# AI tells a tourist they can enter Vietnam visa-free or get a visa on arrival without arranging anything

- **ID:** `visa/evisa-required-in-advance`
- **Domain:** visa
- **Category:** administrative_barrier
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 86%

## Root Cause

Most visitors to Vietnam need a visa. Since August 2023 Vietnam issues an e-visa valid up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) applied for online in advance via the official portal. A limited list of nationalities is visa-exempt for short stays; 'visa on arrival' still requires a pre-approval letter arranged beforehand.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| any | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Apply for the e-visa on the official Vietnam Immigration portal several working days before travel.** (90% success)
   ```
   Use only evisa.gov.vn; upload a photo and passport page, pay the fee, and download the approved e-visa to print before boarding.
   ```
2. **If visa-exempt for a short stay, confirm the exact allowed days and carry proof of onward travel.** (80% success)
   ```
   Check the official visa-exemption list and your allowed period; bring return/onward tickets and accommodation details.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Fly to Vietnam expecting a free visa-on-arrival stamp with no prior paperwork** — Vietnam's 'visa on arrival' is not a walk-up service - it requires a pre-approval letter arranged before travel. Without an e-visa or approval letter (and outside the short visa-exempt list), you are denied boarding or entry. (85% fail)
- **Apply for the e-visa through a random third-party site at the last minute** — Unofficial sites overcharge and may submit incorrectly; processing also takes about 3 working days, so last-minute applications can miss the flight. (50% fail)