Vietnam visa extension guide: All information foreigners need to know

Extending your Vietnam visa is a structured process allowing foreigners to legally prolong their stay in the country beyond their initial visa duration. The procedure requires specific documentation, including a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining and a completed declaration form (NA5). Vietnam offers extensions for various visa categories, including tourist, business, work, and investment visas, each with unique requirements.

The essential application package requires your current passport, completed forms, and temporary residence registration. Additional documents vary based on visa type—business visas require company documentation, while investment visas need enterprise registration certificates. The extension process typically takes 5-7 working days and should be initiated 7-10 days before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties.

This guide provides detailed information on when you need a visa extension, which visa types can be extended, documentation requirements, application procedures, where to apply, processing times, and associated fees—everything you need to navigate Vietnam’s visa extension system successfully.

When should you apply for a Vietnam visa extension?

Foreigners need to extend their Vietnam visa when their visa is about to expire but they want to stay longer in Vietnam. The best time to apply for a visa extension is about 15 days before your current visa expires. This gives enough time for processing while keeping your stay legal. If you don’t extend your visa before it expires, you may have to pay fines or leave Vietnam, which could make it difficult to return later.

Remember that staying in Vietnam after your visa expires is illegal. You will have to pay daily fines between USD 80-300 depending on how long you overstay your Vietnam visa. Recently, these rules are being enforced more strictly, so it’s very important to extend your visa on time..

Types of Vietnam visas eligible for extension

Below are common visa types eligible for extension in Vietnam:

Essential requirements for visa extension in Vietnam

To extend your visa in Vietnam, you must meet these important requirements. These rules apply to everyone, no matter what country you are from or what type of visa you have:

• Your current Vietnam visa must still be valid when you apply
• Your passport must be valid for at least one month longer than your requested visa extension
• You must have registered your temporary residence according to Vietnamese rules
• You must not have any deportation orders or immigration restrictions
• You must have a proper sponsor (Vietnamese person or organization) that matches your visa type

Complete document checklist for Vietnam visa extension

>>> Download the official NA5 form here to save time and ensure you have the latest version

Two application methods to extend your Vietnam visa

Online Vietnam visa extension

Vietnam now allows you to apply for visa extensions online, which is convenient and saves time. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Prepare visa extension documents

First, you must prepare your documents according to the Immigration Department requirements listed above by VisaNow. Then scan them in PDF format (no larger than 5MB per file). Make sure all scans are clear and easy to read. Photos should be in JPEG format and 4x6cm in size.

Step 2. Log in and select the right application types

Go to the National Public Service Portal website and log in with your electronic ID account. If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to create one first. VisaNow can help you set up this account if needed.

Access the service portal to log in and submit the Vietnam visa extension application after successful login to the national public service portal homepage. Enter “Temporary” in the search bar.

Select “Procedures for foreigners’ temporary residence extension in Vietnam Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security”. Proceed to select “Submit application”

Step 3. Fill out the form and upload your documents

Upload your photo and fill in all required personal information, including your address in Vietnam. Attach all your prepared documents from step 1. Make sure each file is the right size and format. Providing complete and accurate information helps avoid delays.

After checking that everything is correct, click “Agree and continue,” enter the verification code, and select “Sign form” to submit your application.

Step 4. Submit passport and pay fees

Mail your original passport to the immigration office using a postal service. After your application is accepted, you’ll get a message about the fee. Go to the website to make the payment.

About 5-7 days after submitting your application, you can check its status on the application tracking website by entering your application code and verification code. The status will show: received, processing, or completed.

In-person Vietnam visa extension

Step 1. Prepare documents and fill out the application form

Gather all required documents from the list above and have them properly certified and translated into Vietnamese by an official translation service. Fill out the visa extension application form (NA5), making sure all information matches your passport.

Step 2. Submit documents and pay fees

Take your complete application package to the Immigration Department or local Immigration Office where you currently live or work. An immigration officer will check your documents.

If your documents are complete and correct, the officer will accept your application, give you a receipt, and tell you when to come back. If there are any problems with your documents, they will tell you what to fix before they can process your application.

Step 3. Result collection

On the date given, go back to the Immigration Office where you submitted your application to get your extended visa. Bring your receipt, ID, and payment confirmation. If your extension is denied, you’ll receive a document explaining why.

Where to apply for visa extensions for foreigners?

Foreigners can apply for visa extensions at immigration offices in the province or city where they currently live or work. Here are the main places where you can apply:

Ho Chi Minh City address: 337 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi address: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

>>> You must apply at the Immigration Office where you currently reside. If you live or work outside these major cities, check the Public Services Portal of the Ministry of Public Security for your local immigration office address.

Processing time for visa extension for foreigners

According to official rules, visa extension applications usually take 5-7 working days to process after you submit a complete and valid application. This is true for both online and in-person applications. When you submit your application, you will get a receipt that tells you exactly when to pick up your extended visa.

In reality, processing times can be different depending on how busy the immigration office is, how complicated your case is, and what time of year it is. During busy tourist seasons or major holidays, it might take longer than usual.

Vietnam visa extension fees

The official government fees for extending visas in Vietnam depend on how long you want to stay and how many times you want to enter Vietnam. Here are the current Vietnam visa extension fees:

These are the official government Vietnam visa extension fee amounts as stated in Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC. You can pay in Vietnamese Dong using the current exchange rate or in US dollars at certain places. If you use a service agency to help with your visa extension, there may be extra service fees.

Frequently asked questions about Vietnam visa extension

When you let VisaNOW handle your visa extension process, you benefit from our experience with Vietnam’s immigration system. We make sure all procedures are followed correctly, saving you time and helping you avoid potential problems. Contact HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for more information.