What entry date should I put on my Vietnam eVisa?

Enter the exact date you plan to arrive in Vietnam. Your eVisa validity period starts from this date, so it should match your flight arrival date.

Can I enter Vietnam before my eVisa entry date?

No. You cannot enter Vietnam before the entry date stated on your eVisa. If you arrive earlier, you may be denied boarding or entry. Always set the entry date to your actual arrival date or slightly earlier to be safe.

What happens if I enter Vietnam after my eVisa entry date?

You can enter any time after your stated entry date, as long as your visa is still valid. However, the validity period counts from the entry date you chose, not your actual arrival, so you lose some days if you arrive late.

Vietnam eVisa Entry Date: What to Choose (and the Mistake to Avoid)

Updated: May 31, 2026 · 5 min read

The entry date is one of the most confusing parts of the Vietnam eVisa form — and one of the easiest to get wrong. The short answer: enter the exact date you plan to arrive in Vietnam. Your visa's validity counts from that date. Here's everything you need to know so you don't lose days or get denied entry.

What Is the Entry Date?

The entry date is the day your eVisa becomes valid and the day you're allowed to enter Vietnam. Your visa's validity period (for example, 30 or 90 days) is counted starting from this date — not from the day your application is approved.

The Most Common Mistake

The biggest error travelers make is choosing an entry date later than their actual flight, thinking it's the application date. If your flight lands on June 10 but you put June 15 as the entry date, you'll be denied boarding or entry — your visa isn't valid yet on June 10.

Critical: You cannot enter Vietnam before your eVisa entry date. Always make sure the entry date is on or before your flight arrival date.

Arriving Early or Late — What Happens?

Arriving before the entry date: Not allowed. You'll be turned away. Set the date to your arrival day or a day or two earlier to be safe.
Arriving after the entry date: Allowed, as long as the visa is still valid. But the clock started on your chosen entry date, so you lose those unused days.

Smart tip: If your travel date isn't 100% confirmed, set the entry date 1–2 days before your expected arrival. This gives you a buffer in case of flight changes, and you can still enter on your planned day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What entry date should I put?

The exact date you plan to arrive in Vietnam. Your visa validity starts from this date, so it should match your flight arrival.

Can I enter before my entry date?

No. You'll be denied boarding or entry. Set the entry date to your arrival day or slightly earlier to be safe.

What if I arrive after my entry date?

That's fine if the visa is still valid — but the validity counts from your chosen entry date, so you lose any unused days before you arrive.

This guide is for general information. Vietnam visa rules can change — always verify current requirements. GoVietVisa is a private visa assistance service, not the official government portal.