Vietnam e-visa payment failure: What should you do?
Question:
I want to apply for a new Vietnam e-visa from scratch, because I have experienced multiple payment failures. I’m not sure what the issue is, as my credit card works well. I completed the visa application form, and the payment failed at the last step.
What do you think I should do now?
Answer:
Many foreign applicants successfully complete the Vietnam e-visa application form but encounter payment failures at the final step, even when their credit card works normally for other international transactions. This situation is common and usually caused by technical, security, or system-related issues, not by the applicant’s eligibility.
If you are facing repeated payment failures, “The payment failed, please recreate profile and retry payment.”, and wish to apply for a new Vietnam e-visa from scratch, follow the instructions below carefully.
1. Why Vietnam e-visa payments commonly fail?
Before reapplying, it is crucial to understand that payment failures are usually not caused by an invalid credit card. Common reasons include:
- Temporary issues with Vietnam Immigration’s payment gateway;
- Bank security blocks on the online payment transactions to Vietnam;
- Browser or device compatibility problems;
- Corrupted session data from a previous attempt;
- High traffic on the Vietnam e-visa website;
- VPN or IP location conflicts.
Because of these factors, retrying payment on the same application often fails again.
2. The correct first step: Start a new application from scratch
If your payment failed at the last step, the recommended solution is to submit a completely new e-visa application.
Important notes:
- Use a new application form, not the old reference code;
- If possible, use a different email address;
- Do not reuse the previous application session (clear cache, delete browsing history or restart the browser).
This helps prevent system conflicts caused by the failed transaction.
3. Be well prepared before reapplying
Before starting again, ensure the following:
Passport requirements:
– Valid for at least 6 months;
– At least one blank page;
– Passport scan is clear, uncropped, and readable.
Photo requirements:
– White or light background;
– Neutral facial expression;
– No glasses, hats, or shadows;
– Save in JPG or PNG format in a file with a capacity of less than 3MB.
Payment readiness:
– Enable international online payments on your card;
– Inform your bank that you will make a payment to a Vietnamese government website;
– Prepare an alternative payment card if available.
4. Use the right browser, device, and network
Many payment failures are browser-related.
Recommended setup:
- Desktop or laptop (preferred);
- Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari;
- Use Incognito or Private mode;
- Disable VPN, Ad blockers and browser extensions;
- Use a stable internet connection;
- Avoid autofill when entering card details.
5. Fill out the application carefully
When completing the new application:
- Enter your full name exactly as in your passport;
- Double-check the passport number, date of birth, and passport expiration date;
- Select the correct entry port (airport, land border, or seaport);
- Ensure intended entry and exit dates fall within visa validity;
- Mistakes in personal details can cause system rejection or later entry issues.
6. Best practices for the payment step
When you reach the payment page:
– Use VISA or Mastercard (most reliable);
– Ensure billing information matches your bank’s records;
– Do not refresh the page during payment;
– Wait patiently after clicking “Pay” (processing may take time).
Best time to pay:
You should pay by late night or early morning in Vietnam time (GMT+7). Try to avoid weekends and Vietnamese public holidays as these high traffic periods increase the risk of payment failure.
7. If the payment failure persists
If your payment still fails after following the steps above, please try again using a different credit or debit card and another device or network. You can also contact your bank and query: “Is there any restriction on online payments to Vietnam?” or “Can you temporarily approve this transaction?”
8. Consider a visa agent or service provider
If you have multiple failed payment attempts while an urgent travel date is approaching and no alternative payment method, choosing a reputable visa service or licensed agent is a practical solution. In this case, speedvietnamvisa.com is your reliable, truthworthy and hassle-free option. We will submit the same official application, but handle payment on your behalf for an additional service fee.
9. After successful payment
Once payment is successful:
– Save your application reference code
– Processing time is usually 3–5 working days (speedvietnamvisa.com can expedite the visa in 1-2 working days or 1-2 hours in emergencies)
– Check visa status online using your reference code, download and print your approved e-visa if it shows “acceptance” status, and always carry a printed copy when travelling.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is convenient but not always technically stable. By restarting your application correctly and following the troubleshooting steps above, most applicants successfully complete payment and receive their e-visa without further issues.
