Home Arrow FAQ Arrow Can I Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa While in Vietnam?

Can I Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa While in Vietnam?

No. You cannot apply for a Vietnam electronic visa (e-Visa) while you are already in Vietnam. E-visas are only issued to foreigners who are currently abroad and wishing to enter Vietnam, not to those who are already temporarily resident in the country.

The Vietnam e-Visa is an entry visa, which means:

  • You must be outside Vietnam when applying
  • The e-Visa is used to enter Vietnam through approved ports
  • It cannot be issued to replace, extend, or convert an existing visa

While the online system may technically accept an application, e-Visa requests submitted by applicants already inside Vietnam are typically refused during processing due to conflicting entry records.

What to Do If You’re Already in Vietnam

However, if you need to stay longer in Vietnam, you have two main options:

1. Visa Extension
In limited cases, certain visa types may be extended or reissued inside Vietnam, usually with local sponsorship. However, most tourist visas and e-Visas are no longer eligible for in-country extensions. The extension process typically takes 5-7 business days and requires:
Your passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Application forms (such as Form NA5), if applicable, usually required only for visas involving local sponsorship.
Supporting documents, depending on your visa type

2. Visa Run (Exit and Re-enter)
A visa run is currently the most common and reliable option for travelers holding e-Visas or tourist visas who wish to stay longer in Vietnam. If an extension isn't available for your visa type, you can:
Exit Vietnam (to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, etc.)
Apply for a new e-visa while abroad
Re-enter Vietnam with the new visa

Apply for a different visa type
Depending on your situation, you may be able to apply for a new visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate outside Vietnam.

Critical Action Steps

Do NOT attempt to apply for an e-Visa using your current location inside Vietnam. If you apply while already in Vietnam, your e-Visa application is very likely to be refused, and the processing fee is non-refundable.

Check your visa expiry date immediately. Note the "Enter Before" and "Duration of Stay" dates on your visa sticker or e-Visa printout.

Contact a reputable local visa agent at least 7-10 days before your current visa expires to discuss extension possibilities, required documents, and costs. They will provide you with the most accurate and current options based on your specific visa and nationality.

Whatever you do, do not let your current visa expire while waiting for a new e-visa. Overstaying in Vietnam results in fines that increase daily. Significant overstays can lead to being blacklisted from future entry into the country.

In short, the Vietnam e-visa system is designed for travelers who are outside of Vietnam. If you try to apply while already in the country, the application may be rejected, or the system may encounter a conflict with your current entry record.

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