Vietnam Visa Overstay Penalty 2026: New Fines (Decree 282), Blacklist & Exit Solutions

⚠️ URGENT ADVICE: If you have overstayed your Vietnam visa, STOP. Do not go to the airport immediately if your overstay exceeds 3 days. You risk being denied exit, missing your flight, and being detained. Read this guide to handle the situation legally.

Overstaying a visa in Vietnam is a serious administrative violation. As of December 15, 2025, the Vietnamese government has enforced stricter penalties under Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, significantly increasing fines and enforcement measures compared to previous years.

What Is Visa Overstay in Vietnam?

Visa Overstay occurs when a foreign national remains in Vietnam after the “Valid Until” date on their E-visa, Visa stamp, or Temporary Residence Card has passed.

  • Example: Your E-visa expires on December 10th. If you are still in Vietnam on December 11th, you are officially overstaying by 1 day.

  • Common Causes: Misreading the date format (DD/MM vs MM/DD), flight cancellations, or assuming the “30-day visa” allows a full month stay (e.g., February has only 28 days).

Vietnam Visa Overstay Penalty & Fine Structure (2025)

The fines for overstaying are calculated based on the number of days you have exceeded your visa validity.

Note: The following fines are based on the new Decree 282/2025 (replacing Decree 144/2021). The penalties have increased for longer durations.

Overstay Duration Fine Range (VND) Approx. USD Severity Level
Less than 16 days 500,000 – 2,000,000 VND $20 – $80

Administrative

 

(Usually resolved quickly)
16 days to < 30 days 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 VND $200 – $400

Moderate

 

(Requires formal processing)
30 days to < 60 days 10,000,000 – 20,000,000 VND $400 – $800

Serious

 

(Risk of Blacklist)
60 days to < 90 days 20,000,000 – 30,000,000 VND $800 – $1,200

High Risk

 

(Deportation likely)
90 days or more 30,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND $1,200 – $1,600

Severe

 

(Forced Deportation & Ban)

Important: The exact fine is determined by the Immigration Officer based on the severity of the case and your intent (e.g., accidental vs. deliberate).

Consequences of Overstaying Vietnam Visa

Beyond the monetary fine, overstaying can ruin your future travel plans.

1. The “Blacklist” (Entry Ban)

If you overstay for a significant period (usually over 30 days) or fail to pay the fine, you may be placed on the Immigration Blacklist.

  • Consequence: You will be banned from entering Vietnam for 1 to 5 years.

  • Impact: This record is shared with immigration authorities, potentially affecting visa applications for other countries.

2. Forced Deportation

For severe cases (long-term overstay without valid reason), authorities may initiate Forced Deportation. This creates a permanent mark on your immigration record.

3. Denied Extension

Once you have overstayed, you cannot simply extend your visa to fix the problem. You must go through the “Exit Visa” process (details below).

Can You Leave Vietnam with an Overstay?

This depends entirely on how long you have overstayed.

Scenario A: Minor Overstay (1 – 3 Days)

  • Where to fix: You might be able to resolve this directly at the airport immigration counter.

  • The Risk: You will need to pay the fine in cash (VND) on the spot. It takes time (30-60 minutes), so you might miss your flight if you don’t arrive early.

  • Recommendation: Arrive at the airport 4 hours before departure.

Scenario B: Significant Overstay (4 Days or More)

  • Where to fix: You CANNOT just go to the airport. Immigration officers at the airport may refuse to let you leave and require you to visit the Immigration Office in the city (Hanoi or HCMC) to resolve the violation first.

  • The Risk: If you go straight to the airport, you will miss your flight and lose your ticket money.

  • Recommendation: Contact a visa agency or visit the Immigration Department days before your flight to get an Exit Visa.

How to Fix Visa Overstay (Step-by-Step)

If you are currently overstaying, follow these steps immediately to minimize penalties.

Step 1: Secure Your Passport

Ensure you have your original passport. If your hotel or landlord is holding it, retrieve it immediately.

Step 2: Contact a Visa Specialist (Highly Recommended)

Navigating the Immigration Department alone can be daunting due to language barriers and complex paperwork.

  • Fast Visa Vietnam Support: We act as your sponsor/representative to submit the “Explanation Letter” and process the fine payment on your behalf.

  • Why use an agency? We can often expedite the issuance of the Exit Visa (EC) so you can book your flight home sooner.

Step 3: Pay the Fine & Obtain Exit Visa

You must submit your passport and pay the administrative fine at the Immigration Department (not online). Once the fine is paid, you will be granted an Exit Visa (usually valid for 7-15 days), allowing you to leave the country legally.

Need Help Now? Do not wait another day. Fines accumulate daily. Contact for an immediate assessment of your fines.

Processing Time
Service fee: 295$
Apply Now

Overstay Due to Emergency (Hospital, Flight Cancellation)

Vietnamese Law allows for leniency in force majeure cases. If you overstayed due to reasons beyond your control, you may be exempt from fines or receive a reduced penalty.

Valid Reasons Include:

  • Medical Emergency: You were hospitalized and unable to travel. (Requires medical report from a Vietnamese hospital).

  • Flight Cancellation: Airline cancelled the flight, and no alternative was available before visa expiry. (Requires airline confirmation letter).

  • Lost Passport: You lost your passport and had to wait for a replacement. (Requires police report).

Action Required: You must submit proof (documents translated into Vietnamese and notarized) along with an explanation letter to the Immigration Department.

FAQ – Vietnam Visa Overstay

1. How much is the fine for overstaying 1 day in Vietnam?

For a minor overstay of 1-2 days, the fine is typically around 500,000 VND to 1,250,000 VND (approx. $20-$50). However, this depends on the officer’s discretion.

2. Can I extend my visa if I have overstayed?

Generally, no. Vietnam’s current policy (2025) usually requires overstayers to pay the fine, obtain an Exit Visa, and leave the country. You can then apply for a new visa to return (unless blacklisted).

3. Will I be blacklisted for a 2-day overstay?

It is unlikely you will be blacklisted for a very short overstay if you pay the fine and depart respectfully. Blacklisting is usually reserved for long-term violators or those who refuse to pay fines.

4. Can I pay the overstay fine online?

No. Overstay fines must be paid directly at the Immigration Office or the designated treasury bank with the official violation record.

5. I am at the airport and realized my visa expired yesterday. What should I do?

Stay calm. Proceed to the immigration counter immediately and inform the officer. Be polite and honest. You will likely be asked to pay a fine on the spot. Ensure you have cash (VND or USD) ready.