A Vietnam visa extension allows travelers to prolong their stay beyond the original visa duration. To do this, it’s crucial to understand the necessary steps, fees, and current process for extending a visa in Vietnam.
A visa extension in Vietnam allows you to explore the country for a longer period (Source: Collected).
1. What is Vietnam visa extension and renewal?
You can stay longer in Vietnam by either extending or renewing your visa. But what’s the difference between a visa extension and a renewal? Please note that these two options depend on your current visa.
About Vietnam visa extension
A visa extension in Vietnam allows you to extend your stay in the country. If you exit Vietnam before your visa expires, you’ll need to apply for a new visa to return, which is more costly than extending your current visa.
To apply for a visa extension, your visa must meet certain requirements set by the Vietnam Immigration Department. This means you must apply for a new visa if you wish to return to Vietnam after leaving.
- To extend your stay by 1 month: If you have a 1-month single, 1-month multiple, 3-month single, or 3-month multiple entry visa, you can apply for a 1-month extension.
- To extend your stay by 3 months: If you have a 3-month single or 3-month multiple entry visa, you can apply for a 3-month extension.
About Renewal Visa
A visa renewal means you get a new visa stamp and sticker in your passport with a new duration, valid for up to 3 months. However, the renewal fee is higher than the extension fee because it includes stamping and sticker fees.
Visa renewal is suitable for someone who:
- You entered Vietnam with a visa exemption.
- Your current visa doesn’t match the requirements for extending your stay.
– If you want to upgrade from a 1-month visa to a 3-month visa, apply for a 3-month single or multiple entry renewal.
– If you want to switch from a single entry to a multiple entry visa, you also need to apply for a renewal. This is necessary for getting a multiple entry visa for 1 or 3 months.
A visa extension in Vietnam permits you to explore the country for an extended duration (Source: Collected).
2. Requirements of a Vietnam visa extension 2024
Foreigners entering Vietnam are usually granted a visa with a specific duration based on the purpose of their trip. If your Vietnam visa is about to expire and you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for a visa extension.
Here are the documents of Vietnam visa extension, you’ll need:
- A letter or request for a temporary residence extension, including your name, nationality, date of birth, gender, passport number and expiration date, occupation, purpose of entry, and the requested duration of the extension.
- A passport with a validity of over 30 days from the date of applying for the temporary residence extension.
- An application form for Vietnam visa extension (Form NA5) certified by the legal entity sponsoring your entry.
- If visiting a member of foreign representative agencies in Vietnam, a copy of the ID card of this member.
- If working at foreign representative agencies in Vietnam, a copy of your work contract.
3. Where to extend a Vietnam visa
The following immigration offices are responsible for processing visa extensions in Vietnam:
2.1. In Hanoi
If you are in Northern Vietnam, you can visit the Immigration Department in Hanoi to apply for a visa extension.
- Address: No. 44 – 46, Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Working hours:
- Monday – Friday: From 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday: From 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM
To prolong your stay in Vietnam, you need to apply for a visa extension (Source: Collected).
2.2. In Da Nang
Previously, individuals in Central Vietnam could go to the Immigration Department in Da Nang for visa extensions. However, since August 2018, the Da Nang office has merged with the one in Hanoi. Therefore, if you are a foreigner in the Central region needing a visa extension, you should visit the Immigration Department in Hanoi.
2.3. In Ho Chi Minh City
If you are in Southern Vietnam and need a Vietnam tourist or business visa extension, you can visit the Immigration Office in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Address: No. 196, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, HCMC
- Working hours:
- Monday – Friday: From 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday: From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
If your case is complicated, it may be referred to the main Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Address: No. 333 – 335 – 337, Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, HCMC
- Working hours:
- Monday – Friday: From 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday: From 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
4. How to extend visa in Vietnam
Vietnam visa extension can be extended via a Vietnam Immigration office or a visa local agency in Vietnam.
To avoid the hassle of administrative procedures, it is recommended to apply through a local visa agency. This will give you peace of mind and ensure your visa extension is approved.
The application process usually involves four simple steps:
- Prepare all the required documents.
- Submit documents to the Vietnam Immigration Office in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City, or at the Immigration Office in your residing province.
- Pay the fee and wait for the result, which takes about 5 working days after they receive your complete application and payment.
- Go back to the Immigration Office at the scheduled time to collect your visa extension.
If you have any questions about the procedures and registration process for a visa extension, do not hesitate to Contact Us.
See more: How To Extend And Renew Vietnam Visa 2024: Complete Guide
5. Vietnam Visa Extension Fees
- Single entry: $ 25
- Multiple entry:
- 3-month visa: $ 50
- 3-6 month visa: $ 95
- 6-12 month visa: $ 135
- 1-2 year visa: $ 145
- 2-5 year visa: $ 155
If your visa expires in Vietnam, you must apply for a visa extension (Source: Collected).
6. FAQs About Vietnam Visa Extension
6.1. Can I get a Vietnam visa extension online?
No, currently, Vietnam does not allow e-visa extensions or online visa extensions for foreigners. The process must be done in person.
6.2. When should I request a Vietnam visa extension?
Vietnamese law does not specify an exact time to request a visa extension. However, to ensure the immigration authorities have enough time to process your extension before your current visa expires, it is recommended to apply at least 5-7 days before your visa’s expiration date or as early as possible.
6.3. How long is a Vietnam visa extension valid?
The validity of a Vietnam visa extension can vary:
- 15 days
- 1 month
- 3 months
- 6 months
The extension duration depends on your original visa’s validity. For instance, 1-month and 3-month tourist visas can typically be extended for up to 1 month. Since these durations may change, it is best to consult a Vietnam visa extension service provider before applying.
