Can I extend my visa while in Vietnam?

Extending Your Visa in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide

Vietnam is a popular tourist destination, welcoming millions of visitors annually. To ensure a hassle-free trip, it’s crucial to understand the visa regulations and any potential extensions.

Tourist Visa Overview

• Validity: Tourist visas for Vietnam are valid for up to 90 days from the date of issuance.
• Length of Stay: Single-entry visas allow for a maximum stay of 30 days per entry.
• Eligibility for Extension: Only single-entry tourist visas are extendable upon arrival.

Extension Process

To extend your single-entry tourist visa, you must apply in person at the Vietnam Immigration Department or an authorized immigration office. The following steps are involved:

1. Prepare Required Documents: Gather your passport, original visa, extension application form, and a valid passport photo.
2. Determine Extension Period: You can extend your visa for either 15 or 30 additional days.
3. Submit Application: Submit all required documents and pay the extension fee.
4. Processing Time: Processing takes approximately 1-3 business days.

Extension Fees

The extension fee varies depending on the number of days requested:

• 15-day extension: $25 USD
• 30-day extension: $50 USD

Important Considerations

• Plan Ahead: Extensions are only available within 30 days of your initial permitted stay. Plan your trip accordingly.
• Multiple Entries: If you intend to depart and re-enter Vietnam on a single visa, you will need to apply for a multiple-entry visa before arrival.
• Visa Runs: Visa runs are strongly discouraged by Vietnamese authorities. Attempting to skirt the visa regulations could result in penalties or denial of entry.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a seamless extension of your tourist visa in Vietnam and enjoy your extended stay exploring this beautiful country.