Vietnam eVisa Entry Date Issue: Causes, Consequences and Urgent Fixes

Flights change, and so do plans. An entry date issue is one of the most common problems we fix. Whether it matters depends on one question: will you arrive before or after the date on your visa?

What is an entry date issue?

The dates on your eVisa do not fit your trip. Every Vietnam eVisa has a valid-from date and a valid-to date, up to 90 days apart. Problems happen when:

• You entered the wrong arrival date on the form.
• Your flight moved earlier after the visa was issued.
• Your trip became longer than the visa period.
• You entered the departure date from home instead of the landing date.

When can I still travel?

When you arrive on or after the valid-from date and leave before the valid-to date.

Arriving later than planned is fine. Arriving earlier is not.

What happens if I arrive too early?

You may be refused boarding or entry. Airlines check the visa dates at check-in. If they let you board, immigration officers in Vietnam can refuse entry and send you back at your cost.

Overstaying past the end date leads to fines and can affect future visas.

How do I fix an entry date issue urgently?

Two options, depending on time.

1. Correction (US$85): we ask the Immigration Department to update the dates on your existing visa. Best when you have at least 1–2 working days.
2. New e-visa: apply again with the right dates. Best when time is very short, from 30–60 minutes (US$215) during working hours.

Message us on WhatsApp with your visa and flight. We tell you which option is faster for your case.

How do I enter the arrival date correctly?

Use the day you land in Vietnam, in Vietnam time.

• Flights from the US often land 1–2 days after departure.
• Overnight flights from Europe land the next morning.
• If you land at 00:30, enter that day's date.
• If your plans might move earlier, enter the earliest possible date.

What if my trip got longer?

The visa cannot be stretched beyond 90 days. If you will stay longer, read Vietnam visa extension or plan a visa run before the end date.

Can I just change the date myself?

No. An issued visa cannot be edited on the portal. If your application is still processing and shows "amendment required", you may be able to update it. Otherwise, a correction or new visa is needed. See application error messages.

How do I check my dates?

Open the PDF and look at "valid from" and "valid to". You can also search the file on the official e-visa portal. Compare both dates with your flight tickets in and out of Vietnam.

What does a typical date fix look like?

An example. A traveler from the UK entered 14 March as her arrival date, but her flight was rebooked to land on 12 March. She notices 4 days before departure. A correction for US$85 is enough, because there are several working days left.

Had she noticed only the day before, a new visa with 1 working day (US$110) would have been the safer choice.

Can the dates be set wider to avoid problems?

Yes, within 90 days. The visa starts on the arrival date you enter and runs for the period you choose, up to 90 days. If your plans are uncertain, enter the earliest date you might arrive, and choose a period that covers the latest date you might leave.

Does the entry point matter too?

Yes. The airport or border gate on your visa should match where you arrive. If your flight changes from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, check the entry point as well as the date. See Vietnam e-visa entry points.

What about the exit date?

You must leave before the valid-to date. If your return flight moves later than the end of the visa, you need an extension or must leave earlier. Overstaying leads to fines at departure and can affect future visas.

Who can help me right now?

Our team answers 24/7 on WhatsApp and email. Send your passport page, the visa or application code if you have one, and your flight time. We reply with the fastest realistic option and the exact price before you pay anything.

What if the error was ours?

We fix it free. If you gave us the right date and the visa shows another one, we correct it at our cost and as fast as possible. Read our refund policy.