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What should I do if my passport stamps are smudged from water damage before traveling to Vietnam?

passport damage Vietnam DTV application traveling with damaged passports passport care tips immigration concerns expat experiences in Vietnam Thai immigration visa application process

May 14, 2025

3 days ago

Amber *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all - I was supposed to be going to Hanoi today to submit my DTV application but delayed last minute because, thanks to the incessant rain in Bangkok, my passport got wet and the ink from one of my stamps has ran through to the next page.

I've previously been denied entry to Vietnam because my photo page was damaged...has anyone got any experienced with smudgey stamps like this?

Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster is concerned about water damage to their passport due to rain, which has smudged some of the stamps. They fear that this might cause issues when applying for a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) in Vietnam, as they have been denied entry to Vietnam in the past due to damage on their passport. Community members share their experiences with water-damaged passports, suggesting that as long as the main data page is intact, there may not be any issues. However, many advise getting a new passport to avoid complications. Additional tips include protecting the passport from water in the future and the possibility of using emergency travel documents if necessary.

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Anonymous ******************

Yes I've entered hcmc with smudged stamp pages before. As long as it's not on the biodata or the visa page, you should be fine

2 days ago

Laurent *****

I wouldn't want to worry you, as many people travel with damaged passports like this, if it's just a few pages with a stamp, you can just dry them out, but if the whole passport has been damaged ... it's important to note that this is unpredictable, and will depend on the country or the immigration officer who receives you. In absolute terms, if the NFC data stored in the passport is still legible, it will be easier, but there are some who will be refused entry. In the worst case, set aside the time it takes for the embassy to intervene, the wisest thing to do would be to contact the embassy.

2 days ago

Henrik *****

Go ask at the nearest Immigration office.

2 days ago

Vitico ********

I think this is a good time to remind everyone to keep your passport inside a plastic/ziplock bag. Also don’t forget to use a pencil (not pen) and fill in the emergency contact info page, in case you lose your passport and someone finds it, they will know how to contact you.

2 days ago

Kasia ********

I had a similar situation with mosquito spray exploding in my bag and entered Vietnam no problem. Good luck!

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Nothing like evading accountability and blaming someone/something else for your carelessness.

Your passport got damaged because YOU didn’t look after it properly.

Clearly you never learnt the last time about the importance of looking after your passport.