Overstaying a Vietnam visa is a violation of Vietnamese immigration law that can result in serious consequences. The length of the overstay determines the amount of the fine for each case. Besides, foreigners who overstay their Vietnam visa may also be deported or blacklisted, which means they will be prohibited from entering Vietnam for a period of time.
It’s crucial to understand that overstaying your visa in Vietnam is illegal, and even a single day past the validity can lead to complications. Here’s what you need to know:
The fines for overstaying a Vietnam visa are as follows:
Please note that these fees can be changed depending on your case, the exact fee will be informed by the Immigration officer when you come to meet them.
- Less than 16 days: VND 500,000 to VND 2,000,000 (approximately US$22 to US$88)
- 16 days to 30 days: VND 3,000,000 to VND 5,000,000 (approximately US$133 to US$221)
- 30 days to 60 days: VND 5,000,000 to VND 10,000,000 (approximately US$221 to US$441)
- 60 days to 90 days: VND 10,000,000 to VND 15,000,000 (approximately US$441 to US$661)
- More than 90 days: VND 15,000,000 to VND 20,000,000 (approximately US$661 to US$885)
- Foreigners who do not comply with competent agencies’ decisions on forcing them to exit Vietnam and continue to reside in Vietnam: VND 30,000,000 – VND 40,000,000 (~ US $1,320 – US $1,760).
In addition to the fines, foreigners who overstay their Vietnam visa may also be deported and blacklisted. Deportation is the forced removal of a foreigner from a country. It is usually accompanied by a ban on future entry into the country. The length of the ban depends on the severity of the overstay.
What to do if you overstay:
- Contact the Immigration Department: If you realize you’ve overstayed, immediately contact the nearest Vietnamese Immigration Department office to explain your situation and pay the fine.
- Prepare for delays: Dealing with overstaying can be time-consuming, so factor in potential delays at immigration when departing the count
- Paying fines at the airport: For overstays of 1-2 days, you might be able to pay the fine directly to the immigration officer at the airport upon departure. However, this is not guaranteed and may not be officially documented.
For reasons of force majeure, you can ask the Immigration department for Visa extension.
Remember:
- Avoid overstaying at all costs. It’s highly advisable to plan your trip carefully and extend your visa if needed before it expires.
- Be mindful of your visa validity: Set reminders or note the expiry date to avoid unintentional overstays.
- Seek professional guidance: If you have any questions or concerns about your visa status, consult a travel agent or the Vietnamese embassy/consulate in your home country.
- Applying for the Visa which has validity of stay more than your intended stay: The Vietnam E-Visa now is valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry(ies), you can choose the maximum stay to avoid the unforeseen issues which make your trip in Vietnam last longer than expected.