Vietnam eVisa common mistakes and how to avoid

The Vietnam eVisa opens up access to the more vibrant country in South East Asia. This online visa allows you to enter Vietnam with ease, skipping the hassle of embassy visits or cumbersome paperwork. Whether you are wandering through the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City or exploring the ancient temples, eVisa remains one of the easiest options. It grants you a 30-day stay and covers most of Vietnam’s main entry points, making it ideal for tourists. You’ll love how quick and straightforward the application process is – within three working days, you’ll have your Vietnam eVisa ready. Once you arrive, the convenience continues. The eVisa truly opens up a world of possibilities, letting you focus on enjoying your journey, instead of worrying about formalities. For comprehensive peace of mind, alongside your eVisa, securing robust Travel Insurance for Vietnam is highly recommended.

Common Mistakes Regarding Vietnam eVisa

Applying for a Vietnam eVisa is a convenient and efficient way to enter the country for a short stay, but there are some common mistakes that travellers often make during the process. These errors can lead to delays, rejections, or even issues at the airport. Let's go through the pitfalls to avoid, so you can ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Entering Incorrect Information

One of the most common mistakes people make is entering incorrect personal details when applying for a Vietnam eVisa. Whether it's a misspelt name, wrong passport number, or an incorrect date of birth, any error can lead to your eVisa being rejected or causing issues at immigration. You need to double-check every single detail before hitting submit. Even small typos can create big problems. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck at the airport with an invalid visa.

2. Choosing the Wrong Entry Point

When applying for a Vietnam eVisa, you are required to select your entry and exit points. Vietnam is a large country with several international airports, seaports, and border crossings. However, your eVisa will only be valid for use at the entry and exit points you indicated while filling out your application. The two most common mistakes include the selection of the wrong entrance or changing plans at the last moment to enter through a different port. You will be turned away if you go to a port of entry that you have not specified on your eVisa. Ensure that you double-check which port of entry you have chosen and whether that corresponds to your travel plans.

3. Not Checking Passport Validity

It’s easy to forget, but your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Vietnam. Many people overlook this rule and assume their passport is fine if it hasn't expired yet. However, if it falls short of the six-month requirement, your Vietnam eVisa could be void, and you may be denied entry. Before you even start the eVisa application, make sure your passport is in order.

4. Applying for the Wrong Visa Type

Some travellers mistakenly apply for the wrong type of visa. For people staying in the country for a period of up to 30 days, the Vietnam eVisa is magnificent, but it is not ideal for longer periods or even for multiple entry visits and business stays. So make sure, the Vietnam eVisa suits your travel needs. If you need a longer stay or have multiple destinations in mind (in and out of Vietnam), it’s worth looking into other visa types to avoid complications.

5. Overstaying the eVisa

The eVisa to Vietnam allows a stay of up to 30 days, but many tourists cross over the line without knowing. Vietnam is pretty severe in its policy about overstaying a visa. Penalties are issued with fines up to getting banned from future visits. If you are confident you might need more time to stay, you should apply for an extension or leave the country before your eVisa expires. Staying even one day longer than permitted can create unnecessary hassles.

6. Applying Too Late

While the Vietnam eVisa process is generally quick, taking around three working days to be approved, some travellers make the mistake of applying too late. But travellers sometimes apply very late, and things just drag out. Sometimes, there would be unexpected delays or issues in the processing while applying for a visa, and if you do not give enough time before you have to leave for Vietnam, your visa won't be ready on time. Apply at least one week ahead of your trip to be sure that even if things slow down a bit, your visa will be ready.

7. Not Having a Printout of Your eVisa

A digital copy of the Vietnam eVisa may not always cut it at immigration. A few entry points require a printed copy, and failure to present one might lead to some delay or even refusal at entry. This is such a minor oversight but very easy to forget. One should keep a printed version of the eVisa handy in case nothing comes up when arriving in Vietnam.

8. Not Thinking About Weekends and Public Holidays

Vietnam public holidays or weekends can affect the processing times of a Vietnam eVisa. Some travelers assume the processing days include weekends and therefore monitor their application only at the very end. When planning your application, be aware of these non-working days, especially around Tet (Vietnamese New Year), as the country essentially shuts down during this period.

9. Confusing the Vietnam eVisa with Visa on Arrival

Many people believe that the Vietnam eVisa is exactly the same as the Visa on Arrival (VOA). The VOA entails a prerequisite approval letter before arriving, followed by an in-arrival procedure of obtaining your visa, while a Vietnam eVisa is online. Having obtained a Vietnam eVisa you do not have to go through any extra visa counters – you can go straight to immigration after arrival. So, make sure you understand those differences so you won't be confused about which is at which airport.

10. Forgetting to Check for Updates

Visa policies can change, sometimes without much notice. Always check for the most up-to-date information before applying for your Vietnam eVisa. Whether it’s new requirements, updated fees, or changes in entry points, staying informed will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Tips to Avoid Mistakes Regarding Vietnam eVisa

Applying for a Vietnam eVisa is a simple and convenient process that allows you to explore the country with ease. However, like with many travel documents, there are common mistakes that people often make, which can cause delays, rejections, or complications upon arrival. To help you avoid these issues and ensure a smooth experience, here are some essential tips to keep in mind when applying for your Vietnam eVisa.

1. Recheck Your Personal Information Again

Fill in your Vietnam eVisa application very carefully, as it contains your details. A misspelling of your name or inputting an incorrect passport number will create significant issues. The important thing is to match your details precisely as in your passport, including middle names and initials. Even the smallest typos may get your visa rejected or denied entry at the border.

Make sure to:

• Cross-check your full name, date of birth, and passport number.

• Verify your passport’s issue and expiry dates.

• Ensure your contact information, especially your email address, is accurate since all communication regarding your eVisa will be sent there.

2. Check Passport Validity

Your passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Vietnam. Many applicants forget this condition, and their eVisa application is rejected due to this reason. Checking your passport's expiration date is a must before applying.

3. Apply Early

The eVisa process takes three working days, but it is better to apply at least one week before your trip just to have extra time in case of any delay or problem with the application process.

4. Select the Right Port of Entry

You need to choose the correct entry and exit points when making your application. Remember that your eVisa is only valid for the places that you will specify; therefore, you should check in advance where you will go to avoid having problems with immigration at your port of call.

5. Travel with a Printed Version

Many immigration authorities demand an actual printout of your Vietnam eVisa upon arrival in that country. Always carry a printed version of your approved visa along with you.

6. Check Photo Requirements

Ensure that your passport photo meets all the requirements in Vietnam, including the right size background colour and lighting. A disapproved photograph can prolong your application even more. Consider getting professional passport photos to be on the safe side.

7. Track Your Application

Once you submit your application, remember the reference number assigned and check the status of your eVisa frequently. If there is a delay or other issues arise, you will have enough time to make any necessary corrections before your date of travel.

8. Use a Reliable Internet Connection

You must have stable Internet to not lose it in the middle of submission. If you experience a lost connection while submitting your application, you may end up having a partially submitted application or submit an error-reporting application that could not be detected.