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Fake visa websites charge excessive fees or steal your data. Here's how to identify them and ensure you apply through a legitimate channel.
The Problem: Vietnam Visa Scams Are Common
Every year, thousands of travelers fall victim to fake Vietnam visa websites. These sites are designed to look official and often appear near the top of Google search results through paid advertising.
The consequences range from paying inflated fees ($100-$200+ instead of $25-$50) to having your personal data and passport information stolen. In the worst cases, travelers pay for a visa that never arrives, leaving them stranded at the airport.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Fake Visa Website
Watch out for these warning signs:
- 🚩 Charges more than $80 for a single-entry eVisa (government fee is only $25-$50)
- 🚩 Uses a domain name similar to but not exactly the official portal (e.g., vietnam-evisa-gov.com)
- 🚩 Claims to be the 'official' site but has no verifiable company information
- 🚩 Has no physical address, phone number, or live support
- 🚩 Uses urgency tactics ('Apply in the next 10 minutes!', 'Only 5 slots left!')
- 🚩 Has broken English, inconsistent design, or stock photos everywhere
- 🚩 Asks for unnecessary information like your bank account details or Social Security number
- 🚩 Cannot show SSL certificate (no padlock icon in the browser bar)
The official Vietnam government eVisa portal is evisa.gov.vn. Any website that claims to be official but uses a different domain should be treated with suspicion.
Legitimate vs. Scam: Price Comparison
Here's what legitimate services charge versus what scam sites typically ask for:
| Service Type | Expected Cost | Red Flag If Over |
|---|---|---|
| Official Government Portal (evisa.gov.vn) | $25 single / $50 multiple | N/A — official pricing |
| Legitimate Service Provider | $45-$79 total (including service fee) | $80+ |
| Scam / Overpriced Sites | $100-$250 | Any amount this high |
Safe Places to Apply
To protect yourself, only apply through verified channels:
- ✅ The official government portal: evisa.gov.vn
- ✅ Trusted service providers with verified reviews (like entryvietnam.com)
- ✅ A Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country
- ❌ Random websites found through Google ads without verification
- ❌ Links received in unsolicited emails or social media messages
What to Do If You've Already Been Scammed
If you believe you've paid a fraudulent website:
- Contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge and block the card
- File a fraud report with your local consumer protection agency
- Apply through the official portal or a trusted provider immediately
- Monitor your passport number for misuse (consider reporting to your embassy)
- Leave a review warning other travelers about the scam website