Travelers can visit Vietnam for up to 30 days with an approved eVisa. Foreigners who wish to stay longer in the country may be able to extend or renew their eVisa.

There are different ways to spend more than 1 month in Vietnam. Travelers can request a visa extension or renewal from within Vietnam, or depart the country and apply for another eVisa.

The difference between Vietnam visa extension and renewal is explained below. Travelers can also find out how and when to apply for a new Vietnam eVisa instead of an extension.

The Difference Between Vietnam Visa Extension and Renewal

There are 2 ways to extend the length of stay in Vietnam without leaving the country: Vietnam visa extension and renewal.

Although both result in an extended stay in Vietnam, they are different procedures.

What is Vietnam visa extension?

Vietnam visa extension is for foreigners who want to stay in Vietnam longer without applying for a new visa.

The passport is stamped and credited with the extension time, but no new visa sticker is issued. Single-entry 30-day tourist visas for Vietnam can be extended by 1 month.

What is Vietnam visa renewal?

Vietnam visa renewal is also for foreigners who wish to stay in Vietnam beyond their existing visa. Travelers who renew their visa get a new visa stamp and sticker in the passport.

Single-entry tourists visas may be upgraded to multiple-entry 3-month visas by paying the corresponding fees

Requirements to Extend or Renew a Vietnam Visa

The requirements to extend or renew a Vietnam visa are the same. Travelers need a passport valid for at least 6 months and with at least 2 blank pages.

Foreigners in Vietnam can apply for a Vietnam visa extension or renewal at one of the following immigration offices:

Hanoi Immigration Office— 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Da Nang Immigration Office— 78 Le Loi, Thach Thang, Hai Chuang, Da Chang

Ho Chi Minh City— 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam visas must be extended or renewed before the visa expiry date. Foreigners should apply for a visa extension or renewal at least 7 business days before their visa expires to allow time for processing.

How to Extend an eVisa from Outside Vietnam

Another option for travelers is to leave the country, apply for a new Vietnam eVisa, and return using the new visa.

There are no limits on issued visas, and travelers do not have to spend a certain number of days outside the country before returning.

This may be a convenient option for visitors staying close to Vietnam’s borders with Cambodia, Laos, China or Thailand. It is an opportunity for travelers to visit other southeast Asian countries during their trip.

Travelers must check the visa requirements for each country they visit. Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos all have electronic visa applications.

Applying for a new eVisa from outside Vietnam is also a good option for travelers who have left it too late to apply for an extension.

It takes around 7 business days to process a visa extension at the Immigration Office. To avoid overstaying the Vietnam visa, travelers can depart the country and reapply.

How to apply for a new eVisa for Vietnam

The Vietnam eVisa application can be completed from anywhere in the world from their smartphone or another electronic device. Applicants do not need to be in their country of origin to make the request.

Visitors must still meet Vietnam’s eVisa requirements to apply. Eligible travelers can repeat the 3-step process completed when making their original application:http://vietnamvisapro.com/en/apply-online.html

Vietnam eVisa processing is fast, most applicants receive their entry permit in a few business days. On approval, the traveler can return to Vietnam with the new visa and stay for up to 30 days.

A visa does not guarantee entry. Vietnam border authorities review travel documents and have the right to grant or deny entry.

How Much Does a Vietnam Visa Extension Cost?

Vietnam’s extension and renewal fees depend on the applicant’s nationality and how long they wish to stay in the country.

Visa extension fees are lower than visa renewal fees, as no new sticker is issued. Travelers pay the visa extension fee when applying at the immigration office, cash payment may be required.

The fees to apply for a new eVisa from outside Vietnam are the same as for the original application. Applicants pay for the eVisa securely online by debit or credit card.