Can’t Pay Your Vietnam E-Visa? Try This Quick Fix

You’ve been dreaming of exploring Vietnam’s wonders, but the e-visa process has you breaking out in cold sweats? Don’t panic. The solution to your Vietnam e-visa payment woes is far simpler than you think. Let’s navigate the administrative maze together and set you on the path to a stress-free visa application.

Getting to Vietnam with the click of a button… or so you thought

A few years ago, Vietnam introduced an electronic visa system to streamline travel for international visitors. While intended to simplify the process, travelers have often found the opposite to be true: what was supposed to be a straightforward online form can quickly turn into a tech support nightmare.

Many travelers have run into a major roadblock at the payment stage—the official website often rejects transactions outright, leaving hopeful visitors stuck in limbo. Frustrating, isn’t it? But don’t despair: determined globetrotters have cracked the code.

The game-changing workaround

The issue seems to stem from IP restrictions. Certain addresses—especially French ones—appear to be blocked by Vietnam’s payment system. The fix is as simple as it is effective: use a VPN. By connecting through a server in another country—say, the United States, Germany, or even certain Asian nations—you can bypass the block and complete your payment without a hitch.

Traveler forums and Facebook groups were among the first to highlight this simple workaround.

If you’re looking for a reliable VPN, we often recommend Proton VPN (unaffiliated link), a no-cost service founded by the creators of ProtonMail that prioritizes user privacy.

Step-by-step guide to a smooth e-visa application

1. Choose a trusted VPN service (Proton VPN is a top suggestion, but alternatives are available)

2. Connect to a server in an “unrestricted” country

3. Visit one of the official e-visa request sites—there are now three:
   • https://thithucdientu.gov.vn/
   • https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/
   • https://evisa.gov.vn/ (English-friendly as a bonus)

4. Complete your application form with your personal details—exactly as they appear on your passport

5. Proceed to payment, which should now go through without issue

The devil’s in the details

Mind the small print: spell your first and last name exactly as they appear on your passport. Even minor errors can delay your application by weeks.

Key features of Vietnam’s e-Visa

Since 15 August 2023, Vietnam’s e-visa has been available to travelers from every country and territory, marking a major shift in the nation’s welcoming policy.

Holders of ordinary biometric Chinese passports must exchange their e-visa for a physical visa on arrival at no cost due to a territorial dispute map present in those passports.

The e-visa covers a wide range of travel purposes:

• Tourism

• Business

• Family visits

• Short-term study

Duration and flexibility

The e-visa offers two options:

• Single entry: valid for up to 90 days

• Multiple entries: also valid for up to 90 days

This flexibility lets travelers arrange longer stays or frequent trips without extra paperwork. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days.

Reasonable cost

E-visa fees are set as follows:

• 25 USD for a single entry

• 50 USD for multiple entries

Widely accepted entry points

Vietnam has dramatically expanded the list of entry points accepting e-visas. This includes:

International airports

• Noi Bai (Hanoi)

• Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City)

• Da Nang

• Cam Ranh

• Phu Quoc

• Plus eight more, for a total of 13 airports

Land border crossings

Vietnam now welcomes visitors via 16 land border crossings, including:

• Mong Cai (China border)

• Lao Cai (China border)

• Moc Bai (Cambodia border)

• Lao Bao (Laos border)

Seaports

Thirteen seaports also accept e-visa holders:

• Hai Phong

• Da Nang

• Nha Trang

• Ho Chi Minh City