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Don't let a simple mistake ruin your Vietnam trip. Here are the 10 most common eVisa application errors and exactly how to avoid each one.
Why Do Vietnam eVisa Applications Get Rejected?
The Vietnam eVisa has a high approval rate — over 99% of correctly submitted applications are approved. However, mistakes during the application process are surprisingly common and are the primary reason for rejections.
Most rejections are caused by preventable errors: typos, poor-quality photos, or mismatched information. Here are the 10 most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Passport Information Doesn't Match
The most common and most serious mistake. Your name, date of birth, passport number, and nationality must match your passport exactly. Even a single wrong letter or digit can trigger an automatic rejection.
How to avoid it: Copy information directly from your passport. Double-check every field before submitting. Have someone else review your application if possible.
Your name must appear exactly as printed in your passport — including middle names, hyphens, and special characters.
Mistake #2: Low-Quality Passport Scan
A blurry, dark, or partially cut-off passport scan is the second most common cause of rejection. The immigration system needs to read the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of your passport data page.
How to avoid it: Use a flatbed scanner if available, or photograph your passport in bright, even lighting on a flat surface. Make sure all four corners are visible and all text is sharp.
Mistake #3: Incorrect Photo Format or Quality
Your portrait photo must meet specific requirements: 4x6cm dimensions, white background, face centered and clearly visible, taken within the last 6 months. Photos with shadows, glasses, hats, or non-white backgrounds are commonly rejected.
How to avoid it: Take a fresh photo against a white wall. Use natural light from a window. Remove glasses and hats. Ensure your face takes up 70-80% of the frame.
Mistake #4: Passport Expires Within 6 Months
Vietnam requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If your passport expires sooner, your application will be rejected.
How to avoid it: Check your passport expiry date before applying. If it's within 6 months of your travel date, renew your passport first.
Mistake #5: Selecting the Wrong Entry Port
You must specify which port you will use to enter Vietnam. While minor discrepancies at major airports may be overlooked, using a completely different entry point than stated can cause problems.
How to avoid it: Confirm your entry point (airport, land border, or seaport) before applying. If you change your flight after applying, check if a correction is possible.
Mistake #6: Applying Too Late
Standard processing takes 3-5 working days, but this excludes weekends, Vietnamese public holidays, and potential delays during peak seasons (December-January, July-August).
How to avoid it: Apply at least 1–2 weeks before your departure. During peak seasons, apply 3 weeks ahead.
Mistake #7: Using a Fake or Unofficial Website
Many third-party websites look official but charge excessive fees ($100-$150+) or worse — steal your personal data without processing any visa. The official government portal is evisa.gov.vn.
How to avoid it: Always verify the URL. Use the official government portal or a trusted, well-reviewed service provider. Be suspicious of any site charging more than $50 for a single-entry visa.
If a website charges more than $80 for a single-entry Vietnam eVisa, it is almost certainly an overpriced third-party or a scam.
Mistake #8: Not Printing the Approved eVisa
Many travelers assume they can show their eVisa on their phone. While some modern checkpoints accept digital copies, many immigration officers specifically request a printed document.
How to avoid it: Always print at least two copies of your approved eVisa. Keep one in your carry-on and one with your passport.
Mistake #9: Incorrect Travel Dates
Your eVisa is valid for a specific period. If you arrive before the start date or after the expiry date, you will be denied entry.
How to avoid it: Make sure your planned arrival date falls within the validity period shown on your approved eVisa. If your travel dates change, you may need to apply for a new eVisa.
Mistake #10: Applying for the Wrong Visa Type
If you plan to leave Vietnam and return (for example, a side trip to Cambodia or Laos), you need a multiple-entry eVisa. A single-entry visa becomes invalid after you exit Vietnam.
How to avoid it: If there's any chance you'll leave and re-enter Vietnam during your trip, choose the multiple-entry eVisa ($50 USD).
What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected
If your eVisa is rejected, don't panic. Most rejections are due to correctable errors. Review the rejection reason, fix the issue (better photo, corrected passport details, etc.), and resubmit a new application. The fee for the new application must be paid again, as the original fee is non-refundable.
If you're unsure why your application was rejected, contact our support team. We can review your submission and identify the likely cause.