Table of Contents
An overview of the most common administrative errors in Vietnam eVisa applications and the correct procedures to ensure compliance.
Common Causes for Vietnam eVisa Rejections
Most correctly submitted Vietnam eVisa applications are approved. However, administrative errors during the application process frequently result in rejections.
The majority of rejections are caused by preventable inaccuracies, such as typographical errors, non-compliant photographs, or mismatched passport data. Below are the 10 most common errors and the correct procedures to prevent them.
Error #1: Passport Information Discrepancies
This is the most frequent cause for rejection. The applicant's name, date of birth, passport number, and nationality must exactly match the data page of the passport. A single typographical error will result in an automatic rejection.
Prevention: Transcribe all information directly from the passport. Review every field carefully before submission.
The applicant's name must be entered exactly as it appears in the passport, including middle names, hyphens, and any special characters.
Error #2: Non-Compliant Passport Scans
A blurred, dark, or partially obscured passport scan is a leading cause of rejection. The immigration system requires a clear view of the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) located at the bottom of the passport data page.
Prevention: Utilize a flatbed scanner or capture a well-lit, high-resolution photograph of the passport on a flat surface. Ensure all four corners of the page are visible and the text is legible.
Error #3: Incorrect Portrait Photograph Format
Portrait photographs must adhere to specific requirements: 4x6cm dimensions, a plain white background, and the face must be centered and clearly visible. The photograph must have been taken within the last 6 months. Submissions with shadows, glasses, headwear, or non-white backgrounds are frequently rejected.
Prevention: Ensure the photograph is taken against a solid white background in adequate lighting. Remove any eyewear or headwear. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image frame.
Error #4: Insufficient Passport Validity
Vietnamese immigration regulations mandate that a passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry. Applications using passports that expire sooner will be rejected.
Prevention: Verify the passport expiration date prior to applying. If the passport expires within 6 months of the intended travel date, renewal is required before applying for an eVisa.
Error #5: Incorrect Entry Port Selection
Applicants are required to specify their intended port of entry. The eVisa is valid for 83 designated entry ports across Vietnam. Attempting to enter through a port different from the one specified on the approved eVisa may result in entry denial.
Prevention: Confirm the intended entry port (airport, land border, or seaport) prior to application submission. If travel itineraries change, a new eVisa application may be necessary.
Error #6: Delayed Application Submission
Standard processing typically requires 3 to 5 working days. This timeframe excludes weekends, Vietnamese public holidays, and potential delays during high-volume periods.
Prevention: Submit the eVisa application at least 1 to 2 weeks prior to the intended departure date. During peak travel seasons, applying 3 weeks in advance is recommended.
Error #7: Utilizing Unauthorized Platforms
Numerous third-party platforms may appear official but impose exorbitant processing fees or fail to process the application entirely. The official platform is the National Web Portal on Immigration.
Prevention: Submit applications exclusively through the official National Web Portal on Immigration or verified, authorized service providers. The standard government fee is $25 USD for a single-entry visa and $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
Applicants should exercise caution if a platform charges significantly more than the official government fees of $25 USD (single-entry) or $50 USD (multiple-entry).
Error #8: Failure to Print the Approved Document
While some immigration checkpoints may accept digital copies, official guidelines recommend presenting a printed copy of the approved eVisa upon arrival.
Prevention: Print at least two physical copies of the approved eVisa document to present to immigration officers alongside the passport.
Error #9: Misaligned Travel Dates
An eVisa is valid for a maximum of 90 days. Attempting to enter Vietnam prior to the stated validity start date or after the expiration date will result in denial of entry.
Prevention: Ensure the arrival date falls within the validity period specified on the approved eVisa. Should travel dates change outside this window, a new application must be submitted.
Error #10: Selecting the Incorrect Visa Category
Applicants intending to exit and re-enter Vietnam during their validity period must select a multiple-entry eVisa. A single-entry eVisa becomes invalid immediately upon exiting the country.
Prevention: Applicants planning side trips to neighboring countries must apply for a multiple-entry eVisa, which carries a processing fee of $50 USD.
Procedures Following a Rejection
In the event of a rejection, applicants should review the stated reason provided in the notification. Once the error (such as an incorrect photograph or typographical error) is identified, a new application must be submitted. The standard processing fee must be paid again, as previous payments are non-refundable.
Applicants requiring assistance in identifying the cause of a rejection may contact our support services for a review of their submission.