Vietnam Visa What the email means
The ICAO line is the pair of lines with letters and chevrons (<) at the bottom of your passport photo page. Airlines and border officers read your name from it, so Vietnam Immigration checks the name you typed against it. When they don't match, Immigration emails "Requires additional information" with the reason "Full name incorrect (as in ICAO line)".
The usual causes:
- Part of the name missing: a middle name or second surname left out.
- Wrong order: given names swapped, or the surname typed in the given-name field.
- Extra words: a nickname, a title, or a name that isn't printed in the passport.
- Special characters: hyphens, apostrophes or accents typed differently from the ICAO line.
What to do, step by step
- Don't wait on the flagged application. The name can't be corrected on it, so waiting won't fix it.
- Read your name from the ICAO line. The surname comes first, before the double chevron (<<), and your given names follow, separated by single chevrons.
- Submit a new application with the surname in the surname field and every given name in passport order. The name format guide covers hyphens, accents and single names.
- Pay the $25 government fee again. It's charged per application. With me, it's included in the total.
- When the new e-visa arrives, compare the name letter by letter with your passport before you fly.
How the name must match
| Passport shows | ICAO line reads | Type on the form |
|---|---|---|
| SMITH-JONES / Emma Louise | SMITH<JONES<<EMMA<LOUISE | Surname: SMITH JONES · Given names: EMMA LOUISE |
A hyphen becomes a space, and accents become the plain letters the ICAO line uses. Every given name goes in, in the same order. When you apply with me, I compare the name with your passport photo page before anything is submitted.
A real case
A Canadian traveller flying from Bangkok the next day had applied himself. When I checked the application, part of his name was missing — Immigration later emailed asking for a correction. I resubmitted it correctly and the e-visa arrived about three hours later.
Already issued with a wrong name?
This page is about an application that is still processing, or that triggered the "Full name incorrect" email. If your e-visa has already been issued and the name is wrong, don't travel on it. An issued e-visa can usually be amended for entry through an international airport: correcting the name costs $75. See how to fix a Vietnam e-visa mistake, or send me your e-visa and passport photo and I'll tell you right away whether it can be amended.
If you're flying soon
The official processing time on evisa.gov.vn is 3 working days, often longer in practice, so a new standard application may not arrive in time. I can submit the new application urgently:
| Option | Result by (Vietnam time) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency 1 hour | 1 hour after you apply · Mon–Fri, apply 8:00–10:30 | $224 |
| Urgent 4 hours | Apply before 14:00 → by 18:00 the same day | $104 |
| Urgent 1 day | 18:00 the next working day | $94 |
| Urgent 2 days | 18:00 on the 2nd working day | $74 |
| Urgent 3 days | 18:00 on the 3rd working day | $64 |
| Weekend emergency | By 18:00 on Saturday or Sunday | $224 |
Single entry, the $25 government fee included. Multiple entry: add $25. Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Türkiye: $20 surcharge. See all urgent options.
Result guaranteed by the time you choose (approval or refusal) — Vietnam Immigration makes the decision, and you get a 100% refund if it's refused.
If your flight leaves before the result, I give you a free check-in letter, usually ready in about 10 minutes. Flying tomorrow? See what to do right now.
FAQ
Can I reply to the email with the correct name?
No. A name that doesn't match the ICAO line can't be corrected on the same application. You need a new application with your name typed exactly as it appears in your passport.
Do I pay the government fee again?
Yes. A new application means paying the $25 government fee again. When you apply with Paul, it is included in the total price.
What is the ICAO line?
The two lines of letters and chevrons (<) at the bottom of your passport photo page, also called the machine-readable zone. Vietnam Immigration checks the name on your application against these lines.
My e-visa was already issued with a wrong name. What now?
Don't travel on it. An e-visa that has already been issued can usually be amended for entry through an international airport. Correcting the name costs $75. Send Paul your e-visa and passport photo and he will tell you right away whether it can be amended.
Related: Name format · Photo rules · E-visa still processing · Fix an e-visa mistake