A Vietnam visa is needed for foreigners to enter the country legally, unless they are exempt. If someone stays in Vietnam longer than their visa allows without renewing or extending it, they will face penalties or fines.
Let’s break down what Vietnam Visa Overstay means, the fines you might face, and how to handle it.
Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang
1. What is a Vietnam Visa Overstay?
A Vietnam visa overstay occurs when you remain in Vietnam beyond the expiration date of your visa. This means you’re staying longer than the allowed period without a valid visa.
Overstaying your visa in Vietnam can lead to serious consequences. It’s important to understand these consequences, how to avoid overstaying, and what steps to take if you find yourself in this situation.
2. Consequences of Overstaying Your Visa in Vietnam
The penalties for overstaying your visa in Vietnam depend on the visa type and specific circumstances. According to Vietnam’s immigration laws, fines for overstaying can range from VND 500,000 to VND 40,000,000, depending on the duration of the overstay.
Additionally, Vietnam Visa Overstay may result in being blacklisted by the Vietnam Immigration Department, facing forced deportation, and in the worst cases, being permanently banned from returning to Vietnam.
3. Vietnam Visa Overstay Fine
If you’re wondering, “How much do you have to pay if you overstay your visa in Vietnam?” This section will give you the detailed information you need.
In Vietnam, fines for overstaying a visa are calculated based on the number of days you’ve overstayed. These fines are specified in Article 8 of Circular No. 144/2021/NĐ-CP as follows:
- Overstaying for less than 16 days: VND 500,000 – VND 2,000,000 (approximately US $22 – US $88)
- Overstaying for 16 to less than 30 days: VND 3,000,000 – VND 5,000,000 (approximately US $133 – US $221)
- Overstaying for 30 to less than 60 days: VND 5,000,000 – VND 10,000,000 (approximately US $221 – US $441)
- Overstaying for 60 to less than 90 days: VND 10,000,000 – VND 15,000,000 (approximately US $441 – US $661)
- Overstaying for 90 days or more: VND 15,000,000 – VND 20,000,000 (approximately US $661 – US $885)
- Non-compliance with exit orders and continued residence in Vietnam: VND 30,000,000 – VND 40,000,000 (approximately US $1,320 – US $1,760)
4. How to Avoid Overstaying Your Vietnam Visa
Preventing a visa overstay is much easier than dealing with the consequences later. Here are some tips to help you avoid Vietnam Visa Overstay:
4.1. Double-Check Your Visa Expiry Date
Upon arrival at the Vietnam airport, carefully check the expiry date stamped on your visa. Mistakes can happen, and an incorrect date could lead to significant problems later on. Ensure all details on your visa, especially the validity dates, are accurate.
4.2. Set Reminders for Your Visa Expiry Date
Life can get busy, and it’s easy to lose track of time, especially during events like weddings, medical treatments, extended trips, or if you misplace important documents. Set a reminder or alarm for the last day of your visa validity to avoid accidentally overstaying.
4.2. Apply for a Visa Extension
If you know you’ll need to stay in Vietnam beyond your visa’s expiration date, make sure to apply for a visa extension in advance. This can help you avoid penalties and ensure your stay remains legal.
The visa extension/renewal fee depends on the type of entry, whether it’s a single entry or multiple entries.
5. What to Do If You Have Vietnam Visa Overstay
If you’ve overstayed your Vietnam visa, here’s how to handle the situation:
5.1.Pay the Fine
The simplest way to resolve the issue, especially if you’ve only overstayed by one or two days, is to pay the fine when you exit the country.
You can pay this directly to the immigration officer at the airport. The fine is typically around VND 500,000 (approximately US $25).
5.2. Consider Extending Your Visa
While paying the fine might seem convenient, it’s not always the best option. Overstaying can result in a mark on your passport, which could affect future visits to Vietnam.
If possible, it’s advisable to apply for a visa extension even if it takes a few extra days. This approach helps you avoid potential long-term issues with your travel history.
