillance officer training course and obtaining a certificate or certification according to the regulations on vocational training, professional development, and aviation security training.

3. Air security surveillance officers and internal security surveillance officers shall be trained in aviation security according to the regulations of the Minister of Public Security.

Article 16Authority to Issue Cards gFor Air Security Surveillance Officer and Internal Security Surveillance Officer and internal security supervision

1. The Director of the Exit and Entry Administration Department has the authority to issue air security surveillance cards.

2. Airlines or enterprises with security programs and regulations decide on issuing internal security surveillance cards.

Chapter IV

LICENSE AND QUALIFICATION FOR AIRCRAFT SECURITY SCREENING STAFF

AVIATION SECURITY

Article 17. License and Qualification for Aircraft Security Screening Staff vfor aviation security personnel

1. The aircraft security screening staff license is prescribed in Appendix III attached to this Circular.

2. The aircraft security screening staff license is valid for eight years from the date of issuance. The validity period of the qualification for security screening staff is twelve months from the date of issuance; for mobile security staff and security screening staff, it is twenty-four months from the date of issuance. In cases where they do not perform the qualified tasks continuously for more than six months, the qualification will become invalid, and upon returning to work, they must undergo a requalification examination.

Article 18Recipients and Conditions for Issuance of Licenses and Qualifications for Aircraft Security Screening Staff

1. Aircraft security screening staff performing duties must hold a valid license and qualification issued by the Exit and Entry Administration Department.

2. The conditions for issuance of licenses and qualifications are as follows:

a) Possessing relevant professional certificates; having at least one month of practical training in relevant professional fields confirmed by the competent authority;

b) Participating in the professional qualification examination organized by the Exit and Entry Administration Department's Aircraft Security Screening Staff Examination Board and achieving a score of 85 or higher without receiving a zero (failed) mark.

Article 19. Authority to Issue Licenses and Qualifications for Aircraft Security Screening Staff issue permits, regulations for aviation security personnel

The Exit and Entry Administration Department has the authority to issue licenses and qualifications for aircraft security screening staff.

Article 20. Procedure for Issuing Licenses and Qualifications,For Aircraft Security Screening Staff for aviation security personnel

1. Agencies or units applying for initial issuance, renewal, extension, supplementation, and restoration of qualifications shall submit directly or through postal services or electronic environment one application form prescribed in Appendix III attached to this Circular to the Exit and Entry Administration Department and bear responsibility for the truthfulness and accuracy of the information recorded in the application form.

2. The Exit and Entry Administration Department shall review the application forms as follows:

a) Within two working days from the date of receipt of the application form, if the application form is incomplete or the requesting agency has not paid the required fee, the Exit and Entry Administration Department shall notify and request supplementary information according to the regulations;

b) The Exit and Entry Administration Department shall be responsible for reviewing the application forms, organizing examinations, and issuing, renewing, extending, supplementing, and restoring qualifications for aircraft security screening staff within twenty working days for initial issuance, renewal of expired licenses, extension, supplementation, and restoration; within seven working days for renewal of lost or damaged licenses from the date of receipt of the complete application form; the issued, renewed, extended, supplemented, and restored licenses and qualifications shall be sent directly or through postal services to the requesting agencies or units; in cases where issuance, renewal, extension, supplementation, and restoration are not granted, a written notice or notification on the electronic environment about non-issuance and the reasons shall be provided.

Article 21. Suspension of effect, revocation of permit, qualification for air security personnel

1. The Immigration Department shall suspend the effect or revoke the permit of air security personnel (this does not apply to air security personnel whose permits have been revoked according to the Government's regulations on administrative penalties in the civil aviation sector) in the following cases:

a) Revocation when the permit holder no longer meets the conditions stipulated in Clause 2, Article 18 of this Circular;

b) Suspension of the permit's effect for a maximum period of one month in cases of disciplinary reprimand; professional misconduct without causing security consequences;

c) Suspension of the permit's effect for a maximum period of three months in cases of a second disciplinary reprimand or warning;

d) Suspension of the permit's effect for a maximum period of six months in cases where duties are performed contrary to the permitted professional qualifications, qualification;

e) Revocation in cases where the permit holder commits professional misconduct causing aviation security consequences at airports; conceals violations of aviation security regulations.

