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If your Vietnam eVisa application was rejected, here's exactly what happened, why, and how to fix it and reapply successfully.
First: Don't Panic
A rejected eVisa does not mean you're banned from Vietnam. In the vast majority of cases, rejections are caused by simple administrative errors — wrong passport details, poor photo quality, or invalid travel dates. These are all fixable.
The 6 Most Common Rejection Reasons
Based on data from thousands of applications, here are the most frequent causes of rejection:
- 1. Passport information mismatch — name, number, or DOB doesn't match the passport scan
- 2. Poor quality passport scan — blurry, dark, or partially cut off
- 3. Photo doesn't meet requirements — wrong background, wearing glasses, too zoomed out
- 4. Passport valid for less than 6 months from entry date
- 5. Incorrect or impossible travel dates
- 6. Previous immigration violations in Vietnam (rare)
How to Fix It and Reapply
Follow these steps to reapply successfully:
- Step 1: Read the rejection notification carefully — it usually states the reason
- Step 2: Fix the specific issue (retake photo, re-scan passport, correct details)
- Step 3: Submit a brand new application with the corrected information
- Step 4: Pay the application fee again (the previous fee is non-refundable)
- Step 5: Wait 3-5 working days for the new application to be processed
Before resubmitting, have someone else review your application. A fresh pair of eyes often catches errors you missed the first time.
Is the Fee Refundable?
Unfortunately, the government processing fee ($25 or $50) is non-refundable once your application has been submitted, regardless of the outcome. This is standard policy for most eVisa programs worldwide.
This is exactly why we recommend double-checking all information before submitting. A few extra minutes of review can save you $25-$50.
When to Contact the Embassy Instead
In rare cases, you may need to go through a Vietnamese embassy instead of reapplying for an eVisa:
- Your nationality is not eligible for the eVisa program
- You have a complex immigration history with Vietnam
- You've been rejected multiple times for unclear reasons
- You hold a diplomatic, official, or emergency travel document (not a standard passport)