TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. CAN I EXTEND MY VIETNAM VISA?
Yes, you can extend your Vietnam Visa. A visa extension for foreigners in Vietnam allows visitors who have already entered Vietnam to continue their stay in the country without having to leave and re-enter. When extending a visa, the new visa will be recorded directly on the passport with the updated duration of stay.
Important Note: An extended visa is only valid for one entry. This means that after the extension, if the visitor decides to leave Vietnam, the visa will no longer be valid upon re-entry and the visitor will need to apply for a new visa. Therefore, visitors should carefully consider their travel plans to ensure compliance with entry regulations.
In addition to visa extensions, visitors can also choose to apply for a visa run to continue their stay in Vietnam. A visa run in Vietnam means that when an international visitor’s visa is about to expire, they will leave Vietnam and travel temporarily to a neighboring country or within the region, such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, etc. They will then re-enter Vietnam and receive a new entry stamp, allowing them to continue their stay with a new validity period.
To determine whether a visa extension or a visa run is the better option for extending your stay in Vietnam, refer to the comparison table below:
Failing to extend a Vietnam visa on time can lead to severe repercussions for international visitors. Aside from facing administrative fines, visitors may also be placed on the “Watchlist” and “Blacklist” of the Vietnam Immigration Department, resulting in restricted or banned entry for a specified period. This not only affects future entry attempts but can also complicate the visa reapplication process and hinder future travel plans to Vietnam.
2. VISA EXTENSION REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM
To extend or renew a Vietnam visa, foreign visitors must meet specific passport and visa type requirements.
Passport Requirements for Visa Extension:
- Valid Passport: The applicant’s original passport must have a remaining validity of at least six (06) months from the date of submitting the extension application.
- Blank Passport Pages: At least two blank pages are required for affixing a new visa stamp or sticker.
Visa Type Requirements:
- Commercial Visa/Business Visa: The visa must have been issued as a Visa On Arrival (VOA) and not have been extended previously.
- 5-Year Visa: The visa must still be valid but the allowed duration of stay has expired.
Meeting these requirements will ensure a smooth visa extension process, allowing foreign visitors to continue their stay or work in Vietnam without any obstacles.
3. LOCATIONS FOR EXTENDING A VIETNAM VISA FOR FOREIGNERS
Foreign visitors have two main options for extending their Vietnam visas:
3.1. Online Vietnam Visa Extension
This online extension isn’t quite as straightforward for solo travelers. You’ll need some help from a business or organization in Vietnam to sponsor your application. They’ll have a special login for the government website where they can submit your request following the provided steps.
On top of that, you’ll need to show why you need to stay longer in Vietnam. Documents proving this will be required. Finally, you’ll need to get your passport to the Immigration Department. You can either send it with a courier service or hand it in yourself to finalize the extension.
3.2. Online Vietnam Visa Extension through TrustVisa Services
Direct visa extension can be a tedious process for visitors unfamiliar with the procedures, as it involves preparing various documents and paperwork, navigating language barriers, and potentially facing lengthy waiting times and travel inconveniences.
To save time and ensure a high success rate for visa extension applications, utilizing TrustVisa’s Vietnam visa extension services is the optimal choice.
4. STREAMLINED VISA EXTENSION PROCESS WITH TRUSTVISA
TrustVisa simplifies the Vietnam visa extension process to just three easy steps:
Step 1: Register for the service and pay the visa extension fee online
Step 2: Send visa information via email and original passport to TrustVisa
- Provide your visa details to contact@trusttravel.vn and send your original passport to our office.
Step 3: Receive your extended original passport within 3-4 business days
TrustVisa ensures a hassle-free Vietnam visa extension experience by:
- Automated Form Filling: Our system automatically fills out the application form, reducing the risk of errors to 0%.
- Save Time and Money: Eliminate the need for travel and frequent status checks, saving you time and money.
- Competitive Fees: Enjoy affordable and competitive pricing.
- Money-Back Guarantee: Receive a full refund if you don’t receive your Vietnam visa on time.
- High Success Rate: Experience a 99% success rate for Vietnam visa extensions.
- 24/7 Support: Get assistance from our dedicated team of consultants, even on holidays and weekends.
5. VISA EXTENSION FEES
TrustVisa guarantees to provide public and reasonable fees in order to extend your visa. The specific is as follows:
6. FAQ REGARDING VISA EXTENSION FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM
❓Can I Extend My Vietnam Visa Online?
✅ Yes, an online Vietnam visa extension is now available. However, since the extension stamp needs to be affixed directly to the passport, foreign nationals are still required to send their passports to the Immigration Department via courier or submit them in person to complete the extension process.
The online visa service is not only applicable for extensions but also for those who wish to apply for an e-visa or sponsorship for an Entry Permit into Vietnam.
❓When Should I Extend My Vietnam Visa?
✅ Both foreign nationals and sponsoring entities should be aware of this question to avoid overstaying their visa. According to current regulations, visa extension should be initiated before the expiration date of temporary residence indicated on the foreigner’s current visa. To ensure a seamless stay, it is recommended to extend your visa one week prior to the visa expiration date.
❓Extending an Expired Vietnam E-visa
✅ According to current regulations, E-visas cannot be extended. However, if you entered Vietnam with an E-visa and require additional time in the country, you can utilize the “Visa Run” method. Additionally, foreigners can opt to convert their E-visa to another visa type that aligns with their new purpose of stay, adhering to the specified timelines and conditions. This extension or conversion process necessitates strict adherence to the relevant procedures and documentation requirements.
❓Where to Extend a Foreigner’s Visa in Vietnam
✅ As per current regulations, applications for visa extension for foreigners can be submitted at the Immigration Department in the two major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Alternatively, applications can also be submitted to the Immigration Management Division of the Public Security of the province or city where the business or organization has its headquarters, or to the locality where the sponsor is registered with permanent residence.
❓Can a Visa be Extended Before Entering Vietnam?
✅Visa extension is not possible if you are not physically present in Vietnam. It can only be initiated once you have entered and are residing in Vietnam due to unforeseen circumstances that necessitate extending your stay beyond the permitted visa duration.
❓Can a Tourist Visa be Extended in Vietnam?
✅ Yes, tourist visas can be extended for foreigners within Vietnam. The current extension period is one month (30 days), allowing visitors additional time to explore and experience the beauty and diversity of Vietnam.
TrustVisa has provided an overview of Vietnam’s visa extension regulations for foreigners and related information. If you have any questions regarding our services, fees, procedures, or the Vietnam visa extension process, please feel free to contact us for free consultation and support.