Vietnam Visa Extension – Stay Duration & Procedure
If your Vietnam visa is about to expire and you want to stay longer without leaving the country, you can apply for a Vietnam Visa Extension.
This process allows foreign visitors to legally prolong their stay by updating visa validity through the Vietnam Immigration Department.
💡 Note: Visa extension does not change visa type (e.g., tourist → business).
For a visa type change, you must exit and reapply.
✅ Who Can Apply for a Vietnam Visa Extension?
Visa extensions are available for:
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Tourists staying under E-Visa or Visa on Arrival
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Business travelers on DN1/DN2 visas
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Family or dependent visa holders (TT type)
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Foreigners facing travel restrictions or emergencies
🛑 Holders of temporary residence cards (TRC) or expired work permits must follow separate renewal procedures.
🧳 Common Cases That Require Visa Extension
| Case | Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist overstaying | Vacation extended beyond visa date | Apply for 30-day extension before expiry |
| Business trip extended | Project or meeting continues | Apply through local sponsor |
| Flight cancellation / illness | Unforeseen events | Apply for emergency extension |
| Family visit prolonged | Staying with relatives longer | Apply for dependent extension |
🔗 Related: Vietnam Visa Overstay Penalty
📋 Required Documents for Vietnam Visa Extension
Prepare the following before visiting the immigration office or authorized visa agent:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| 🛂 Valid Passport | At least 6 months validity & 2 blank pages |
| 🖼 Recent Photo (4×6 cm) | White background, taken within 6 months |
| 📄 Current Visa Copy | The visa page and entry stamp |
| 📑 Extension Request Form (NA5) | Available at the immigration office |
| 🏢 Sponsor/Company Letter (if business visa) | Required for DN1/DN2 types |
| 💳 Payment Receipt | Fees vary by visa category |
📎 Download NA5 Form → Official Immigration Website
🧾 Vietnam Visa Extension Process (Step by Step)
🧭 Step 1: Prepare Documents
Collect all documents, including passport, photo, current visa, and sponsor letter (if applicable).
🏢 Step 2: Submit Application
Submit at your nearest Vietnam Immigration Department office:
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Hanoi: 44–46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
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Ho Chi Minh City: 333–337 Nguyen Trai, District 1
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Da Nang: 7 Tran Quy Cap, Hai Chau District
🕓 Step 3: Wait for Processing
Processing usually takes 5–7 working days (standard), or 2–3 days for urgent requests.
📘 Step 4: Receive Extended Visa
Once approved, your passport will show an updated visa stamp with new expiration dates.
⚡ Tip: You can use a trusted agency like FastVisaVietnam.com to handle the process without visiting the office in person.
💵 Duration, Limitations & Fees
| Visa Type | Max Extension | Entries | Est. Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (DL/E-Visa) | 30–60 days | Single | $50–80 |
| Business (DN1/DN2) | 30–90 days | Single/Multiple | $80–120 |
| Family (TT) | 90 days | Multiple | $100–150 |
🛑 Limitations:
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Not all visa types are extendable (depends on nationality and status)
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Extensions must be applied before expiry
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Some nationalities may be required to exit and reapply
🔗 See related → Vietnam Visa Renewal Process
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I extend my Vietnam visa online?
Currently, visa extensions must be processed in person or via authorized agencies, not online.
Q2. How many times can I extend my visa?
Most visitors can extend once or twice, depending on visa type and length of stay.
Q3. What happens if my visa expires before I apply?
Overstaying leads to fines ranging from $25–500 based on duration. Always extend before expiry.
Q4. How long does visa extension take?
Standard processing takes 5–7 working days, urgent requests 2–3 days.
Q5. Can I convert my tourist visa to a work or business visa?
❌ No. You must exit Vietnam and apply for a new visa type.
🏛 Official Sources & References
FastVisaVietnam.com operates under Nguyen Adventure – a trusted Vietnam visa & travel provider since 2010.
🚀 Extend Your FastVisaVietnam
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