E-visa approval issue

Member since 07 June 2020

toufasMember29 July 2022 02:57:02

Hi everyone, I am already 3 months in Vietnam with two visa runs in Lao Bao. I applied for a 3rd time for new visa last Friday, got no reply within 3 working days as usual and after checking the immigration website, my application was not approved due to unsufficient passport photo (all my previous applications had the same passport photo that I have on my pc). They asked me to send a new, more clear passport photo and now I have to wait again for 3 working days for reply. My current visa expires on Monday. Just wondering if that happened to someone else or it is something new. Any suggestions or information will be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert29 July 2022 06:08:42

4207

Interesting. Toufas, did you have to pay again? Submit a new application?

If not, did they provide you with an email address to send the new picture to? If so, perhaps the immigration/eVisa officials just want the new photo before approving your application.

Please let us know how it turns out.

toufas Member

Member since 07 June 2020

toufasMember29 July 2022 08:25:24

I just add the new photo in the first application. I was not asked to do an extra payment and since then when I check status is still in processing. No further information.

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert29 July 2022 08:39:50

4207

I just add the new photo in the first application. I was not asked to do an extra payment and since then when I check status is still in processing. No further information.
- @toufas

Okay, gotcha. But how did you learn that they required a clearer/better picture?

Was there some notice given when you searched for your application results, here?

I've not heard of anyone else having this trouble (yet!). My friend who is visiting from Canada has a passport photo which is so dark as to make it virtually useless for identification purposes, and the facial pic he attached (3 or 4 times now) is simply a cropped pic of the passport photo. He's currently waiting for a response from immigration as to the status of his most recent eVisa application.

I'll post back once he's received a response.

toufas Member

Member since 07 June 2020

toufasMember29 July 2022 08:51:03

We received no e-mail from immigration. We just inserted the registration code to check the status of our application and there was the reason our visa was on hold due to insufficient passport photo resolution. Note that this photo was used two times already for visa run without any issue. And this concerns two passports, mine and my girlfriend's. Now, we are in the second day after the updated photos were provided and still waiting for reply. We also just sent an e-mail to the immigration asking kindly to help us with an update outcome.

pogiwayne Serial expat

Member since 10 April 2021

pogiwayneSerial expat29 July 2022 09:13:19

322

Are you in Vietnam?

pogiwayne Serial expat

Member since 10 April 2021

pogiwayneSerial expat29 July 2022 12:20:28

322

I see you are in Vietnam so if you don’t receive your new evisa you just exit and wait for new visa. I always apply weeks before expiration but that my way.

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert29 July 2022 12:32:03

4207

I see you are in Vietnam so if you don’t receive your new evisa you just exit and wait for new visa. I always apply weeks before expiration but that my way.
- @pogiwayne

I logged on to say exactly that, Pogiwayne, but I see you beat me to it

Good advice.

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert29 July 2022 13:08:16

4207

@toufas

Toufas, I strongly suggest you and your GF resist any temptation you might be entertaining to overstay your current visas.

There have been reports of people being denied a new eVisa due to having overstayed their current one.

Best to follow Pogiwayne's advice.

RTLisSB Contributor

Member since 23 April 2022

RTLisSBContributor29 July 2022 13:10:01

#10

182

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi Aidan,

On a related note, it appears as if I need both my passport AND a passport size photo for the e-Visa.

Is this correct?

Please advise,

Roger

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert29 July 2022 13:19:44

#11

4207

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi Aidan,

On a related note, it appears as if I need both my passport AND a passport size photo for the e-Visa.

Is this correct?

Please advise,

Roger
- @RTLisSB

Hi Roger. Yes, to apply for the eVisa you will need to upload a facial picture and your main info page (I forget the correct term for it now) of your passport.

My friend visiting from Toronto simply took a photo with his phone of his passport info page and cropped it to make it look neat, and then cropped again from that the picture of his face. Worked a charm, so far.

see here for a gov't example specimen.

I know you've still got a couple of months before your departure, but no harm in applying now so that it is one hurdle out of the way.

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert29 July 2022 13:22:02

#12

4207

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi Aidan,

On a related note, it appears as if I need both my passport AND a passport size photo for the e-Visa.

Is this correct?

Please advise,

Roger
- @RTLisSB

Hi Roger. Yes, to apply for the eVisa you will need to upload a facial picture and your main info page (I forget the correct term for it now) of your passport.

My friend visiting from Toronto simply took a photo with his phone of his passport info page and cropped it to make it look neat, and then cropped again from that the picture of his face. Worked a charm, so far.
see here for a gov't example specimen.

I know you've still got a couple of months before your departure, but no harm in applying now so that it is one hurdle out of the way.

- @Aidan in HCMC

LOL.

I just remembered that on the example page the guy's name is "Martin Specimen"

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert29 July 2022 13:29:00

#13

4207

@RTLisSB

Once you've applied, don't forget to grab a screen shot of your registration number which will enable you to search the immigration site for the status of your application.

