Common Mistakes in Vietnam E-Visa Applications

1. Inadequate Passport Photo and Portrait

One of the most common reasons for delays in the Vietnam e-visa application process is submitting unqualified passport photos.

Before applying, ensure you have both a passport photo and a recent portrait ready. These images should be clear, sized under 2MB, and saved in either JPG or PNG format.

·        Portrait Requirements:

– Recent (taken within the last 6 months)

– High quality with a plain background

– No glasses and no tank tops

– Face the camera directly

– You cannot crop an image from your passport; such images will be rejected.

·        Passport Bio Page Photo:

– Must be a high-quality image showing the full page, including all ICAO lines.

When uploading photos in the application form, make sure to place the portrait in the first field and the passport bio page photo in the second field. Submitting both portraits or passport photos incorrectly can lead to changes in the submitted images and extend the approval process.

2. Providing Incorrect Personal Information

One of the most frequent mistakes applicants make when applying for a Vietnam e-Visa is entering incorrect personal details. Common Mistakes Include:

·        Names: The instructions for completing the e-Visa application on the Vietnam Immigration portal can be confusing and open to interpretation. It’s crucial that the spelling and spacing of your full name exactly match the ICAO line on your passport. Ensure you provide your complete name, as many applicants tend to leave it incomplete, leading to delays in processing. Even if your e-Visa application is approved, discrepancies can result in being denied boarding for flights or entry at the border.

·        Date of Birth: Always use the correct format of DD/MM/YYYY, as opposed to the mm/dd/yyyy format that is common in some regions.

·        Passport Number: Make sure to include the entire passport number exactly as it appears in your passport.

·        Passport Expiry Date: This must be entered in its precise form without any errors.

Remember, all passport details must be entered accurately, letter by letter and number by number, to ensure smooth entry into Vietnam. 

3. Misunderstanding Visa Validity

A common misconception regarding the Vietnam e-Visa is that its validity begins on the date of arrival. Many travelers mistakenly plan their trips close to the visa’s expiry, which can limit their stay and may necessitate a visa extension for additional time in the country.

In reality, the e-Visa becomes active on the arrival date specified in your application. While you cannot enter Vietnam before this date, you also shouldn’t delay your entry for too long. If you wait too long, the 30-day validity period may expire without your arrival. Therefore, it’s essential to have a clear travel plan and flight schedule to ensure you make the most of your time in Vietnam.

4. Applying While in Vietnam

It’s important to note that the e-Visa must be applied for while you are outside of Vietnam. Many travelers mistakenly submit their e-Visa applications while already in the country, hoping to perform a same-day visa run to extend their stay. Such applications will be automatically denied.

5. Failing to Apply for Visas for Accompanying Children

When applying for an e-Visa, be aware of the section labeled: “Under 14 years old accompanying child(ren) included in your passport (if any).” This option is only applicable if your children’s names are listed in your passport. If your children have their own passports, they will need separate visas, just like adults.

Some parents mistakenly add their children’s names to the same visa application, assuming it will cover them as well. Consequently, the visa may be issued listing the children on the parent’s visa, even though they don’t appear in the parent’s passport. This means that the children will not have valid visas and will not be allowed to board the plane.

6. Online Status Tracking

Applicants often assume that the results of their e-Visa application will be automatically sent to their email, given the online nature of the process. However, many may not be aware of the status check function available on the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website.

After three working days, it’s essential to visit the website directly to manually check the status of your application. You can track the outcome using your registration code, email, and date of birth. Please note that due to the high volume of applications processed daily, no email notifications regarding issued e-Visas will be sent to applicants.

7. Failing to Double-Check Information on the e-Visa

Mistakes can occur during the e-Visa application process, leading to incorrect information. However, if you notice discrepancies when downloading your e-Visa, you still have the opportunity to apply for a new one and adjust your travel plans accordingly. This proactive approach will be more cost-effective than facing denial at the airport on departure day and will minimize potential complications.

While it’s rare, errors can sometimes originate from the Vietnam Immigration Department. Therefore, it’s essential to verify all details upon receiving your e-Visa. If you spot any inaccuracies, promptly contact the Department to address the issue before your travel.