The Vietnam e-Visa, also known as the Vietnam electronic visa, is a popular choice among travelers due to its convenience, affordability, and extended validity of up to 90 days. Although filling out the Vietnam eVisa application form usually takes just a few minutes, even a small mistake can lead to a rejection, resulting in a waste of both money and the entire trip to Vietnam. In this article, drawing from years of experience working with Vietnam eVisas, we will highlight 7 common mistakes that thousands of applicants have made and later sought our help to resolve. Let’s dive into the 7 most common mistakes in the Vietnam e-Visa application process.

1. Common Vietnam e-Visa Mistakes

1.1. Incorrect Passport and Portrait Photos

One of the most frequent issues that cause delays or rejections in the Vietnam eVisa application process is submitting unqualified passport and portrait photos.

Before starting your eVisa application, it’s important to prepare a passport photo and a recently taken portrait. These images must meet the following criteria: they should be clear, under 2MB in size, and saved in JPG or PNG format.

• The portrait must be of high quality, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain background, no glasses, no tank top, and facing directly towards the camera. Importantly, do not crop the image from your passport page as it will not be accepted.
• The passport bio page photo must be of good quality, showing the entire page, including all ICAO lines.

When uploading these photos to the application form, ensure that the portrait is uploaded to the first field and the passport bio page photo to the second field. A common mistake is uploading the wrong images in the wrong fields, which can lead to processing delays or even rejection of the application.

1.2. Providing Incorrect Personal Information

Entering incorrect personal details is another common mistake applicants make when applying for a Vietnam eVisa. Based on our experience, the most frequent errors occur in the following areas:

• Names: The instructions on the Vietnam Immigration portal website (https://E-visa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu) can be confusing. It is essential to ensure that your full name’s spelling and spacing exactly match the ICAO line in your passport. You must enter your complete full name, as incomplete names can delay your visa processing. Even if your eVisa is approved, you may be denied boarding or entry into Vietnam due to name discrepancies.
• Date of Birth: The correct format for the date of birth is DD/MM/YYYY. Many applicants mistakenly use the MM/DD/YYYY format out of habit, leading to issues.
• Passport Number: Ensure the entire passport number is entered exactly as it appears in your passport.
• Passport Expiry Date: You must enter the exact expiry date as it is on your passport.

All passport details must be entered correctly, letter by letter and number by number, to ensure smooth entry into Vietnam.

1.3. Misunderstanding Visa Validity

A common misunderstanding about the Vietnam eVisa is that its validity starts on the date of arrival and is calculated from that day. As a result, some travelers arrive in Vietnam close to the eVisa’s expiry date, which shortens their stay and may require a visa extension to remain in the country.

In reality, the eVisa’s validity begins on the arrival date you provided in your application. Although you cannot enter Vietnam before this date, you can arrive on or after it. However, delaying your entry too long will reduce the time you can spend in Vietnam, as the 30-day validity period starts from the specified arrival date. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan your trip and flight schedule carefully.

1.4. Applying While You Are in Vietnam

It’s important to note that the Vietnam eVisa is only valid if applied for while you are outside of Vietnam. Many travelers mistakenly submit their eVisa applications while still in the country, hoping to do a same-day visa run for a new stay in Vietnam. These applications will be rejected.

Tip: Ensure that you submit your eVisa application when you are outside Vietnam. If you wish to avoid a multi-day visa run, you can opt for our Emergency Vietnam eVisa service, which allows you to obtain the eVisa quickly, enabling you to return to Vietnam as soon as possible.

1.5. Failing to Apply for a Visa for Accompanying Children

When filling out your eVisa application, you may notice an option for “Under 14 years old accompanying child(ren) included in your passport (if any).” This option is only applicable if your child’s name is included in your passport. 

If your children have their own passports, they must have separate visas, just like adults. Some parents are unaware of this and mistakenly add their children’s names to their own visa application, even though the children have their own passports.

As a result, when the visa is issued, the children’s names appear on the parent’s visa, but since they aren’t listed in the parent’s passport, the children technically have no valid visa. This means they won’t be allowed to board the plane.

Tips: Always apply for a separate visa for your children if they have their own passport.