Check application status

RTLisSB Contributor

Member since 23 April 2022

RTLisSBContributor29 July 2022 15:07:37

#14

182

@Aidan in HCMC

Done!

Cheers,

Roger

toufas Member

Member since 07 June 2020

toufasMember30 July 2022 00:36:20

#15

Thanks a lot of guys i will keep you informed.

But as i'm living in Vietnam for 12 years partially, i have the feeling that from now on it will not be so smooth environment for foreigners of any visa status , except of real tourists.

goodolboy ViP

Member since 08 February 2020

goodolboyViP30 July 2022 01:37:54

#16

2325

Thanks a lot of guys i will keep you informed.
But as i'm living in Vietnam for 12 years partially, i have the feeling that from now on it will not be so smooth environment for foreigners of any visa status , except of real tourists.
- @toufas

Same here 14 years plus in Vietnam & got the feeling the good ol days are over. Never mind had a good run & being as its Vietnam, tomorrow is another day & whats the law today is history tomorrow!

OceanBeach92107 VIP Member

Member since 31 January 2018

OceanBeach92107VIP Member30 July 2022 02:04:20

#17

7490

Thanks a lot of guys i will keep you informed.
But as i'm living in Vietnam for 12 years partially, i have the feeling that from now on it will not be so smooth environment for foreigners of any visa status , except of real tourists.
- @toufas

Same here 14 years plus in Vietnam & got the feeling the good ol days are over. Never mind had a good run & being as its Vietnam, tomorrow is another day & whats the law today is history tomorrow!
- @goodolboy

Many Vietnamese women receiving marriage proposals are not so upset about it...

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert30 July 2022 04:57:01

#18

4207

Many Vietnamese women receiving marriage proposals are not so upset about it...

- @OceanBeach92107

LOL!

I'll trade you one lifetime of devotion, for one 3 year residency permit. Deal?

pogiwayne Serial expat

Member since 10 April 2021

pogiwayneSerial expat30 July 2022 17:01:23

#19

322

@Aidan in HCMC

I would hope that nobody would marry just to get a longer visa. Marriage is hard enough without it being a sham for a visa. Love and respect must be there.

toufas Member

Member since 07 June 2020

toufasMember01 August 2022 11:40:48

#20

So i took the risk to travel to Lao Bao without having new e-visa approval yet (last day of my valid one). arrived at 4.30 pm and i was lucky to reserve it just then. although no emails come anymore. (now chain) now change. Check status your self on the website. be wise to apply next time 15 days ahead.

RealPommy Active member

Member since 28 April 2019

RealPommyActive member01 August 2022 12:40:35

#21

@Aidan in HCMC

I applied for a 1-month visa on July 17th for entry on Sep 27.
I only get this answer.
Application status: In processing

They say it takes from 2-3 working days. No it's more than 14.

Any idea why?

pogiwayne Serial expat

Member since 10 April 2021

pogiwayneSerial expat01 August 2022 14:23:11

#22

322

@RealPommy

You applied on the evisa website? On that website the time stated is 3 working days but lately has been 5-7 days for many. The website provides contact information if you have questions/problems. Contact them.

OceanBeach92107 VIP Member

Member since 31 January 2018

OceanBeach92107VIP Member01 August 2022 14:58:54

#23

7490

I applied for a 1-month visa on July 17th for entry on Sep 27.
I only get this answer.
Application status: In processing

They say it takes from 2-3 working days. No it's more than 14.

Any idea why?
- @RealPommy

Perhaps it has something to do with the previous overstay you had (that you mentioned in this post - link)?

Seriously, with a history of a previous violation, don't you think you are more likely to get a relevant answer from immigration than from us?

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert01 August 2022 23:24:37

#24

4207

So i took the risk to travel to Lao Bao without having new e-visa approval yet (last day of my valid one). arrived at 4.30 pm and i was lucky to reserve it just then. although no emails come anymore. (now chain) now change. Check status your self on the website. be wise to apply next time 15 days ahead.
- @toufas

Thank you for the update, and the recommendation, Toufas. Very much appreciate it.

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert01 August 2022 23:31:01

#25

4207

I just add the new photo in the first application. I was not asked to do an extra payment and since then when I check status is still in processing. No further information.
- @toufas

Okay, gotcha. But how did you learn that they required a clearer/better picture?
Was there some notice given when you searched for your application results, here?

I've not heard of anyone else having this trouble (yet!). My friend who is visiting from Canada has a passport photo which is so dark as to make it virtually useless for identification purposes, and the facial pic he attached (3 or 4 times now) is simply a cropped pic of the passport photo. He's currently waiting for a response from immigration as to the status of his most recent eVisa application.
I'll post back once he's received a response.
- @Aidan in HCMC

His new eVisa application, submitted last Thursday, was received (approved) yesterday (Monday). This was confirmed both by searching on the gov't site, and by email.

If you were able to see his passport photo you'd be amazed it wasn't required of him to submit a new/clear pic.

