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Vietnam eVisa 2025: Rejection Reasons & How to Reapply Successfully
🚫 Why eVisa Rejections Happen
Although Vietnam’s eVisa system has simplified travel since 2017, rejections still occur. In 2025, thousands of travelers report their applications being rejected or left pending indefinitely. Reasons include document errors, invalid passport photos, unpaid fees, or nationality-specific reviews. Understanding these issues helps applicants avoid delays and unnecessary costs.
For an overall framework, check the Vietnam eVisa & Connectivity Pillar Guide.
📜 Official Policy on Rejections
The Vietnam eVisa portal states that applications can be refused without refund if documents are incorrect or applicants do not meet requirements. Unfortunately, reasons are often vague, leaving travelers confused about what went wrong.
Note: Unlike embassy-issued visas, eVisa appeals are limited. Most travelers must reapply with corrected documents and pay the fee again.
⚠️ Common Reasons for Rejection
- Passport validity: Must be valid at least 6 months beyond entry
- Photo issues: Blurry, wrong background color, wrong size
- Incorrect details: Typos in passport number, names, or DOB
- Nationality-specific checks: Some nationalities flagged for additional screening
- Unpaid/failed payment: Fee not successfully processed
Traveler Story: An Indian traveler in June 2025 uploaded a selfie instead of passport-style photo. The eVisa was rejected within 3 days, forcing a reapplication and delay of flights.
🌍 Rejection Patterns by Nationality
Reports from 2024–2025 show variations:
- India: Higher rejection due to document errors; photos most common issue
- Taiwan: Few rejections; usually linked to mismatched passport scans
- US/UK: Very rare rejections; almost always caused by typos
- Australia: Some delays near holidays leading to unclear “Rejected” statuses
TripAdvisor forums contain dozens of traveler posts describing unclear rejections, especially during Tet and summer high season.
🔄 How to Reapply After Rejection
Since refunds are not issued, reapplying correctly is the only way forward. Key steps:
- Review rejection email (if reason stated)
- Correct passport photo (600x400px, white background)
- Recheck all passport numbers and expiry dates
- Use a different payment card if prior one failed
- Apply 10–14 days before departure to allow time for reprocessing
Case Study: A UK traveler re-applied within 24 hours after fixing a typo. The second application was approved in 2 days, but the initial $25 fee was lost.
⏳ Pending vs Rejected: Know the Difference
Sometimes travelers confuse “Pending” with “Rejected.”
- Pending: Payment processed, but application still under review
- Rejected: Explicit status or email notification
Pending cases often resolve in 3–7 working days. Rejected cases require fresh applications.
💡 Tips to Avoid Rejection
- ✅ Apply at least 2 weeks early
- ✅ Double-check all data before submitting
- ✅ Upload passport-style photo, not casual selfie
- ✅ Ensure passport has 6+ months validity
- ✅ Print both passport scan and eVisa approval
According to IATA Travel Centre, airlines may deny boarding if visas appear invalid. Always prepare backups.
🌐 Real Traveler Experiences
Taiwanese traveler (March 2025): “Rejected because my passport scan was too dark. Reapplied with higher resolution, approved in 48h.”
Indian traveler (April 2025): “Received rejection without explanation. Reapplied using wife’s card, approval came in 5 days.”
Australian traveler (Dec 2024): “Applied just before Christmas. Status stayed ‘Pending’ for 12 days, then ‘Rejected.’ Learned to apply earlier next time.”
US traveler (July 2025): “Accidentally typed wrong middle name. Immediate rejection. Reapplied with correct info, approval in 72h.”
🚨 Risks of Last-Minute Applications
Rejections are especially dangerous when applying last minute. Airlines require valid eVisa at check-in. Without approval, boarding is denied. In 2024, VNExpress reported dozens of stranded travelers in Bangkok and Singapore due to rejected eVisas issued too close to departure.
💼 Rejections for Business vs Tourist Travelers
Business travelers face stricter checks if documents don’t match company invitations. While tourist visas are usually straightforward, business entries may require embassy-issued visas for reliability. Companies arranging staff trips often apply via consulates to avoid eVisa risks.
🔁 What If Rejected Twice?
Multiple rejections are rare but possible. In such cases:
- Apply through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate
- Ensure documents meet higher standards
- Consider adjusting travel dates if approvals are uncertain
Traveler Story: An Indian student had two rejections in early 2025 due to unclear scans. His embassy-issued visa succeeded after 10 days, though travel had to be rescheduled.
🔗 References
Useful links for avoiding rejections:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do rejected applications get refunded?
A: No. Fees are non-refundable. You must reapply and pay again.
Q: How long to wait before reapplying?
A: You can reapply immediately after fixing errors.
Q: Can I appeal a rejection?
A: Officially no. Embassy applications are the only alternative.
Q: Why was my eVisa rejected without reason?
A: The portal rarely specifies. Common causes include invalid documents or mismatched info.
Q: Do multiple rejections affect future travel?
A: Not formally, but records may trigger closer scrutiny.
🚀 Final Checklist for Reapply
- ✅ Fix photo/background and reupload
- ✅ Check all passport numbers & names carefully
- ✅ Apply at least 2 weeks before flights
- ✅ Print both passport and eVisa approval
- ✅ Stay connected with a Vietnam eSIM to monitor application status
👉 Don’t panic after a rejection. Reapply early, follow correct guidelines, and check our Vietnam eVisa & Connectivity Guide for step-by-step support.