Vietnam eVisa Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistakes on a Vietnam eVisa application can cost you time, money, or even your entire trip. This article highlights the Vietnam eVisa common mistakes travelers face and shows you how to avoid them for a hassle-free entry.
Vietnam eVisa Common Mistakes
Mistakes in Personal Information and Documents
Vietnam eVisa common mistakes, such as errors in personal details or travel documents, can lead to delays or rejections. The good news is that these mistakes are easy to avoid with some extra attention.
Incorrect passport information
It is common for applicants to make small errors when filling out the Vietnam eVisa form. Small mistakes like an incorrect passport number, misspelled name, or wrong date of birth can cause big issues down the line.
Even if the system automatically fills in your details from the uploaded passport image, you should manually double-check everything. Here are the most common Vietnam eVisa common mistakes to watch for:
- Your full name must match the ICAO line on your passport.
- Make sure to use the date format DD/MM/YYYY, not MM/DD/YYYY
- Passport numbers must be entered fully and exactly as shown.
If your eVisa information does not match your passport, you could be denied boarding or entry into Vietnam.
Poor-quality photos and wrong file uploads
Another frequent issue and a common cause of Vietnam eVisa common mistakes comes from uploading wrong or poor-quality images. To avoid delays in your Vietnam eVisa approval, prepare:
- A portrait photo taken within the last six months, with a plain white background. No glasses, no hats, no tank tops.
- A complete, clear scan of your passport information page, showing all details including the ICAO lines.
When uploading files, pay attention:
- Upload the portrait photo into the first field.
- Upload the scanned passport page into the second field.
Switching the two photos or submitting unclear images is a common Vietnam eVisa mistake that can delay your visa approval.
Passport validity issues
Before applying, check your passport carefully. It must be valid for at least six months from your intended arrival date in Vietnam. Also, it should have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps. If your passport does not meet these requirements, your visa application may be rejected, or you could be refused entry even if the eVisa is approved.
Mistakes in Application Form Choices
Selecting the wrong port of entry
Your eVisa will specify the airport, seaport, or land border checkpoint where you are allowed to enter Vietnam. If you show up at a different entry point, you may be denied entry.
To avoid this mistake, which is among the Vietnam eVisa common mistakes, make sure to double-check your arrival port before submitting your application. Review your travel plans to ensure everything matches. If your travel plans change after receiving your eVisa, apply for a new one, as the entry port cannot be updated once issued.
Choosing the wrong visa type or purpose
The Vietnam eVisa is designed for tourism, short business trips, or visiting relatives. It's not for long-term work, studying, or other special purposes. Many applicants mistakenly choose the wrong purpose for their visit or assume the eVisa allows for longer stays or multiple entries, which is another example of Vietnam eVisa common mistakes.
Key points to remember:
- The Vietnam eVisa is valid for a single entry only.
- The maximum stay allowed is 90 days, depending on the approval.
For long stays, work, or study, you will need to get the appropriate visa from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Picking the wrong type can cause serious issues later on, like fines or problems with future visas.
Mistakes in Understanding Visa Terms
Some applicants make the Vietnam eVisa common mistakes of thinking the visa is valid from entering Vietnam. In reality, it starts from the entry date selected on the application form, even if they arrive later.
For example, if you choose August 1 as your entry date, your Vietnam eVisa will be valid starting that day. Delaying your arrival will not extend the visa and could shorten your allowed stay.
To avoid this, plan your travel carefully based on the date you selected when applying, not the day you plan to fly. Forgetting this detail is one of the most common mistakes with Vietnam eVisa common mistakes.
Another common mistake in Vietnam eVisa is assuming it allows multiple entries. The standard Vietnam eVisa permits only one entry. Once you leave Vietnam, you cannot use the same visa again. If you plan to leave and return, you must apply for a new eVisa in advance.
Mistakes during Application Submission
Applying too close to your travel date
Many travelers make the Vietnam eVisa common mistakes of applying just a few days before their trip. Processing is usually fast, but things can go wrong — technical errors, public holidays, or sudden surges in applications. Applying at least two to three weeks in advance is much safer. This gives you time to fix unexpected issues without changing your travel plans.
Ignoring Email Updates and System Notifications
Another frequent cause of Vietnam eVisa common mistakes is applying and waiting passively. The Immigration Department may request extra documents or corrections, but they do not always send automatic email alerts. Keep an eye on your eVisa process. A small missed update could cost you time, or worse, your visa approval.
Payment Issues
Payment failure during application
Seeing a "Payment Failed" message after submitting your form is a frustrating Vietnam eVisa common mistake.
It usually happens because of:
- Incorrect card details
- Insufficient account balance
- Bank blocking international payments
- Temporary glitches in the payment system
If this happens, take a moment to double-check everything:
Make sure your card is valid, has enough funds, and is cleared for international transactions. If nothing works, switch cards or call your bank. Sometimes, it is just a server hiccup — waiting a few hours and trying again can help.
Not Verifying Payment Confirmation
Paying is not the final step. A critical Vietnam eVisa common mistake is assuming that your application is safe once you pay. In reality, payment errors can occur silently, without warning.
Always check whether you received a confirmation email and verify your application status on the official portal. No confirmation? Act fast. Contact the immigration office or review your status online. Otherwise, you might realize too late that your application was never valid.
Mistakes in Choosing Visa Services
One of the serious Vietnam eVisa common mistakes is applying through unofficial or fake websites.
Many of these sites look professional but are not connected to the official Vietnam Immigration Department. They often:
- Charge much higher fees than the official service
- Provide wrong or outdated information
- Risk of leaking your data to third parties
Always make sure you are applying through the right website. The official Vietnam eVisa portal is https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/. If you find a link through ads or unfamiliar sites, take a moment to double-check it before you submit anything.
FAQ
How early should I apply for a Vietnam eVisa?
It is best to apply at least two to three weeks before your travel date to avoid unexpected delays. Applying too late is one of the common Vietnam eVisa mistakes.
Can I change my port of entry after getting the eVisa?
No, you cannot change your port of entry once the eVisa is issued. If your arrival point changes, you must apply for a new eVisa.
What should I do if I find mistakes on my eVisa?
You should apply for a new eVisa as soon as possible. Traveling with incorrect information is among the serious Vietnam eVisa common mistakes that can cause problems at immigration.
Can I extend my Vietnam eVisa while staying in Vietnam?
No, normally you cannot extend a Vietnam eVisa while in Vietnam. You will need to leave the country and apply for a new visa if you want to stay longer.
What happens if I overstay my Vietnam eVisa?
Overstaying can lead to fines, difficulties with future visa applications, or even deportation.
Do I need to print out my Vietnam eVisa?
Yes, be sure to have a printed version of your eVisa along with your passport for your journey.
Conclusion
Mistakes like applying too late, using the wrong port of entry, or overstaying your visa are among the most common Vietnam eVisa common mistakes travelers face. One small mistake can cost you time, money, or even your trip. Checking your details twice, choosing the right options, and following up properly makes all the difference.
If you want peace of mind from the start, Seniword can help. We handle the process carefully to avoid Vietnam eVisa common mistakes and ensure your application is correct from the beginning.