How to extend visa Vietnam: A comprehensive guide

• October 24,2023
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Vietnam's captivating landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality make it a popular destination for travelers. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to extend visa Vietnam if unfortunately, your visa expires midway. Get ready to navigate the extension process smoothly and make the most of your time in this beautiful Southeast Asian nation.

WHAT IS EXTENSION VISA VIETNAM?

Before learning how to extend visa Vietnam, we need to know the basic definitions. According to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, a visa is a document issued by a competent Vietnamese agency to allow foreigners to enter Vietnam.

Visa extension procedures for foreigners are procedures to extend the stay period for foreigners who are in Vietnam with short-term visas.

Normally, foreigners entering Vietnam will be granted a visa for a limited period depending on the purpose. If their visa is about to expire but they want to stay in Vietnam, they need to go through visa extension procedures.

WHEN MUST I RENEW MY VISA?

Visa extension procedures must be carried out before the visa expires. The reasonable time to extend a visa is 7 days before expiration.

In case the foreigner does not renew the visa, the visa will be expired. At that time, they will be fined and may have to leave the country.

An advisable timeframe for extending a visa is one week before its expiration date

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF VISAS THAT CAN BE EXTENDED IN VIETNAM?

"How to extend visa Vietnam" is a common question among those visiting or residing in the country. To address this, it's important to first understand the types of visas that can be extended in Vietnam.

Here are the list of visa types that can be extended:

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR A VISA EXTENSION?

In the context of "how to extend visa Vietnam," the Immigration Law provides specific guidelines for visa extension and temporary residence extension. These regulations are primarily designed for foreigners who are currently in Vietnam legally and are seeking to extend their stay.

To qualify for a visa extension without departing from Vietnam, several conditions must be met:

• An official sponsorship from a Vietnamese individual, organization, or business is required.

• The passport must have a validity exceeding the intended extension period by a minimum of one month.

• The individual seeking an extension must not be on the mandatory exit list.

• Compliance with the prescribed regulations for temporary residence declaration is mandatory.

You must ensure a number of conditions before extending your Vietnam visa

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A VISA EXTENSION?

When considering how to extend Vietnam visa, understanding the requirements for visa extension is essential. Each type of visa is different, so the extension procedures will be different.

Below are instructions to prepare for extension procedures for the 5 most common types of visas.

Procedures for extending work visas LD1, LD2

For foreigners with a work permit or work permit exemption confirmation. You need to prepare:

• The operating license of the agency or enterprise sponsoring foreigners (Certified copy).

• Original passport and current visa (Original copy).

• Temporary residence declaration (copy).

• Work permit or confirmation of work permit exemption (Certified copy).

• Visa extension application form: Form NA5 with confirmation from the sponsoring agency or enterprise (Original copy).

• Other application forms: Letter of introduction, Application explaining the reason for visa extension (Original copy).

Work visa can be extended for up to 1 year. If you do not have a work permit or confirmation of exemption from your work permit, you can only extend it for another 3 months.

Procedures for extending investment visa DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4

This is a visa extension procedure for foreigners who are investors and contribute capital to establish companies in Vietnam. Need to prepare:

• The operating license of the agency or enterprise sponsoring foreigners (Authenticated copy).

• Original passport and current visa (Original).

• Temporary residence declaration (copy).

• Documents proving that you are an Investor: Investment certificate, capital contribution certificate (certified copy).

• Visa extension application form: Form NA5 with confirmation from the sponsoring agency or enterprise (Original copy).

• Other application forms: Letter of introduction, Application explaining the reason for visa extension (Original copy).

An investment visa is also extended for a maximum of 1 year. If the validity is longer (2 years, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years), it will be converted to a temporary residence card.

Procedures for extending DN1 commercial visa

Foreigners who enter the country with a commercial visa and want to continue to stay in Vietnam must extend it. They need to prepare all the documents such as:

• Records of agencies and businesses sponsoring foreigners.

• Original passport and current visa.

• Temporary residence declaration.

• Visa extension application form: Form NA5 with confirmation from the sponsoring agency or enterprise.

• Other forms: Letter of introduction, Application explaining the reason for visa extension.

Procedures for extending visit visas for TT 

This visa is issued for 2 objects:

• Foreigners with relatives in Vietnam.

• Foreigners marry Vietnamese people.

Documents to prepare:

• Profile of the guarantor. There are 2 cases:

  • Relatives are Vietnamese: ID card/Citizen ID card/Passport.

  • Relatives are foreigners: Current passport and visa.

• Original passport and current visa of the person needing visa extension.

• Temporary residence declaration (Copy).

