What to do if your Vietnam e-visa application keeps going into the “amendment required” loop?

If your Vietnam e-visa application keeps showing “amendment required” even after you update the information, your application is likely stuck in an amendment loop. This is a common issue and is usually caused by mismatched application details or incorrect document uploads, not a visa refusal.

This guide explains the most common causes and what you should do to resolve the issue correctly.

Most common reasons for the “amendment required” loop

In most cases, the amendment loop occurs because the system detects inconsistencies between the information you enter and the documents you upload.

Mismatch between application details and passport

The Vietnam e-visa system requires exact matches with your passport. Common mismatches include:

• Name order not matching the passport (surname and given name reversed)
• Missing middle name shown in the passport
• Extra characters in the passport number
• Misrecognized characters in the passport number, particularly confusion between the letter “I” and the number “1” or the letter “O” and the number “0”
• Incorrect passport issue or expiry dates
• Nationality selected differently from the passport

Even very small differences can cause the system to repeatedly request amendments.

Passport photo or portrait photo issues

Photo-related issues are among the most common causes of amendment loops. The system may request amendments if:

• The passport scan is cropped or missing part of the information page
• Passport details (number, name, dates) are not clearly readable
• The passport page is blurred, tilted, or covered by glare
• The portrait photo does not meet size or background requirements
• The portrait photo is missing, unclear, or incorrectly uploaded

If the system cannot clearly read the passport information from the uploaded image, it will continue to request amendments.

Immigration system errors in recording your exit

Vietnam’s immigration system records entry and exit data electronically at border checkpoints. In some cases, the exit record is not properly updated, causing the system to show that the traveller never left Vietnam.

Common reasons include:

• Exit data is not synced correctly at the airport or border, especially the exit via land border gate
• Technical issues at immigration control during departure
• Passport scanning or system connection failures
• Manual processing delays during peak travel periods or holidays
• Passport changes or renewals shortly after exit

As a result, the system may still show an active stay even though the traveller has departed legally.

Missing or incorrect supplementary information

Supplementary information includes supporting details that help Vietnam Immigration verify your application. Even if your passport details are correct, missing or inaccurate supplementary information may prevent approval.
Common supplementary information fields include:

• Intended entry date and exit date
• Entry and exit port
• Purpose of entry (tourism, business, visit relative, etc.)
• Residential address or accommodation in Vietnam
• Contact information (email, residential address and phone number)
• Contact in emergency (address, phone number and relationship)
• Occupation or employer (if required)
• Previous visa to Vietnam or travel history (if applicable)

These details must be complete and consistent.

What to do to resolve the issue

1. Verify all application details against your passport

Check every field carefully and compare it directly with your passport. All information must match exactly, including spelling, order, and format. Do not abbreviate names or omit middle names if they appear in your passport.

2. Re-upload clear, correct documents

Upload new files rather than reusing the old ones. Make sure:

• The passport scan shows the full information page clearly
• All passport details are readable
• The image is not cropped, blurred, or rotated
• The portrait photo is clear and meets size and background requirements
• Replacing documents often resolves amendment loops caused by hidden validation errors.

3. Upload a photo of the exit stamp

If the visa application still shows you are in Vietnam, even though you have already departed, please take a photo of the exit stamp in your passport and upload it as proof of departure. The attach button to upload additional documents will appear only if your visa application requires amendment.

4. Complete all the required information

Leaving required fields blank or incomplete can cause the application to be returned for amendment. Some fields appear optional, but are still required for system validation.
If you have corrected all supplementary information and the application still returns for amendment, the issue may be system-related or linked to another underlying problem. Citizens of certain African, Muslim, or Middle Eastern countries may be subject to stricter requirements for additional supporting information.

When not to continue amending

If you have corrected all information and re-uploaded the documents, but the system still shows “amendment required,” continuing to amend will usually not resolve the issue. The application may be stuck due to Vietnam’s immigration policy.
In such cases, contacting a trusted visa agency and providing all required documents, such as a copy of the visa for developed countries or a residence card for these countries, is often the fastest solution.

A Vietnam e-visa must be fully approved before travel. An application stuck in an amendment loop is not approved, and travellers will not be allowed to board their flight. A pending e-visa application cannot be completed at the arrival airport.