Staying longer in Vietnam without leaving the country? You may need a visa extension or visa renewal. In this article, 68 SOLUTIONS explains the difference between the two and how we can help you navigate the process smoothly and legally.
What Is Visa Extension and Renewal in Vietnam?
This section clarifies the concepts of visa extension and visa renewal in Vietnam, and explains how they differ from each other.
Visa extension
Visa extension is available for foreigners who wish to prolong their current stay in Vietnam without exiting the country. If eligible, you will receive an extension stamp in your passport that indicates your new permitted stay duration.
Note: Visa extension is good for single entry only.
Visa renewal
Visa renewal is quite similar to visa extension as it also allows you to continue staying in Vietnam without leaving. However, the difference lies in the outcome—when you renew your visa, you will receive a new visa sticker along with a new duration stamp in your passport.
As a result, visa renewal typically costs more than extension, as it includes additional fees for visa stamping and visa sticker issuance.
Note: At present, visa renewal services are not available through the Vietnam Immigration Office. We will keep you updated with the latest changes as soon as they are announced.
Visa Extension or Renewal Requirements
To be eligible for a visa extension or renewal, your original passport must:
- be valid for at least 06 months from the time of extension/renewal.
- have at least 02 blank pages.
Currently, the following visa types are eligible for extension:
- Vietnam business visa
- Vietnam 5-year visa exemption certificate (if still valid but permitted stay is expiring)
Why Visa Extension?
Visa extension is often the most convenient and practical solution for foreigners staying in Vietnam:
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You can legally remain in Vietnam after your visa expires without having to exit and re-enter.
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Avoid the risk of being blacklisted by Immigration for overstaying.
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Enjoy additional time to handle personal, business, or travel needs without interruption.
Where to Extend Visa in Vietnam
You can apply for a visa extension at one of the following Immigration Offices:
- Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Da Nang: 78 Le Loi, Thach Thang, Hai Chau, Da Nang
- Ho Chi Minh City: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh city
Working hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 – 11:30; 13:30 – 16:00)
- Saturday: 8:00 – 11:30
How to extend Vietnam visa
You have two options: handle the application yourself directly at the Immigration Department or save time by using our Vietnam visa extension service.
In case you use our visa extension service, you only need to go through the following 3 steps to get your visa successfully extended.
- Step 1: Send us a soft copy of your passport and the page containing your current Vietnam visa and we will inform you whether your visa can be extended or not
- Step 2: Send your original passport to our address and pay the extension fee
- Step 3: Receive your passport with the extended stay permit once the process is completed.
Vietnam Visa Extension Cost and Processing time
The processing time and cost of a visa extension vary on a case-by-case basis. For the most accurate pricing and personalized advice, please contact us directly.
Contact our team today for personalized and fastest assistance via hotline: (+84) 989 529 699
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68Solutions – Legal & Travel
Consulting & Partnerships Department
Address: 6th Floor, 67 Yen Lang Street, Trung Liet Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, 100000
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/68solutions/
Hotline/ WhatsApp/ Zalo: (+84) 989 529 699
Email: sales@68solutions.vn
Website: www.68solutions.vn