Can I Change My Vietnam Visa Entry Date?

What Is the Vietnam Visa Entry Date?

The entry date is the earliest date a foreign traveler is allowed to arrive in Vietnam. It is printed clearly on the visa sticker, approval letter, or e-visa (in the “Valid from” field).

According to Vietnamese immigration regulations, the entry date marks the start of the visa’s validity period. Travelers may enter on that date or any time after, as long as the visa has not expired.

Important information you must know:

- The visa becomes valid from the entry date shown, not from the traveler’s actual arrival.

- The visa expires on the end date shown, regardless of your entry date.

- You cannot use the visa before the entry date — immigration officers will not allow entry.

- Airline staff may refuse boarding if you attempt to arrive before the entry date.

- In the visa application form, you may choose your desired entry date. This date will appear on your visa once approved.

Can I Change the Entry Date After the E-Visa Is Issued?

No. Once the Vietnam e-visa is issued, the entry date cannot be modified, corrected, or updated.

Important information you must know:

• E-visa is a fixed electronic document.
• All details — entry date, port of entry, duration — are locked once approved.
• If the entry date is no longer suitable, the only solution is to apply for a new e-visa.

Vietnam immigration does not allow amendments to an issued e-visa, even if the mistake was accidental or caused by schedule changes.

Can I Arrive Earlier Than the Date Stated on My Visa?

No, unless you apply for a new e-visa with an adjusted entry date.

If you arrive earlier:

- The airline may refuse to let you board.

- Immigration officers at the port of entry will not permit entry.

- You must wait until the visa becomes valid or obtain a new visa.

Vietnam follows the rule that the visa is valid only from the printed start date. Arriving earlier is considered arriving without a valid visa.

What If I Need to Fly to Vietnam on a Different Date?

This depends on whether your new arrival date is earlier or later than the date printed on your visa.

1. If you need to arrive EARLIER than the entry date -> You must reapply for a new visa

Because an earlier arrival is not permitted, your options are:

- Apply for a new e-visa with the correct date.

- If using visa-on-arrival approval letters, request a new approval letter.

- Embassy-issued visas also typically require reissuance, not amendment.

There is no government policy to change, or advance the entry date on an existing visa.

2. If you need to arrive LATER than the entry date -> it is allowed

You may enter any time after the entry date, as long as:

- The visa is still valid

- You enter before the expiry date printed on the visa

- You exit on or before the end date on your visa

Entering later does not require reapplication because the visa validity period remains unchanged.

Example:

If your visa is valid from 01 March to 30 March, you may enter on 5 March, 10 March, or 20 March - but not after 30 March. Regardless of your arrival date, you must leave by 30 March.

Summary

You can learn more about this in our guide to Vietnam visa validity.