6. What to Do If You Lose Your Passport
If you lose your passport while in Vietnam and it leads to overstaying your visa, follow these steps:
- Report the Loss: Immediately go to the local ward police office to file a Passport Lost Report. Ensure you obtain a confirmation letter sealed by them, which will be essential for further procedures.
- Contact Your Embassy/Consulate: Reach out to your country’s Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam to apply for a replacement passport. The renewal process can take several weeks. If your country does not have an official Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam, contact the nearest Embassy in a neighboring country and request a diplomatic note for assistance.
- Request Support: Your Embassy or Consulate will issue a letter to the Vietnam Immigration Department, requesting support for either a travel document if you plan to leave Vietnam or a new visa if you need to stay longer. If you plan to exit Vietnam, you will use the new passport and an exit visa issued by the Immigration Department.
What should I do for overstaying in Vietnam?
7. How to Exit Vietnam If Your Visa Is Expired
If your visa has expired and you need to leave Vietnam, here’s what you should do:
1. Pay the Penalties: To exit Vietnam legally, you must pay all applicable fines for overstaying. You may also need to follow other procedures required by local officials, such as submitting an explanatory letter or applying for an exit visa.
2.Exit Visa: In cases where you’ve overstayed by just a few days, you can pay the fine directly to the Immigration Officer at the Vietnam international airport when you leave. For longer overstays, you might need to apply for an exit visa to ensure your departure is compliant with Vietnamese regulations.
If you need more information about Vietnam Visa Overstay , don’t hesitate to contact us.
Wolo Tours JSC
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8. Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Visa Overstay
8.1. Immigration Office in Da Nang City
Q: I am currently in Da Nang city. Is there an Immigration Office in Da Nang city?
A: Yes, there is an Immigration Office in Da Nang. You can visit it at the following address:
- Address: No. 7 Tran Quy Cap Street, Da Nang city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam.
For contact information of the Vietnam Immigration Department in other major cities:
- In Hanoi: 40A, Hang Bai Street, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- In Ho Chi Minh City: 161 Nguyen Du, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- In Hai Phong: 2 Tran Binh Trong, Luong Khanh Thien, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong.
If you wish to save time and avoid any hassle when dealing with immigration officials, the VietnamTouristServices.com team can assist with visa-related services. Please feel free to contact us at (+84) 918.212.468
8.2. Visa Correction / Vietnam Visa Overstay for 2 Days
Q: I am confused about my Vietnam visa overstay situation and need your advice. I applied for and received a 30-day Vietnam tourist visa from the Vietnam Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. However, my visa shows the dates from 9 Feb to 9 March, which only covers 28 days, not 30. I’m scheduled to leave Hanoi on 10 March, and I can’t change my flight. The Immigration Department in Hanoi suggested I apply for a visa extension via an agency, but I’m unsure if that’s necessary. How much would I need to pay if I overstay my visa by 2 days?
A: The Vietnam visa you received is correct; it’s valid for one month, which can be 28, 30, or 31 days depending on the month. Since February only has 28 days, your visa is valid for the correct period.
Regarding the fine for overstaying, typically, the fine is about VND 500,000 (~$23) per day. You can pay this fine directly at the airport when you exit Vietnam.
Vietnam Embassy in Phnom Penh
8.3. Overstay 1-Year Tourist Visa for US Citizens
Q: I’m an American teaching English in Vietnam on a one-year tourist visa. I’ve heard conflicting information about how long I can stay in Vietnam. Some say I need to leave every three months, while others say every six months. My visa says “multiple entry,” but the stamp doesn’t clarify anything. I’ve been here for nearly six months without leaving. Do I need to pay a penalty for not exiting three months ago? I’m really confused and worried.
A: For US citizens with a tourist visa, the maximum stay for each entry is 90 days. This means that after each 90-day period, you must either leave Vietnam and re-enter or apply for a visa extension. The visa allows for multiple entries, but you are required to exit every 90 days if you wish to continue your stay.
Since you’ve been in Vietnam for nearly six months without exiting, you may need to visit the local Immigration Office to resolve the issue and may have to pay a penalty for Vietnam Visa Overstay. Unfortunately, tourist visas do not allow continuous stays for one year without leaving, which is different from a business visa.