2. Persons whose permits for air security personnel have been revoked under Clause 1 of this Article must pass a requalification examination to obtain a new permit, qualification when returning to work.

Chapter V

BADGE, PERMIT FOR AIRPORT SECURITY SERVICES FOR SPECIAL FLIGHTS AND CABINS

Article 22. Badge, permit for airport security services issued to persons and means of transport serving special flights and cabins

1. Issuance, management, and use of badges and permits for airport security services for persons and means of transport serving special flights and cabins shall be carried out in accordance with Chapter II of this Circular.

2. The model of badge and permit for airport security services for persons and means of transport serving special flights and cabins shall be specified in Appendix I attached to this Circular.

3. The head of the unit participating in serving special flights and cabins shall prepare a list of persons and means of transport regularly serving special flights and cabins and request the issuing authority to issue long-term badges and permits for airport security services, specifying the regular tasks of the persons and means of transport applying for such badges and permits to serve special flights and cabins.

4. The head of the unit participating in serving special flights and cabins shall prepare a list of persons and means of transport and request the issuing authority to issue short-term badges and permits for airport security services, specifying the specific tasks of the persons and means of transport serving special flights and cabins.

5. When performing security and safety protection tasks for protected individuals, the People's Public Security Guard Force shall use badges, vehicle insignia, and security PINs approved by the Commander of the Guard Command for operations in restricted areas and must notify the Immigration Department of the badge models, insignia, and security PINs for coordinated control.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 23. Responsibilities of the Exit and Entry Administration Department

1. Take the lead and advise the Ministry of Public Security to direct the implementation of issuing, managing, supervising, and guiding the use of air security cards, permits, and certificates.

2. Inspect and guide provincial police forces and relevant organizations and individuals in the implementation of work related to issuing, managing, and using air security cards, permits, and certificates.

3. In cases where enhanced security measures, emergency airport situations, or security reasons apply, the Exit and Entry Administration Department shall decide on restricting persons and means of transport that have been issued air security control cards, permits from entering restricted areas at airports and air stations, and immediately inform the Civil Aviation Administration Department and relevant Air Port Authorities.

4. Take the lead and coordinate with the Industrial Security Bureau to produce card blanks, permits, and security certificates ensuring confidentiality and anti-forgery features, timely supplying the requirements of authorized agencies.

Article 24Responsibilities of the Guard Command

Take the lead and advise the Ministry of Public Security to issue guidelines on procedures, formalities, and subjects for issuing, managing, and using security cards, badges, and PINs for activities in restricted areas at airports serving special aircraft flights as stipulated in Clause 5, Article 22 of this Circular.

Article 25Responsibilities of Provincial Policehaving airportsand air stations

1. Take the lead in implementing the issuance, management, supervision, and guidance on the use of air security control cards and permits at airports and air stations under the management of provincial police forces.

2. In cases where enhanced security measures, emergency airport situations, or security reasons apply, provincial police forces shall decide on restricting persons and means of transport that have been issued air security control cards and permits from entering restricted areas at airports and air stations, and immediately inform the Exit and Entry Administration Department and relevant Air Port Authorities.

Article 26Effectiveness and Transitional Provisions

1. This Circular takes effect from April 21, 2025.

2. Air security cards, permits, and certificates issued before the effective date of this Circular shall continue to be used until their validity period expires as indicated on the cards, permits, and certificates.

Article 27. Implementation Organization

1. The Exit and Entry Administration Department is responsible for coordinating with relevant units to monitor, inspect, and guide the implementation of this Circular.

2. Heads of subordinate units under the Ministry and Directors of provincial police forces are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.

During the implementation of this Circular, if there are any difficulties, local police units, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals shall promptly report and exchange information with the Ministry of Public Security (through the Exit and Entry Administration Department) for guidance./.