Vietnam is a fantastic travel destination, but many visitors unknowingly waste money during their stay, especially when applying for a Vietnam e-visa. Whether as a tourist on a dream vacation or an expat settling in, some common pitfalls can quickly drain a budget.

A recent questionable ‘pay-as-you-go award’ declared Phu Quoc the ‘second most beautiful island in the world in 2024.’ Clearly, there must have been a mix-up, or only two islands were considered—because Bora Bora, Santorini, and Bali certainly didn’t make the cut. With 18 million travelers visiting Vietnam this year, many are bound to fall into the same money-wasting traps in 2025.

1. The Evisa Vietnam Application Typos – The Costly Little Mistake

One of the easiest ways to lose money is by making typos on an Vietnam e-visa application. This happens every single day, according to Ken Duong, a business and immigration attorney with 15+ years of experience helping people live, work, and retire in Vietnam.

Imagine this nightmare scenario: after a grueling 12-hour flight, standing in an immigration line that moves slower than a snail on sedatives. Fatigue sets in, sweat drips down, and then—bam! The immigration officer notices a typo on the visa. Maybe the middle name is spelled wrong, or the passport expiry date doesn’t match what was entered. Denied entry. Cue panic mode.

The only option? An emergency visa, which costs $300 to $500 USD and adds hours of waiting. Welcome to Vietnam!

Legal Tip: When applying for an Vietnam e-visa, triple-check every single detail before clicking submit AND after receiving the visa. Immigration holds the applicant responsible for any mistakes—not them. A single typo could mean unnecessary expenses before the adventure even begins.

And that’s just the start. The next mistake is one that hits even harder—right in the wallet. Stay tuned!