International travel after cosmetic surgery can indeed present challenges at border control, particularly if facial features have significantly changed from your passport photo. While minor enhancements may not pose an issue, experts and authorities consistently advise preparation and, in some cases, obtaining a new passport to ensure a smooth journey.

This concern is exemplified by Minh Huyen, who underwent facial cosmetic surgery one month ago, including nose, chin, and eyelid procedures. While acquaintances still recognize her, a direct comparison with her passport photo, which is valid until 2029 and was taken before her surgery, reveals noticeable differences. With an upcoming trip to South Korea, Minh Huyen is apprehensive that these changes could lead to issues during immigration and emigration procedures.

A 56-year-old woman from Sichuan after procedures to address sagging skin on her face and neck, wrinkles, and changes to her eyes and nose. Shanghaiist

A 56-year-old woman from Sichuan after procedures to address sagging skin on her face and neck, wrinkles, and changes to her eyes and nose. Shanghaiist

Minh Huyen questions how rigorously immigration officers compare a traveler’s actual face to their passport photo. She also worries about potential delays or additional scrutiny, and whether she would need to provide medical records or a certificate of cosmetic surgery as explanation.

Pham Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of Du Lich Viet travel company, addresses these concerns, noting that his company has encountered situations where clients who recently underwent cosmetic procedures, with faces still swollen, were denied entry at border crossings. He views this as an operational risk and incorporates it into mandatory consultation questions for sales staff and tour guides.

For cases like Minh Huyen’s, involving mild enhancements such as a slightly refined nose, a more defined chin, or clearer eyelids, where friends still recognize the individual, the risk of being denied entry or exit due to facial differences is low. This applies if the swelling has completely subsided, facial features remain recognizable, and the individual cooperates during any detailed questioning. However, Pham Anh Vu strongly recommends three immediate actions:

First, review your passport photo: If friends can still recognize you in the old photo, perceiving it as a "prettier version" of yourself, you can likely proceed with your upcoming trip normally. If both you and your relatives find you "unrecognizable," consider applying for a new passport for future trips.

Second, prepare supporting documents: Carry your chip-enabled citizen identification card, driver's license, and other photo identification cards. Save pre- and post-surgery photos on your phone in case you need to explain the changes. Additionally, bring your medical records from the hospital where the cosmetic procedure was performed.

Third, inform your travel company in advance if you are traveling with a tour group.

Regarding Minh Huyen's specific situation, if there is no remaining swelling and the changes are a "slight upgrade," Du Lich Viet typically assesses that travel is possible. However, they would still advise obtaining a new passport for future trips, aligning with recommendations from immigration authorities.

Pham Anh Vu also emphasizes that while cosmetic surgery is a personal choice for beauty, traveling too soon after a procedure always poses health risks. If possible, he suggests rescheduling cosmetic procedures until after your trip or ensuring at least several weeks to a few months pass between the surgery and your travel date.

Official recommendations also underscore the importance of updated documentation. Colonel Nguyen Ba Tuan, Deputy Director of the Immigration Department (A08, Ministry of Public Security), stated on 28/2/2025, at a press conference regarding a new government decree effective 1/3/2025, that immigration control has consistently advised on facial discrepancies. He stressed that citizens who have undergone cosmetic surgery should apply for new citizen identification cards and passports to avoid difficulties during immigration and emigration procedures.

This measure is crucial for ensuring smooth immigration not only domestically but also internationally, as any significant discrepancies can greatly impact the process, Colonel Tuan warned.