• Documents proving family relationships: Birth certificate / Family relationship proof / Household registration book.

• Visa extension application form: Form NA5. There are also 2 cases:

  • Relatives are Vietnamese: Form NA5 Confirmed by the commune-level police where the sponsor permanently resides.

  • Relatives are foreigners: Form NA5 Confirmed by the sponsoring company.

Note: Documents in foreign languages require consular legalization, translation, and notarization.

Procedures for extending tourist visas (DL)

DL visa extension will be carried out by the International Travel Company, so foreigners only need to prepare:

• Original passport and current visa.

• Temporary residence declaration.

Application Vietnam Visa Online

HOW TO EXTEND VISA VIETNAM

In the realm of how to extend visa Vietnam, navigating the process of extending your visa is a topic of significant importance. Understanding the steps and requirements involved is vital for those looking to prolong their stay in this beautiful country. 

Visa extension will be done according to the steps below:

Step 1: Prepare documents

Please prepare at least 1 set of documents as instructed above.

Step 2: Submit application

Visa extension documents are submitted to the immigration management agency. It is one of the following two agencies:

• Administration of Immigration

• Immigration Department of Provincial Police.

The specific location depends on the permanent residence of the guarantor or the headquarters of the guarantee company.

Step 3: Receive and process documents

The one-stop department officer will receive the application, guide you to pay the visa extension fee, and give you an appointment letter to return the results. The application is then processed within 5 working days.

Step 4: Receive visa extension results

You just need to pick up the results at the time and location stated on the appointment card. Extension time depends on each type of visa as mentioned above.

WHERE TO RENEW VIETNAM VISA?

In this paragraph, we will introduce Vietnam visa extension addresses at the Immigration Department in Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on the area of residence, you can submit your application to the correct address.

Immigration Department in Hanoi (North)

Foreigners who have registered temporary residence in the Northern region when applying for Vietnam visa extension need to bring documents to submit to the Hanoi Immigration Department.

• Address: No. 44 – 46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City.

• Phone number: (024) 3825 7941

Working hours of Hanoi Immigration Department:

• From Monday to Saturday every week, except for holidays as prescribed

• Morning from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Afternoon from 13:30 to 16:30.

• Saturday only works in the morning.

Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City (South)

Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Department is responsible for handling complex administrative procedures related to visa issuance, Vietnam visa extension, temporary residence cards, and permanent residence cards for foreigners entering Vietnam. Or solve immigration problems of foreigners and Vietnamese people,…

• Working address of Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Department: No. 333-335-337 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Phone number: (028) 3920 1701.

Working hours of Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Department:

• From Monday to Friday: From 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

• Saturday: From 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., only Sundays and holidays are closed.

Immigration Department – where you apply to extend your Vietnam visa

IMPORTANT NOTES IN THE PROCESS OF “HOW TO EXTEND VISA VIETNAM”

Navigating the process of how to extend visa Vietnam requires meticulous attention to various aspects. To successfully extend your visa in Vietnam, it's crucial to keep in mind the following essential points:

• Start early: It's crucial to initiate the extension process well in advance of your visa's expiration date. Delaying the process could lead to complications or fines.

• Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for visa extension as per the Immigration Law. Typically, this involves having a sponsor, a valid passport, and adhering to temporary residence regulations.

• Sponsorship: You'll need a guarantee from a business, organization, or Vietnamese individual to support your visa extension application.

• Passport validity: Your passport should have a validity longer than the period you intend to extend your temporary residence, with at least one month of validity beyond the extension period.

• Compliance: Make sure you're not on the list of individuals required to leave the country. This may include those involved in criminal activities or violating immigration laws.

• Temporary residence declaration: Comply with the regulations for declaring temporary residence as required by the law.

• Documentation: Prepare all necessary documentation, including visa extension forms, letters of guarantee, and your passport, before visiting the immigration office.

• Fees and penalties: Be aware of the fees associated with visa extensions and any penalties for late applications.

• Professional assistance: If you're unsure about the process, consider seeking help from a professional service or legal expert to ensure a smooth extension.

The above comprehensive guide on "How to extend visa Vietnam" equips travelers and residents with the knowledge needed to manage their visa extensions effectively. By following the steps and adhering to the requirements outlined in this guide, you can ensure your time in Vietnam remains both enjoyable and legally compliant.

Remember that visa regulations can change, so staying informed with the latest updates from the Vietnamese authorities is always a good practice. Safe travels and a successful visa extension in Vietnam!

If you require additional support regarding Vietnam visas or E-visas, please don't hesitate to reach out to us anytime via phone at +84 28 7303 6167 or send us an email at support@e-visa-gov.com. We are dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction.