A comprehensive guide on the process of extending a visa in Vietnam.

Vietnam is a popular choice for family vacations due to its low-cost options and wide range of attractions. To make the most of your time and experience Vietnam’s beauty, it is crucial to be familiar with the visa extension procedure. Before we delve into that, let’s go over some essential details about visas in Vietnam.

Vietnamese visas generally allow stays of 15 to 30 days. The specific duration depends on your nationality.
Visa extensions allow you to remain in Vietnam longer than your original visa period. Extensions are usually granted in increments of 1 month.
Extensions must be applied for before your original visa expires. Overstaying visas can result in fines or even deportation.
Extensions can only be applied for within Vietnam at an Immigration Department office.

Now let’s look at how to extend your Vietnamese visa:

Table of Contents

Step 1: Collect the necessary paperwork.

To extend your visa, you’ll need:

Your valid passport
Original visa
Immigration extension form
Temporary residence card
2 passport photos
Extension fee payment

Step 2: Please provide an application for an extension.

Applications are submitted at local Immigration Department offices. You must apply at least 3-5 days before your original visa expires. Expect to wait 1-3 days for processing.

Step 3: Pick up passport with new visa

Once authorized, you may collect your passport containing the visa extension stamp. Remember to confirm the revised date of departure.

With some advance planning, extending your Vietnam visa is a straightforward process. This allows you to spend more time immerging yourself in Vietnam’s captivating scenery, culture, and cuisine.

Here is the rewritten article:

What is a Visa?

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In the English language, a visa refers to an official permission that grants temporary access to another country. Visas are usually given in the form of stamps or stickers placed inside passports.

Travel visas enable individuals to gain entry into a nation for purposes such as tourism. Given their widespread use, obtaining a travel visa can be time-consuming due to the extensive application process caused by high demand.

Here is the rewritten article with tags:

Travel/Tourist Visa

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A tourist visa allows visitors to enter a country for a limited time for tourism purposes. It sets the length of stay allowed. Tourist visa holders cannot work or conduct business. Tourist visas are easy to obtain nowadays through electronic visas.

When Will You Need a Visa?

Generally, if you are traveling to a foreign country that does not have a visa agreement with your home country, you will need a visa. Visa requirements help governments assess and authorize travelers before they enter. It is crucial to obtain a visa in advance if there is no visa arrangement between the country you intend to visit and your homeland. Here are some important factors to consider.

Please review the visa regulations for your country of residence and the place you plan to visit. Many countries have agreements that allow visa-free travel between them.
Research visa types. Tourist, business, student – requirements vary. Choose the appropriate visa for your trip purpose.
Apply early. Processing times range from days to months depending on consulate workload. Avoid denied entry by securing your visa in advance.
Have required documents ready. Passport, photos, return ticket, bank statements may be needed to apply.

Although visa regulations can be complicated, the key message is straightforward: if there is no visa waiver in place, make sure to obtain the appropriate visa before your departure in order to avoid any issues. Taking the time to plan and prepare in advance will guarantee that you have obtained permission for entry.

Differences Between an Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visa

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The main difference between an immigrant visa and a non-immigrant visa is based on how long the person intends to stay in the country. An immigrant visa grants permanent resident status, while a non-immigrant visa allows for a temporary stay within a specific timeframe.

Some key differences:

Immigrant visas lead to permanent residency and eventual citizenship. Non-immigrant visas do not.
Immigrant visas allow you to live and work permanently in the host country. Non-immigrant visas usually restrict employment and length of stay.
Obtaining an immigrant visa is a much lengthier process with quotas and eligibility requirements. Non-immigrant visas are easier to obtain.
Immigrant visas allow unlimited entries to the host country. Non-immigrant visas may restrict the number of entries or require departures between stays.
Violating the terms of a non-immigrant visa can result in deportation and bans on re-entry. There are no such risks with immigrant visas.
Immigrant visas grant access to social services and benefits in the host country. Non-immigrant visas do not.

The visa category you need relies on the reason behind your visit to the country. If you plan to stay temporarily, you should obtain a non-immigrant visa. On the other hand, if you intend to move permanently, an immigrant visa is necessary. It is important to comprehend this distinction to ensure compliance with the law.

How to Extend a Visa in Vietnam

There are two main options for extending your visa in Vietnam.

The first is a visa extension. This allows you to stay in Vietnam without leaving the country. You’ll receive a new exit date stamp in your passport.

The second is a visa renewal. This provides a completely new visa page and stamp in your passport. Visa renewals tend to cost more due to the fees for new visa stickers and stamps.

The Vietnam Immigration Office decides whether you get a visa extension or renewal. Their decision depends on your current visa status.

Step-by-step guide to extending or renewing a visa in Vietnam

Extending or renewing a visa in Vietnam involves a few straightforward steps. The process is as follows:

Prepare the required documents. You’ll need a visa extension form and your passport/travel documents.

Submit the documents to the immigration office. Keep the receipt to collect your passport later.

After about 7-10 working days, return with your receipt. Pay the visa fee, sign for your passport, and collect the result.

The immigration office is open from Monday to Saturday and it usually takes around 1-2 weeks to finish the visa extension process, from submitting documents to receiving the final decision. It’s crucial to gather all required paperwork beforehand to ensure a smooth experience when extending your visa in Vietnam.

Where is it possible to prolong my visa for Vietnam?

There are Immigration Management Departments in Vietnam’s three largest cities where you can extend your visa. The addresses are:

Location	Address
Hanoi	44 – 46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Danang	78 Le Loi Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
Saigon	333 – 335 – 337 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

In order to renew your visa, you must personally visit one of these offices. Make sure to bring your passport, existing visa, completed application form, photos, and the fee for the extension. Typically, the process takes around 5-7 business days.

Vietnam visa extensions enable travelers to extend their stay beyond the original validity period of the visa. The extension durations, such as 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months, align with the initial visa lengths. Eligibility for extensions and associated fees depend on the type of original visa obtained. For example, 1-month and 3-month tourist visas can currently be extended by up to 1 extra month. Nevertheless, it is advisable to verify extension policies with visa agents beforehand since they may change over time.

By familiarizing themselves with the procedure for extending Vietnam visas, travelers can ensure that their plans for a vacation in Vietnam will be hassle-free. They can enjoy the country’s stunning attractions and experiences without any worries, thanks to the option of visa extensions. Remember to use Traveloka for convenient bookings of flights, hotels, and activities for your exciting adventure in Vietnam!

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