QPR_FC Active member

Member since 20 May 2020

QPR_FCActive member02 August 2022 01:05:11

#26

When I looked at the eviisa application website to assist my elderly friend with their application it clearly stated two rules.

1. Applicant must be a foreigner (not Vietnamese)

2. The application can only be made whilst the applicant is outside of Vietnam

So doesn't rule 2 mean that you should apply from the airport departure gate?

This means that you spend at least 3-5 days overseas each month

pogiwayne Serial expat

Member since 10 April 2021

pogiwayneSerial expat02 August 2022 01:52:23

#27

322

QPR….

You are not understanding what the meaning of the statement means. Remember this is a translation from Vietnamese.

Applications can be submitted from outside or inside Vietnam. Since March thousands have been submitted from within Vietnam and approved.

Where do you see these two items?

1. Applicant must be a foreigner (not Vietnamese)

2. The application can only be made whilst the applicant is outside of Vietnam

Guestposter822 Guest

Guestposter822Guest02 August 2022 03:36:06

#28

so the moral of the story is, apply at least 2 weeks before entry to account for any hiccups. My first application I forgot my middle name on my passport ! re the photo, probably a different person assessed it this time around.

OceanBeach92107 VIP Member

Member since 31 January 2018

OceanBeach92107VIP Member02 August 2022 03:54:50

#29

7490

QPR….
You are not understanding what the meaning of the statement means. Remember this is a translation from Vietnamese.
Applications can be submitted from outside or inside Vietnam. Since March thousands have been submitted from within Vietnam and approved.

Where do you see these two items?
1. Applicant must be a foreigner (not Vietnamese)
2. The application can only be made whilst the applicant is outside of Vietnam
- @pogiwayne

As I recall, there is a place where they ask for an address in the application.

I'm pretty sure that address cannot be an address inside Vietnam, and the phone number can't be inside Vietnam either.

I'm happy to be corrected about that.

pogiwayne Serial expat

Member since 10 April 2021

pogiwayneSerial expat02 August 2022 20:28:31

#30

322

@OceanBeach92107

I put my U.S. address as permanent then my address in VN below.

I use my USA phone number for everything because I have worldwide roaming.

It would be interesting to find out if anyone has ever used their VN address in both places.

Of course immigration will know you are a foreigner because of the passport…

Mac68 Serial expat

Member since 29 August 2015

Mac68Serial expat03 August 2022 00:02:25

#31

357

Pogi,

TO answer your question:

We only use our VN. address for home/local and family stuff. We use our US address and phone for financial stuff. Hope this helps.

MAc

pogiwayne Serial expat

Member since 10 April 2021

pogiwayneSerial expat03 August 2022 00:12:45

#32

322

Thanks but I’m not the OP. I haven’t had any problems getting evisa.

RTLisSB Contributor

Member since 23 April 2022

RTLisSBContributor04 August 2022 14:45:21

#33

182

Just received mine on Tuesday so 3 business days as advertised. Will be interesting to see how the first border run goes.

Roger

tomacho Member

Member since 01 December 2015

tomachoMember04 August 2022 16:25:50

#34

Does anyone know if misdemeanors on a background check will get you denied for a work permit? Please, how do I post in general chat?

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert04 August 2022 17:56:31

#35

4207

Does anyone know if misdemeanors on a background check will get you denied for a work permit? Please, how do I post in general chat?
- @tomacho

I'm not sure about that one, Tomacho.

To post a new topic, click here, then the bright orange banner, on the left, titled "Post new topic"

Aidan in HCMC Vietnam Expert

Member since 23 December 2017

Aidan in HCMCVietnam Expert04 August 2022 17:57:25

#36

4207

Just received mine on Tuesday so 3 business days as advertised. Will be interesting to see how the first border run goes.

Roger
- @RTLisSB

Well sir, that's it then.

No backing out now

pogiwayne Serial expat

Member since 10 April 2021

pogiwayneSerial expat04 August 2022 18:58:32

#37

322

@tomacho

I would think that it depends on the misdemeanor class.

RTLisSB Contributor

Member since 23 April 2022

RTLisSBContributor04 August 2022 19:45:04

#38

182

Just received mine on Tuesday so 3 business days as advertised. Will be interesting to see how the first border run goes.

Roger
- @RTLisSB

Well sir, that's it then.
No backing out now

- @Aidan in HCMCLOL, too true!

Guestposter822 Guest

Guestposter822Guest07 August 2022 03:25:58

#39

This whole 30 day E visa thing is a joke. Can someone please explain the logic behind it whilst tourist cities like Nha Trang, Da Nang etc are on their knees waiting for tourists ?

Immigration and visa assistance

Comprehensive support with Vietnam visa applications and immigration procedures.

Guestposter822 Guest

Guestposter822Guest07 August 2022 05:00:47

#40

This whole 30 day E visa thing is a joke. Can someone please explain the logic behind it whilst tourist cities like Nha Trang, Da Nang etc are on their knees waiting for tourists ?
- @panda7

Extra cash and under the table deals for certain people. They will tell you its all about getting rid of unqualified workers, which we all know is bullshit.