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The Difference Between Vietnam Visa Extension and Renewal

User By Mabel Collins

For travelers exploring Vietnam, navigating the visa regulations is crucial. Whether you’re on an adventure through Hanoi’s bustling streets or soaking in the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, understanding the nuances between visa extension and renewal can save you time, hassle, and potentially legal issues. Vietnam, like many countries, has specific rules regarding visa management, and discerning between Vietnam visa extension and Vietnam visa renewal is vital.

Visa Basics in Vietnam

Vietnam’s visa policy requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa to enter the country. However, the duration and type of visa depend on the purpose of your visit, be it tourism, business, or other reasons. Typically, visas are issued for a limited period, after which visitors must either extend their stay or renew their visa to continue their stay legally.

Vietnam Visa Extension: Extending Your Stay

A visa extension prolongs the duration of your existing visa. Suppose you hold a visa that is nearing its expiration date, but you intend to stay longer in Vietnam for valid reasons such as continued travel, business engagements, or unforeseen circumstances. In that case, a visa extension becomes necessary.

Process for Vietnam Visa Extension

  • Eligibility: Visa extensions are usually granted for tourist visas (both single and multiple entries), business visas, and some other categories.

  • Application: You can apply for an extension through the Vietnam Immigration Department or authorized agencies. Typically, you need to submit your passport, the visa extension application form, and the required fee.

  • Approval: The approval process can take several days. If granted, your visa's validity will be extended based on the requested duration.

Travelers can extend your visa to continue staying in Vietnam

Travelers can extend your visa to continue staying in Vietnam

Key Points to Remember

  • Timing: Apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid penalties for overstaying.

  • Limitations: Not all visa types are eligible for extension, and there might be restrictions on the duration of the extension.

Read more about Exploring Vietnam's Immigration Blacklist: Who Gets Listed and Why

Vietnam Visa Renewal: Starting Afresh

Visa renewal, on the other hand, involves obtaining an entirely new visa after the expiration of your current one. Renewal is applicable when you want to stay in Vietnam for a more extended period beyond what your existing visa allows, or if your current visa category isn’t extendable.

Process for Vietnam Visa Renewal

  • Application: Similar to the initial visa application, you need to complete a new application form, submit your passport, and pay the required fees.

  • Requirements: Renewal might have additional requirements compared to the original visa application, such as updated documents or additional information.

  • Validity: Upon approval, you receive a new visa with a fresh validity period.

Key Points to Remember

  • Fresh Application: Renewal involves starting the visa application process anew, and it might have different criteria than your original visa.

  • Eligibility: Some visa types, especially temporary visas, might not be eligible for renewal.

Choosing Between Vietnam Visa Extension and Vietnam Visa Renewal

The decision to opt for an extension or renewal depends on various factors:

  • Current Visa Type: Check if your visa type is extendable or renewable.

  • Duration of Stay: Determine how long you plan to stay beyond the current visa’s validity.

  • Purpose of Stay: Consider if your reasons for staying aligned with the extension or renewal criteria.

Whether Visa extension or renewal, travelers should not let your visa expire while in Vietnam

Whether Visa extension or renewal, travelers should not let your visa expire while in Vietnam

Vietnam visa extension and renewal requirements

For a visa extension in Vietnam, ensure you possess an eligible visa type, a passport with at least six months’ validity, and complete the extension application form. Submit your current visa copy, state a valid reason for extension, pay the stipulated fee, and provide your Vietnam address. Aim to apply before your visa expires to avoid penalties while traveling in Vietnam. 

Conversely, for Vietnam visa renewal, check the eligibility of your visa type, complete a new application form, provide updated documents if necessary, and submit passport photos. State the purpose for renewal, ensure passport validity, pay the renewal fee, and apply in advance to allow for processing time. 

For the fastest processing, travelers can utilize the online application of Vietnam Immigration Services. We provide the Vietnam eVisa which is valid for a 90-day stay with single or multiple entries. The requirements for an eVisa are also easy:

  • A passport which is valid for 6 months

  • A photograph in digital format

  • A scanned passport, including a biographical page

Those documents will be sent to us by email, and we will ask for more information. This process won't take longer than 03 business days; after a few days, travelers can obtain a brand new visa and continue to travel to Vietnam.

Vietnam Visa Renewal and Vietnam Visa Extension Update

Overstaying your visa in Vietnam can result in fines, deportation, or even travel bans, affecting future visits. It's essential to adhere to visa regulations and take timely action before your visa expires.

For those travelers who want to extend their stay, please remember that an eVisa can not be extended. If you want to continue your travel in Vietnam with an eVisa, you can apply for a new visa through Vietnam Immigration Services. For those who are already in Vietnam and using a traditional visa (paper visa), here is the contact information to extend your stay at the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Address:

  • Hanoi Immigration office: 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

  • Danang Immigration office: 78 Le Loi, Thach Thang, Hai Chau, Da Nang

  • Ho Chi Minh City Immigration office: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Working hours:

  • Monday-Friday (Morning: 7am – 11h30am; Afternoon: 1h30pm – 5pm); and

  • Saturday (Morning time only)

Visiting the Vietnam Embassy if you want to renew or extend your visa

Visiting the Vietnam Embassy if you want to renew or extend your visa

FAQs about Vietnam Visa Extension and Vietnam Visa Renewal

How to renew a Vietnam Visa?

  • Step 1: Consult our visa advisors for guidance on visa extension or renewal procedures. Reach out to us for assistance. 

  • Step 2: Complete the application form for a new Vietnam eVisa. Submit your original passport and necessary documents. Meanwhile, you can chat with us for more details. 

  • Step 3: Upon completion of processing by the Vietnam Immigration Department, we'll inform you of the passport collection timeline.

How far in advance should I apply for an extension or renewal?

Apply before your current visa expires to prevent penalties for overstaying. Overstaying in Vietnam may result in fines, deportation, or travel bans, impacting future visits.

Are there limitations on the duration of extension or renewal?

Yes, both extension and renewal periods may have limitations based on visa type and regulations. Please contact us immediately if you need our help!

Can I use a visa agent or consultancy service for an extension or renewal?

Yes, utilizing authorized services can streamline the process and ensure compliance with regulations. Vietnam Immigration Services will help travelers simplify the visa process and have the best traveling experience. Using our services, our visa advisors offer comprehensive guidance without any hidden fees. Leveraging 10+ years of experience and a good reputation, we are guaranteed to assist customers in obtaining an eVisa within a few days. Now, have a good trip to Vietnam!

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