Vietnam Visa What happens if you fly anyway
- At check-in: airlines check visa dates. Many will not let you board if you land outside the validity.
- At immigration: officers can't accept an e-visa that hasn't started yet. You'd be refused entry and usually sent back on the next flight at your cost.
Your two options
| Option | When it fits | Time | Cost with Paul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amend the entry date | You have an approved e-visa and enter through an international airport | Ask me, it depends on your date | $90 |
| New e-visa, standard | Your new flight is 2 weeks or more away | 7–10 working days | $45 |
| New e-visa, urgent | Your new flight is soon | 1 hour to 3 working days | from $64 |
Applying for a second e-visa is fine. It doesn't count against you, and you simply travel on the one that matches your arrival date. See all urgent options.
Check this first
- Maybe you don't need a visa at all. Citizens of the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Nordics, Japan, Korea and 12 more European countries get 45 days visa-free. See visa by nationality.
- Arriving later than planned is usually fine, as long as you land before the e-visa ends and leave by the end date.
- Landing at a different airport than the one on your e-visa? Message me before you fly.
Next time
Set the e-visa start date a few days before your planned arrival. Flights get moved, and a little margin costs nothing.
FAQ
Can I enter Vietnam before my e-visa start date?
No. You can only enter on or after the “valid from” date. Arriving even one day early means you can be refused boarding or entry.
Can I change the dates on my approved Vietnam e-visa?
You can't edit it yourself on evisa.gov.vn, but the entry or exit date can be amended for entry through an international airport. With me it costs $90.
Is it a problem to apply for a second Vietnam e-visa?
No. Applying again with the correct dates is fine. Travel on the e-visa that matches your arrival date and carry that one.
My flight moved later. Is my e-visa still OK?
Yes, as long as you arrive before the e-visa expires and leave by its end date. Check that your new departure date is still inside the validity.
Related: Fix an e-visa mistake · Urgent e-visa · Flying tomorrow