Filling Out Visa and Travel Documents: A Guide to Vietnamese Names

Filling Out Visa and Travel Documents: A Guide to Vietnamese Names

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Cracking the Code: Filling Out Your Name on Visa Applications & Travel Tickets!

Hey fellow travelers! I noticed some of you were running into issues with name formatting when applying for visas. To smooth things out, I'm sharing my experience on how to correctly fill out your first name, middle name, and last name when applying for visas, booking train tickets, and snagging those sweet flight deals. Let's get to it! For this guide, we'll use the example name: NGUYEN / THI MONG MO

Visa Application: Name Game Strong!

There are two common scenarios you might encounter:

Scenario 1: Last Name & First Name Only

If the visa application form only has "Last name (or Family name or Surname)" and "First or Given name(s)" fields, here's the lowdown. Pop your last name into the first field. Then, combine your middle name and first name into the second field. **Important:** Make sure the order of your middle and first names matches your passport. And a super crucial tip: Always separate your middle and first names with a space. Like this:

• Last name/Family name/Surname: NGUYEN
• First/Given name(s): THI MONG MO

Your full name will appear on your visa as: THI MONG MO NGUYEN

Scenario 2: The Middle Name Mystery

Some visa applications throw in a "Middle name(s)" field. My pro tip? Leave it blank! Just use the same method as Scenario 1, putting everything in the "First/Given name(s)" field.

• Last name/Family name/Surname: NGUYEN
• First/Given name(s): THI MONG MO
• Middle name(s): (Leave Blank)

Whether you're filling out a visa application online or on paper, the "Middle name(s)" field is usually optional. You can absolutely leave it empty without worry. Why this approach? If you separate your middle name and first name into the "Middle name(s)" and "First/Given name(s)" fields, the order on your evisa might get jumbled, or your middle name might even disappear! For example, Uzbekistan evisas sometimes drop the middle name if you fill in the "Middle name(s)" field. While you'll likely be fine entering the country where you got your evisa, you could hit a snag when checking in for your flight there. Airline staff can refuse boarding if the name on your passport doesn't perfectly match the name on your evisa (missing middle name or flipped order). Save yourself the headache!

Booking Flights & Trains: Keep it Consistent!

Just like visa applications, you should NOT separate your middle name and first name when booking airline or train tickets. Put your last name in the "Last name/Family name/Surname" field, and combine your middle and first names in the "First/Given name(s)" field. The order should match your passport, always. Now, let's talk spacing. Most airlines are cool with either spacing or not spacing your middle and first names. For example:

• Last name/Family name/Surname: NGUYEN
• First/Given name(s): THI MONG MO

The name on your ticket might show as THI MONG MO / NGUYEN or THIMONGMO / NGUYEN. Both are correct. Some airlines automatically mush your middle and first names together on the ticket and boarding pass, regardless of how you entered them: THIMONGMO / NGUYEN. Other airlines might specifically request you write your middle and first names together. Double-check the airline's guidelines when booking. And some airlines, especially in the Americas, are super relaxed. Just get your last name and first name right, and you're good to go, even if you skip the middle name. (Personal experience talking!) To play it safe, you can always combine your middle and first names:

• Last name/Family name/Surname: NGUYEN
• First/Given name(s): THIMONGMO

Have any other name-filling wisdom to share? Drop it in the comments below! Happy travels! ```