Problem with validating VAT number when buying credits

This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem:
The client was unable to buy credits for translating their website due to an error with VAT validation, specifically receiving the message: "Error communicating with the VAT validation server - please try again." Despite trying to log out and log back in, and re-entering the VAT number, the issue persisted.
Solution:
We identified that the issue was related to the VIES API, which occasionally becomes unresponsive, typically for short periods. We recommended the client to ensure that their VAT number is VIES enabled, which they confirmed. The VIES service resumed shortly after, allowing the client to successfully complete the transaction and purchase credits.

If you're experiencing a similar issue, we recommend checking if your VAT number is VIES enabled and attempting the transaction again after a short wait. If the problem persists, please visit our support forum for further assistance. We also highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins.

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Tagged: Account Issues

This topic contains 4 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Greenpig 3 days, 1 hour ago.

Assisted by: Alejandro.

Author	Posts
February 24, 2026 at 7:19 am #17844850
Greenpig	I'd like to buy credits to translate my website but there is apparently a problem with the VAT validation. "Error communicating with the VAT validation server - please try again." I've tried to logout and login again, I've tried to empty the field and rewrite the number back again. It's a Belgian VAT Number. Could you tell me when I can expect this problem to be solved? I really need to buy credits.
February 24, 2026 at 8:01 am #17844987
Alejandro WPML Supporter since 02/2018 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) Italian (Italiano ) Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+01:00)	Hello, would you kindly provide the VAT you're using and also would you please tell me where exactly are you having this issue? (Send the URL please). Thanks in advance.
February 24, 2026 at 8:16 am #17845022
Greenpig	Hi, sure, the VAT Number is BE0812393905 My problem is at the checkout when I try to buy credits: https://wpml.org/checkout/
February 24, 2026 at 9:21 am #17845236
Alejandro WPML Supporter since 02/2018 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) Italian (Italiano ) Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+01:00)	Ok, we've had that problem in the past but the problem doesn't come from us but from the VIES API that basically stops working. it only happens for like a minute. I'm asking our systems team to verify this but in the meantime could you please confirm that your VAT is VIES enabled? (from what I could gather it seems that way, though).
February 24, 2026 at 9:59 am #17845384
Greenpig	Yes the VAT Number is VIES enabled. It sees that the VIES tool is back on service, I could proceed to the transaction and buy credits. Thanks for your help