How Many Times Can I Extend My Vietnam Visa?
In recent years, Vietnam no longer applies a fixed rule on how many times a visa can be extended. Visa extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.
Key Points on Number of Extensions
1. Single-Entry Visa (30 days or 90 days)
Tourist visa extensions are currently limited and not automatically available. In many cases, travelers are required to exit Vietnam and apply for a new visa instead of extending in-country.
2. E-Visa (30 days / 90 days)
As of now, Vietnam e-visas are generally not extendable within the country. Travelers usually need to exit Vietnam and apply for a new e-Visa online from abroad.
3. Visa Exemption Stays
Visa-free stays are generally not extendable. To stay longer, most travelers must exit Vietnam and re-enter with an appropriate visa, unless they qualify for a specific in-country status change. To stay longer, travelers must exit Vietnam and re-enter with an e-visa.
4. Business Visas
Business visas may allow extensions in certain cases, depending on sponsor documentation and immigration approval. Multiple extensions are not guaranteed and are reviewed individually.
Vietnam Visa Extension Rules & Process
Extensions are processed by the Vietnam Immigration Department and must be applied for before your current visa expires to avoid fines or bans for overstaying.
Processing times vary and may take longer than expected depending on location, workload, and individual circumstances. You can apply at immigration offices in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
Each extension typically grants you an additional 15 days to 3 months. There is no officially published maximum total stay period. The length of stay depends on visa type, immigration discretion, and compliance with current regulations.
Extend visa Costs & Time: Fees vary by visa type, extension length, and processing speed. Tourist visa extensions are cheaper than business/work visas.
Your Passport Must Be Valid: It needs at least 6 months' validity and two blank pages.
When an Extension Is NOT Approved
Vietnam Immigration may reject extensions if:
- Your current visa type does not allow for an additional stay.
- Your extension history is too frequent without leaving the country.
- There is a change in policy for your nationality.
- Your passport has less than 6 months’ validity.
- Overstay history or missing documents can lead to extension denial.
- Some periods of the year may have temporary restrictions on extensions.
What should I do if my Vietnam visa cannot be extended?
Exiting Vietnam and reapplying for a new visa is a common option, but repeated visa runs may raise concerns with immigration authorities.
Immigration policies change regularly — approvals are done case-by-case basis, even if you were extended before. We highly recommend checking your current visa at the "Type of Visa" and "Valid Until" date in your passport. If you need a long-term stay, your best course of action is to contact the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
Related Articles
- Do Children Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?
- How Early Should I Apply for a Vietnam Visa?
- How Many Times Can I Extend My Vietnam Visa?
- I have no surname on the passport, how can I apply for e-Visa?
- What if my name is too long or includes special characters? How should I type my name or how should my name appear on the e-Visa?
- What is the minimum passport expiry date required to apply for an e-Visa?
- What to do if I import the wrong passport number?
- Could I travel with no approval letter and get the visa after arrival?
- I am a Vietnamese, currently living overseas with a foreign nationality, how can I get a Vietnam visa?
- Do I have to declare my past violation history from a long time ago during my previous entry?
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