8 mistakes that cause Vietnamese tourists to be denied visas.

Lack of transparency, lack of logic.

There are dozens of reasons why you might be denied a visa, but the most important one is that some applicants fill out their applications illogically and inaccurately, leading the consulate to seriously question their visa application. My friend once applied for a European visa, booked a round-trip ticket through France, but her hotel booking indicated a reservation in the Netherlands first. This lack of logic led to her rejection.

I didn't know where I was going or what I was doing.

I once witnessed a case when I was applying for a Dutch visa. A girl who looked very wealthy had bought a tour package, and when she submitted her application, a tour company employee was present. She casually replied when the consular officer asked where she planned to go in the Netherlands: "I don't know, I just followed the tour instructions." That was a huge mistake. Whether you travel independently or on a tour, you still need to know your itinerary – where you'll go and what you'll do. If you can't answer, the consular officer will think you're not genuinely traveling but might have bought the tour to stay there illegally.

Lack of funds

This is absolutely a prerequisite. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses throughout your trip. For example, in Europe, you must have a minimum available balance – the amount of money you can spend – equal to 50 euros multiplied by the number of days you will be staying. Of course, having more than that is even better. However, don't carry too much money, as this could raise suspicions at the consulate: "Why is this person carrying so much money abroad, or are they planning to stay illegally?"

Wanting "one country to reach the heavens"

You can't just suddenly decide to go to the US, Europe, or Japan when your passport is completely blank. At the very least, demonstrate that you enjoy traveling and have visited many different countries. Of course, if you can travel to countries that are difficult to obtain visas for, your application will be even more credible. A suggestion for those with blank passports is to go to Hong Kong or Dubai – visas are very easy to obtain if you go on a tour, and having a visa stamped on your passport will create much more credibility, as both are developed countries.

I didn't understand the interview process when submitting my application.

Don't let a lack of understanding cost you your ticket to your dream destination. Preparing for the interview is crucial; it demonstrates your understanding of the trip. Refer to the following questions and practice answering them clearly and thoroughly for the consular officer, and you can be sure of success.

• Which places did you visit and what did you do at each place? – Answer according to the itinerary.
• In Japan, what means of transportation will you use to travel between cities? – Answer based on your own knowledge and prior research; in this example, the answer is using a JR Pass.
• When are your entry and exit dates from the country you are visiting? – Please answer according to your flight ticket.
• What is your current job? What is your salary? – Answer according to your employment contract and describe your job in as much detail as possible.
• How many days will you be in country X? – Answer according to your schedule
• How long have you worked at this company? – Answer according to your employment contract.
• Do you have any savings or assets? – Please answer based on the documents you submit.

The reason for travel could not be proven.

A vague itinerary, mismatched hotel bookings, and nervousness during the interview are all reasons for consular officers to suspect you're not here for tourism. Prove your purpose is tourism by demonstrating your extensive knowledge of the destination. Simply search for information on Google (for example, "Amsterdam Top Sights" will give you a list of destinations) and you can confidently talk about the place to the consular officer.

Fraudulent documents

Don't create fake documents like a fake employment contract, as the consulate will contact your company to verify. They might even request your social insurance booklet; they only pay social insurance for you if you have a real job. Don't book a hotel and then cancel immediately; the consulate may check, so keep your booking until you receive your visa.

You cannot prove that you will return to Vietnam.

No ties (children, marriage) in Vietnam, no job, no savings, no house, no car. These "nothings" indicate one thing: "you have no reason to return to Vietnam." This perception will have a huge impact on you. Of course, you don't need all of these things; for example, I only had a job and a very small savings account.

Ly Thanh Co