E-visa and entry to Vietnam: what to get right

Rules and fees change, so check the current terms yourself before you pay. What does not change is where people go wrong. Apply on the official government portal only. The address is evisa.gov.vn. There are many lookalike sites with similar names that charge you extra and simply file the same form for you. Before you start, check which route applies to your nationality. Some passports get a visa exemption for short stays, some use the e-visa, some still need a sponsor or pre-approval. They are different processes with different documents. When filling the form • Type your name and passport number exactly as printed in the passport, including middle names. • Your passport should be valid well beyond your planned stay and have blank pages. • Upload a clear scan of the passport data page and a plain portrait photo, no glasses, no hat. • The entry port you choose must match where you actually arrive. Airports and land crossings are listed separately. If you fly into a different airport than the one on your visa, you can be refused boarding. Check every field before you submit. A refused application usually means starting again and paying again. After approval, print the result and also keep it on your phone. Airlines often ask at check-in, and immigration checks it at the counter. Do not overstay. It is dealt with at departure and it will delay your flight.