The Vietnam eVisa, formally known as the Vietnam electronic visa, has become the preferred entry method for nearly all foreign travelers thanks to its simplicity, low cost, and extended validity of up to 90 days. Completing the Vietnam evisa application usually takes only a few minutes, yet even minor mistakes can result in processing delays, refusal of issuance, and potentially the loss of an entire planned trip.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the 10 most frequent mistakes made by applicants—issues repeatedly encountered by thousands of travelers seeking assistance after their applications were delayed or denied.
Let’s explore the most common pitfalls with the Vietnam eVisa application process.
Common Mistakes with the Vietnam eVisa Application
1. Unacceptable Passport Photo or Portrait
This remains the number one cause of stalled Vietnam eVisa processing.
Before applying, prepare a passport-style portrait and a clear image of your passport’s bio-data page. Both files must be under 2MB, in JPG or PNG format, and meet specific quality standards:
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The portrait must be of good quality, taken within the last six months, with a plain background, no glasses, no sleeveless tops, and the applicant facing the camera directly. Cropped images from passports are not accepted.
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The passport data page must show the entire page, including ICAO lines.
When uploading them to the application form:
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Upload the portrait in the first section.
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Upload the passport data page in the second field.
Many applicants mistakenly upload two portraits or two passport pages, causing mismatches and lengthy processing delays.
Tip: Prepare compliant photos and upload each file to the correct fields as guided.
2. Incorrect Personal Information
Providing inaccurate personal information is a frequent problem for Vietnam eVisa applicants.
Errors are commonly found in:
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Surname and Given Name
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Date of birth
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Passport number
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Passport issue and expiry dates
Even though some fields auto-populate based on the uploaded passport image, applicants should always verify:
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Names match ICAO lines exactly and contain no special characters
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All dates follow DD/MM/YYYY format
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The full passport number is entered accurately
A Vietnam eVisa issued with incorrect details will be invalid at the border.
3. False Accommodation Information
Applicants sometimes enter an accommodation address in Vietnam that does not actually exist or has not been booked. The Immigration Department may verify this with your hotel or host, and false information can result in immediate refusal.
4. Misunderstanding Visa Validity
Many travelers incorrectly assume their Vietnam eVisa becomes valid on the day they enter Vietnam.
In reality:
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The eVisa becomes valid from the arrival date stated on the application, not the date of physical entry.
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You may enter on or after that date — never before.
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Entering too close to the expiry date shortens your stay and leaves no room for adjustments.
Accurate travel planning and confirmed flight schedules are essential.
5. Applying While Inside Vietnam
A Vietnam eVisa can only be applied for when the applicant is outside Vietnam.
Some travelers attempt to submit an application while still in Vietnam, usually while planning a same-day visa run for a new stay in Vietnam. These applications are automatically rejected.
Tip: Submit your eVisa application only when you are physically outside Vietnam.
If you need a quick turnaround for re-entry, an Emergency eVisa service may prevent long visa-run delays.
6. Not Applying Separately for Children
The field “Under 14 years old accompanying child(ren) included in your passport” is often misunderstood.
This only applies if:
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The child’s name is physically printed inside the parent’s passport.
If the child has their own passport, they must have a separate eVisa.
Some parents mistakenly add children with independent passports to their own application. When the eVisa is issued, the child’s name appears on the parent’s visa—but not in the parent’s passport—leaving the child with no valid visa and therefore unable to board the flight.
Tip: Always apply separately for children who hold their own passports.
7. Not Monitoring Application Status
Many applicants assume that once the form is submitted, the approval will simply arrive.
However:
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The system does not send automatic approval emails.
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You must manually check your status using your registration code, email, and date of birth.
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Failure to monitor may result in missing requests for corrections or additional documents.
Missed updates often lead to delays—or worse, no visa issued in time for travel.
8. Not Reviewing the Issued eVisa
Errors can occur in the issued document, whether due to applicant mistakes or system processing.
Always verify:
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Name spelling
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Passport number
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Dates
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Validity period
If you catch an issue early, you can apply for a replacement before your travel date, preventing airport denial and last-minute costs.
9. Ignoring Weekends and Public Holidays
Processing times do not include weekends or Vietnamese public holidays.
During peak holiday periods—especially Tet (Lunar New Year)—processing can slow dramatically.
Applicants who submit too close to their travel date often face delays simply because they didn’t consider non-working days.
10. Confusing the Vietnam eVisa with Visa on Arrival
Many travelers assume the eVisa is identical to the Visa on Arrival (VOA).
These are two different systems:
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Vietnam eVisa → fully online; no airport visa counter needed
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Visa on Arrival → requires a pre-approval letter and airport stamping on arrival
Understanding the difference ensures you follow the right process at the right entry point.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes with the Vietnam eVisa
There are two primary strategies to reduce the likelihood of errors during your Vietnam eVisa application: exercising meticulous care while completing the form and utilizing a reliable visa support service.
Be Careful When Completing the eVisa Form
a. Verify all personal information:
Take extra caution when entering your full name, passport information, and other identifying details. Even a minor typo can cause processing issues or invalidate your eVisa entirely.
b. Provide precise travel information:
Ensure that every detail related to your trip—purpose of entry, expected arrival and departure dates, and chosen port of entry—is correct. Any inconsistency may lead to delays or rejection.
c. Check your passport validity:
Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date in Vietnam. If it is close to expiring, it is advisable to renew it before applying for the eVisa.
d. Follow the photo guidelines:
The photo you upload must meet the specified size, resolution, and background requirements. Submitting an incorrect or low-quality photo may result in denial of the application.
e. Carefully review your form:
Before submitting, go over every detail you entered. A few minutes spent reviewing the form can prevent unnecessary complications later.
Use a Trusted Vietnam eVisa Service
When using a reputable support service such as 68SOLUTIONS, applicants benefit from:
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Comprehensive verification of all personal data, including full name, birthdate, passport details, nationality, and other required information
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Guidance on selecting the correct visa type and understanding the validity period
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Clear explanations for any uncertainties throughout the process
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Continuous updates on the status of the eVisa application
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Immediate support when issues arise or corrections are needed
Choosing a professional service significantly reduces the chance of errors and ensures a smoother, stress-free Vietnam eVisa experience.
APPLY FOR VIETNAM E-VISA
If additional assistance is required—even after an application mistake—support is available through Hotline/WhatsApp/Zalo (+84) 982 500 802
FAQs
Wrong Port of Entry on Vietnam eVisa
Q: I selected Noi Bai Airport on my eVisa application, but changed my plan and want to enter via Tan Son Nhat Airport. Will this be a problem?
A: No. The current Vietnam eVisa format does not list the port of entry, so you may enter through any eligible checkpoint.
Incorrect Name on Vietnam eVisa
Q: I failed to include my middle name when applying for the eVisa, but it was still approved. What should I do?
A: You should apply for a new Vietnam eVisa. You may also contact the support team to see if assistance is available for your situation.
If you have not chosen the correct type of visa, see our full guide here:
>> Vietnam Visa: Your complete guide to apply in 2025
For expert assistance and legal support with business visa applications or sponsorship procedures, contact 68 SOLUTIONS — your trusted immigration and legal partner in Vietnam.
Contact 68SOLUTIONS today for expert assistance and up-to-date immigration support via hotline: (+84) 982 500 802
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