1.6. Online Status Tracking

Some applicants mistakenly believe that their eVisa result will be automatically sent to the email address they provided during the application process, or they may not be aware of the status check function on the website. 

However, after 3 working days, it’s essential to proactively visit the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website to manually check the status of your application. You can track your application by using your registration code, email, and date of birth. Due to the high volume of applications, eVisa issuance notifications are not sent via email.

1.7. Failing to Double-Check eVisa Information

Even if you’ve been careful, mistakes can still happen, leading to incorrect information on your Vietnam eVisa. If you notice an error when downloading your eVisa, you still have time to apply for a new one and adjust your travel plans accordingly. This will likely be less costly than being denied boarding at the airport on your departure day.

Errors in your eVisa could also be due to mistakes made by the Vietnam Immigration Department, although this is less common. It’s important to carefully verify all details on your eVisa when you receive it. If you find any errors, contact the Department immediately so they can resolve the issue before your trip.

2. How to Avoid Common Mistakes with Vietnam eVisa

To minimize mistakes in your Vietnam visa application, you can follow two key strategies: 

• Being meticulous when completing the form 
• Using a trusted Vietnam visa service.

2.1. Be Meticulous When Completing the eVisa Form

1. Double-Check Personal Information: Pay close attention when entering your name, passport details, and other personal information. Even small errors can cause problems with your eVisa application.
2. Provide Accurate Travel Details: Ensure that all details related to your travel plans, such as the purpose of your visit, intended entry and exit dates, and port of arrival, are correct. Inconsistencies can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
3. Ensure Passport Validity: Verify that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date into Vietnam. If your passport is nearing its expiration, it’s wise to renew it before applying for the eVisa.
4. Follow Photo Requirements: Adhere to the specified guidelines for the passport photo, including size, resolution, and background color. Not meeting these requirements can result in the rejection of your application.
5. Review Your Application: Before submitting your eVisa application, thoroughly review all the information to ensure it’s correct. Taking a few extra minutes to double-check can save you from potential complications later on.

2.2 Use a Vietnam-visa service

When you opt for the eVisa service provided by VietnamTouristServices.com you can expect several key benefits:

• Comprehensive Detail Verification: Every aspect of your application, including your full name, date of birth, gender, passport number, passport expiry date, and nationality, is thoroughly checked to ensure accuracy.
• Expert Guidance on Visa Types and Validity: You’ll receive advice on the most suitable visa type for your needs and the appropriate validity period to apply for, ensuring your visa aligns with your travel plans.
• Clear Answers to Your Questions: Any doubts or questions you have about the eVisa application process will be promptly addressed, providing you with clarity and confidence.
• Regular Status Updates: Stay informed about the progress of your eVisa application with regular updates, so you’re never left wondering about your application’s status.
• Immediate Assistance for Any Issues: Should any problems arise during the application process, you’ll receive immediate support to resolve them quickly and efficiently.

Choosing a VietnamTouristServices service like this ensures a smooth and stress-free eVisa application experience.

If you need any further assistance, even if you’ve made a mistake on your eVisa application, feel free to reach out to us at Support@vietnamtouristservices.com or via our hotline/WhatsApp at (+84) 918 212 468. We’re here to help and will do our best to assist you.

3. FAQs

3.1. Incorrect Port of Entry on Vietnam eVisa

Q: I initially selected Noi Bai Airport as my entry point on my Vietnam eVisa application, but now I plan to enter through Tan Son Nhat Airport. Will this be an issue?
A: No, it won’t be a problem. The current Vietnam eVisa format does not specify the port of entry, so you can change your entry point without any issues.

3.2.Wrong Name on Vietnam eVisa

Q: I accidentally left out my middle name on my Vietnam eVisa application, but it was still approved and I received my eVisa. What should I do now?
A: In this situation, it’s advisable to apply for a new Vietnam eVisa. You can also reach out to us to see if there’s anything we can do to assist you.

If you are looking for easier visa processing, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Wolo Tours JSC

• Address: 2nd floor – No 02, Alley 232, Yen Hoa St., Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 22:00 Vietnam time (GMT +7) (closed on Vietnamese holidays)
• Website: https://vietnamtouristservices.com
• Hotline: (+84) 918 212 468
• Email: Support@vietnamtouristservices.com