Extending Your Visa in Vietnam: The Ultimate Guide

Vietnam is an ideal destination for a family vacation. With its affordable prices and numerous tourist attractions, it’s a place worth exploring.

To fully enjoy the stunning beauty of Vietnam for an extended time, it’s essential to know how to extend your visa. But first, let’s cover some important details about the visa itself.

Understanding Visas: What You Need to Know

Image Source: Freepik @rawpixel.com

A visa is an essential document that grants the holder legal entry into a foreign country. It typically appears as a stamp or sticker affixed to the passport of the individual.

There are various types of visas available, but this article will focus specifically on travel or tourist visas. This is the most commonly sought type, so the application process may take some time.

Tourist/Travel Visa

Image Source: Freepik @freepik

A tourist visa allows the holder to travel and partake in tourism activities while in another country. It also specifies the duration of stay. Holders of this visa are prohibited from engaging in any business activities during their visit. Fortunately, obtaining a tourist visa is relatively straightforward, as it can be issued through an electronic visa or e-visa process.

When Is a Visa Required?

Image Source: Freepik @benzoix

In general, a visa is necessary when traveling to another country. If there is a visa agreement between your home country and the one you plan to visit, you likely won’t need a visa in advance. Conversely, if no such agreement exists, obtaining a visa will be essential before your journey.

Understanding Immigrant vs. Non-Immigrant Visas

Image Source: Freepik @benzoix

Many individuals use tourist or travel visas but end up staying in the host country for an extended time. To stay longer legally, it's important to grasp the differences between immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

An immigrant visa grants the holder the right to reside permanently in the host country, while a non-immigrant visa permits a temporary stay for a specified duration as outlined in the visa documentation.

You may also find useful: A Comprehensive Guide to Extending Your Tourist Visa in Thailand

A Guide to Extending Your Visa in Vietnam

Image Source: Freepik @tawatchai07

In Vietnam, you have two options for extending your visa. The first is a visa extension, allowing you to stay without exiting the country, and you'll receive a new stamp indicating your updated departure date.

The second option is to renew your visa, which provides you with a new visa page and stamp in your passport. Generally, visa extensions tend to be pricier due to the fees for new stickers and stamps.

Ultimately, the Vietnam Immigration Office has the authority to determine whether to extend or renew your visa, depending on your current visa status.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Extending or Renewing Your Visa in Vietnam

Image Source: Freepik @tawatchai07

To extend or renew your visa in Vietnam, there are several steps you need to follow. The process is outlined as follows:

1. Gather Required Documents

Two essential documents are needed for visa extension or renewal:

2. Submit All Necessary Documents

Once you have prepared all the required documents, you must submit them to the immigration office under the Ministry of Public Security. Be sure to keep the receipt for collecting your visa and passport later.

3. Receive Your Outcome

To obtain your outcome, present the receipts to the officer. If your visa extension is approved, you will need to pay the associated fee, sign the receipt, and then receive the result.

The visa extension process in Vietnam typically takes about seven to ten business days. This timeframe begins once all documents have been properly submitted to the immigration office. The office operates from Monday to Saturday morning.

Where Can I Extend My Visa in Vietnam?

You can extend your visa at the Immigration Management Department located in Vietnam's three largest cities. The addresses are as follows:

What is the Validity Period of a Vietnam Visa Extension?

Vietnam visa extensions can range from 15 days to 6 months, depending on the original visa's validity. The cost will vary based on the initial visa type and the length of the extension. Currently, both 1-month and 3-month tourist visas can be extended for an additional month. Keep in mind that extension durations may change, so it's advisable to check with visa agents before applying.

You can relax and enjoy your holiday in Vietnam now! By learning how to extend your visa, you can fully appreciate this beautiful country. Don’t forget to download Mytour before your trip to easily book your hotels, flights, and activities!