Vietnam Visa Why one wrong digit matters
Your e-visa is tied to one passport, through its number. At check-in, the airline compares the e-visa with the passport in your hand, and the immigration officer in Vietnam does the same. If the numbers differ, the e-visa doesn't belong to that passport as far as they're concerned, and you can be refused boarding or entry.
What to do, step by step
- Find the number on your photo page. It's printed near the top, usually labelled "Passport No.". On most passports it also appears at the start of the second machine-readable line at the bottom of the page.
- Check the usual mix-ups: the letter O and the number 0, the letter I and the number 1, a missing letter at the start, or the number of an old passport after you renewed.
- Submit a new application with the correct number and a clear photo of the passport page. See the photo requirements.
- Pay the $25 government fee again. With me, it's included in the total.
- Leave the old application. You don't need to cancel it or wait for it.
- Before you fly, compare the number on the new e-visa with your passport, character by character.
What happens to the old application?
Nothing you need to act on: just leave it. What matters is that you travel on the new e-visa, the one with your correct passport number. Don't use the old one, even if it is approved later, because it still won't match your passport.
Renewed your passport after applying? The same rule applies. An e-visa issued on your old passport doesn't move to the new one, so apply with the new passport number.
Already issued with the wrong number?
This page is about an application that is still processing. If your e-visa has already been issued with the wrong passport number, don't travel on it. An issued e-visa can usually be amended for entry through an international airport: correcting the passport number 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. If your trip is close, 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. At the airport already? See no Vietnam visa at the airport.
FAQ
Can I fix the passport number on my pending application?
No. A wrong passport number can't be fixed on the application you made. You need a new application with the correct number.
Do I have to cancel the old application?
No. Just leave it. Make sure you travel on the new e-visa, the one that shows your correct passport number.
Do I pay the $25 government fee again?
Yes, the government fee is paid per application. When you apply with Paul, it is included in the total price.
My e-visa was already issued with the wrong passport number. 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, for $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