Visa applications can be denied if your name doesn’t match the one on your passport, and I’d missed this discrepancy.
Eventually, the employee told me I had two choices: I could fly back to Japan, where I’d just arrived from, or pay for a “very, very expensive” emergency visa.
I knew flying back to Japan wasn’t an option, as I was embarking on a river cruise out of Vietnam in less than 12 hours. So, I chose the latter.
I let out a sigh of relief when I learned my new visa would be $130 — I’d expected it to cost much more. But I panicked again when I pulled out my credit card, and the employee told me they only accepted cash.
Fortunately, I found a few $20 bills shoved in my bag. After a stressful wait, I had my new visa and was free to go.
I learned 2 valuable travel lessons I’ll never forget
I still don’t understand how my visa application was approved in the first place — I had to submit a photo of my passport to get it — but now I know to be extra vigilant.
Later, I also realized why I’d forgotten to include my middle name: The electronic visa application didn’t have a specific spot labeled for it.
The form says “Given name” and “Surname” — I didn’t think to include my middle name in the same spot as my first because I’m used to seeing a separate spot for it on applications.
From now on, though, I’ll remember that names on a passport and visa must match perfectly, which means including every detail (even if the application doesn’t ask for it in a way you’d expect).
I’m glad I was able to continue on my trip — and I’ll never travel again without money on hand for emergencies. Cash is still king in most places, and I’m lucky this mistake only cost me a few bills and few hours.
https://www.businessinsider.com/avoid-visa-mistake-no-middle-name-almost-ruined-trip