Vietnam Visa Overstay - Everything you need to know 2025

Many travelers and expatriates may encounter overstaying in Vietnam. Although it may seem minor, overstaying can lead to serious consequences, ranging from monetary fines to potential travel restrictions in the future.

This guide will clarify Vietnam’s visa overstay rules, explain potential penalties, and outline practical steps for resolving related issues in order that travelers can better plan their stay and avoid unnecessary immigration troubles.

What is a Vietnam visa overstay?

Vietnam visa overstay happens when a foreign visitor stays in the country longer than the permitted validity of their visa.

What are the consequences of overstaying a visa in Vietnam?

Overstaying your visa in Vietnam can lead to a range of consequences depending on how long you stay beyond the allowed period and your past travel record. The longer the overstay, the more severe the penalties may become.

1. Fines:

The most common penalty for overstaying is a fine, which increases with the number of days overstayed. While short overstays may only require paying a moderate fee at the airport, longer cases can involve higher daily fines or additional administrative procedures.

Overstay Duration	Fine (VND)	Equivalent (USD)
Less than 16 days	500,000 – 2,000,000	~22 - 88
16 days – less than 30 days	3,000,000 –5,000,000	~133 – 221
30 days – less than 60 days	5,000,000 – 10,000,000	~221 – 441
60 days – less than 90 days	10,000,000 – 15,000,000	~441 – 661
At least 90 days	15,000,000 – 20,000,000	~661 – 885
Failure to comply with the exit order from competent authorities	30,000,000 – 40,000,000	~1,320 – 1,760

2. Deportation and Blacklisting:

If the overstay is extensive or repeated, you could face deportation from Vietnam. In serious cases, the immigration authority may also place you on a blacklist, preventing re-entry into Vietnam for a specific period, usually from one to three years.

3. Legal Implications:

Overstaying your visa violates Vietnamese immigration laws and may result in legal consequences. This could include detention for investigation or more severe penalties in extreme situations.

4. Impact on Future Travel:

A record of visa overstay can make it more difficult to obtain new visas for Vietnam or even other countries, as many immigration systems share information about visa violations.

How to Avoid Overstaying a Vietnam Visa In Advance?

The best way to avoid overstaying your Vietnam visa is to plan carefully and stay proactive throughout your trip. A few simple steps below can help you prevent unexpected issues and ensure a smooth stay in Vietnam:

1. Review your visa details carefully

After receiving your visa or approval letter, double-check all information, especially the validity dates and visa type. Sometimes, minor errors in entry or expiry dates can lead to unintended overstays. If you notice any discrepancies, contact the immigration authorities or your visa agent immediately to have them corrected.

2. Keep track of your visa expiry date

It’s easy to lose track of time while traveling, so it’s wise to set reminders for your visa’s expiration date. Use your phone’s calendar or an alarm app to ensure you know exactly when your visa ends and plan your departure accordingly.

3. Plan your exit early

Because you are unable to extend your visa, it’s best to plan your departure before your visa expires. Avoid waiting until the last minute, as flight delays or unexpected issues could cause an overstay and result in fines. Book your outbound flight early and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date to ensure a smooth exit from Vietnam.

4. Seek professional or official guidance

If you’re unsure about visa rules, consult with immigration authorities, reputable visa agencies, or travel specialists. They can provide updated information and guide you through the process correctly, helping you avoid mistakes that could lead to overstaying.

What to do if you have overstayed?

If you’ve accidentally overstayed your visa in Vietnam, here’s what you should do:

Documents required:

- The original of the passport along with an expired Vietnam visa

- A letter in detail explaining your overstaying

- A departure flight ticket indicates which date you will depart from Vietnam

Steps to apply for an exit visa:

Step 1: Immediately contact the Vietnam Immigration office to handle your overstaying

Step 2: Submit your original passport along with the required documents.

Step 3: Pay a fine for overstaying and the exit visa fee

Step 4: Get an exit visa stamped on your passport and prepare to exit Vietnam

Note: You should contact with Immigration office as soon as possible to solve the issue quickly and smoothly, as the longer you stay in Vietnam, the higher penalty you must pay. In many cases, you not only must pay a pricey fine but also will be put on a restriction list; as a result, you are not allowed to enter Vietnam for a period of time.

What to do when you overstay due to the loss of a passport?

If you lose your passport in Vietnam and end up overstaying your visa, it’s important to act promptly and follow the proper legal procedures.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Report the loss immediately
Go to the nearest local police station (Ward Police) to report your lost passport. Fill out the Passport Lost Report form and get it officially stamped. This report is required for both embassy and immigration procedures.

2. Contact your embassy or consulate
Reach out to your home country’s embassy or consulate in Vietnam to request a new passport or an emergency travel document. If your country does not have an embassy in Vietnam, contact the nearest one in a neighboring country for assistance or a diplomatic note.

3. Obtain an embassy confirmation letter
Your embassy will issue an official letter to the Vietnam Immigration Department, confirming your passport loss and requesting support for an exit visa or replacement visa.

4. Apply for an exit visa
Bring the police report and embassy letter to the Vietnam Immigration Department to apply for an exit visa. This process may take several days, depending on your situation and embassy coordination.

5. Leave Vietnam legally
Once your new passport and exit visa are issued, you can legally depart Vietnam. Keep all documents related to the process, as they may be needed for future visa applications or entry procedures.

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This guide aims to equip travelers with the essentials to prevent or resolve visa overstays smoothly. By understanding key regulations, potential penalties, and steps to take in special cases like passport loss, you can minimize risks and travel confidently.

Stay informed, double-check your visa details, and act promptly when issues arise to keep your journey in Vietnam safe, enjoyable, and stress-free.

Need further assistance on Vietnam visa issues, contact our visa consultants at:

Hotline: +84 969 255 515

Email: support@vietnamvisavoa.com