How to Correctly Fill in Your Name for a Vietnam eVisa

If you're applying for a Vietnam eVisa, you may notice that your name appears in a different order than you're used to. This is a common concern among travelers, but don't worry—this is not an issue! Vietnam follows a different naming convention compared to Western cultures, and understanding this can help you correctly fill out your visa application and other official documents.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to correctly enter your name on your Vietnam eVisa and ensure a smooth travel experience.

1. Understanding the Difference Between Western and Vietnamese Name Orders

Western Name Order

In many Western countries, names are arranged as: First Name (Given Name) – Middle Name (optional) – Last Name (Family Name)

For example: John David Smith

• First name: John
• Middle name: David
• Last name: Smith

Vietnamese Name Order

In Vietnam, the name order is different: Last Name (Family Name) – Middle Name – First Name (Given Name)

For example: Nguyễn Văn Nam

• Last name: Nguyễn
• Middle name: Văn
• First name: Nam

If we apply this format to the Western name John David Smith, his name in Vietnamese order would be: Smith David John

2. How to Fill in Your Name for a Vietnam eVisa

When applying for a Vietnam eVisa, you should follow this format:

1. Enter your Last Name (Family Name) in the "Surname" field.
2. Enter your First Name and Middle Name in the "Given Name" field.

Example 1: Simple Name

If your name is Andy Sachs, enter:

• Surname (Last Name): Sachs
• Given Name (First Name + Middle Name): Andy

Example 2: Name with Middle Name

If your full name is Andy Bernard Sachs, enter:

• Surname (Last Name): Sachs
• Given Name (First Name + Middle Name): Andy Bernard

Special Case: Married Women with Husband’s Surname

If a woman adopts her husband's surname, the name order follows this format: Given Name – Maiden Name – Husband’s Surname

For example, if Mary Smith-Johnson applies for a Vietnam eVisa, she should enter her name as:

• Surname (Last Name): Smith-Johnson
• Given Name (First Name + Middle Name): Mary

3. Why Is This Important?

Many travelers panic when they see their eVisa name printed differently, but this is completely normal. The Vietnamese government follows its own naming conventions, and as long as the ICAO line on your passport (the machine-readable section) matches, you won’t have any issues at immigration.

4. Final Tips for a Smooth Application

• Always follow the Vietnamese name order when filling out forms.
• Check that your name on the eVisa matches the ICAO line on your passport.
• If you're married and have a hyphenated name, follow the correct format.
• Double-check your application before submission to avoid errors.

By understanding this simple rule, you can ensure a hassle-free experience when traveling to Vietnam!

If you have any concerns about your eVisa application, feel free to reach out to EZ support team.