How to apply for Vietnam Visa extension

When you're exploring the vibrant streets of Vietnam, the last thing you want is to worry about your visa running out. With proper information, extending your stay while taking in the rich culture, good food, and scenery will be a walk in the park. Through a Vietnam Visa extension, you will enjoy the liberty of prolonging your adventure without leaving the country for the process. And for that, you'll have to go through quite a few procedures; however, do not worry as this can be easily managed! In this article let’s go through the application procedure for your Vietnam visa extension, with some useful tips along the way to make sure your travels stay smooth and enjoyable.

How and Where to Extend Vietnam Visa?

If you're planning an extended stay in the beautiful landscapes and bustling cities of Vietnam, navigating the visa extension process can feel a bit daunting. However, with the right information and a little patience, you can smoothly extend your Vietnam visa, ensuring you don’t miss out on any adventures. Whether you're wandering through the lush rice terraces of Sapa or sipping coffee in the streets of Hanoi, here's how and where you can extend your visa to enjoy all that Vietnam has to offer.

1. Why Extend Your Vietnam Visa?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's understand why you might want to have an extended visa. Maybe you fell for the food, the culture, or the friendly locals, and more than a few days are not enough. Or you may have discovered wonderful hidden gems that deserve more exploration. For whatever reason, a Visa extension will let you enjoy more of Vietnam without the re-entry hassle of leaving and then coming back into the country.

2. Where to Extend Your Vietnam Visa?

You can extend your visa at the Immigration Management Department in the city or province where you're currently living or working. Here are the main locations you should know about:

• Hanoi: 44 – 46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District

• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): 333 – 335 – 337 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1

• Da Nang: 78 Le Loi Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District

These offices are your go-to spots for handling all matters related to visa extensions, so make sure to visit the one closest to you.

3. How to Extend Your Vietnam Visa?

• Gather all your documents: Before you visit the immigration office, you need to gather the documents required. Here is what you need to prepare:

• Your passport (international travel documents).

• Application form for the extension of the visa and stay (Form NA5).

• Visa Exemption Certificate, if applicable.

• Make sure all your documents are in order, as this will make it much easier when you get there.

• Submission Process: Take all your documents to the relevant immigration office and when you get to the office, present your application. Make sure that you bring back a receipt which will come in handy while picking the Visa extension.

• Working Hours: Keep in mind that the offices work between Mondays and Fridays, they have half working hours on Saturdays in the morning and they are closed on Sundays as well as public holidays.

• Wait for a Response: Once you've submitted your application, you will need to wait for a response. The processing time usually takes about five working days.

• Follow-up: You will be required to return to collect your extension after you have made the application. You will be required to bring the receipt and other documents that have been asked of you along with the fee of about $10, which will be charged at this moment.

4. Things to keep in mind:

• To qualify for a visa extension, you must not be prohibited from entry or subject to any exit suspension. Ensure your visa is valid and you’re adhering to the terms of your initial entry.

• Start the process of extending your visa a week before the end date of your current visa, in order not to make last-minute rushes at the very last moment.

• Always photocopy your passport, visa, and all documents submitted. This can save you a lot of hassle if something gets misplaced.

• Visa extension regulations can change from time to time. Make sure to get updated news or check from the official immigration websites if you need to make any changes to your application.

• Although most tourist officials speak English, knowing simple words and phrases in Vietnamese will still prove useful. This will help create a sense of respect and health in easy communication.

• You should always be sure of the fee structure in case of a visa extension so that you are not surprised when the time comes for you to pay the fees. Make sure you have the right amount in cash, as card payments may not always be accepted.

The Cost of Vietnam Visa Extension

It’s important to remember that these fees are subject to change, so it’s wise to check for the latest rates before you apply for your visa extension. By being informed, you can ensure that your travel plans proceed smoothly without any unexpected costs. Understanding the following fees will ensure you’re well-prepared when it’s time to extend your stay.

Documents to carry for Vietnam Visa extension

When you're planning to extend your stay in Vietnam, ensuring you have the right documents is crucial. It can save you time and make the process much smoother. Each type of visa extension may require specific documents, so let’s break down what you’ll need to prepare. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the documents you should carry for your Vietnam Visa extension

1. Mandatory Documents:

Regardless of the type of visa you hold, there are only a couple of basic documents you will have to lodge for your visa extension:

• Declaration Form (NA5): This form is required for the issuance, amendment, or extension of your visa. Fill this form with proper care as any errors will only slow your application down.

• Passport or International Travel Documents: Carry your passport, and it needs to have at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay. A visa must be affixed within it and you must also have blank pages for stamps in case of necessity.

2. Additional Documents Based on Visa Type:

Depending on your visa category, you might need to provide additional paperwork. Here’s a detailed look at what each category requires:

For Tourist Visa Renewals:

• Minimum Documents: Provided you hold a tourist visa, the only two documents you have to provide are the declaration form and your passport. However, just make sure it has ample validity and blank pages.

For Work/Business Visa Renewal:

If you are looking to renew your work or business visa, you will require the above two plus the following:

• Legal Documents of the Guarantee Company: Any document that would represent your employment, such as an employment contract or company registration.

• Temporary Residence Confirmation: A paper from the local police, indicating temporary residency in Vietnam, with the date, how long you have been here, and your address.

• Letter of Introduction: It must provided by your employer, introducing the employee who will submit your application for extension at the immigration department. It’s essentially a formal request for your visa extension on company letterhead.

For Investment Visa Extensions:

If you're in Vietnam for investment purposes, you need:

• Legal Firm Documents: Present the Enterprise Registration Certificate, which should contain the names of shareholders and brief details on the business activity.

• Temporary Residence Confirmation Letter: Similar to the work visa, you are required to get confirmation from the local police on your temporary residence.

• Letter of Introduction: This letter must come from the company as well and it should explain who is submitting your application as well as what the basis of the extension request is.

For Visa to Visit Relatives:

If your visa is based on visiting family members in Vietnam, make sure to include:

• Proof of Relationship: You'll have to present documents that illustrate your relationship with a family member in Vietnam. This can include birth certificates, and marriage certificates, among other similar legal papers.

• Temporary Residence Confirmation: You will have to produce a confirmation letter from the local police of your temporary residence.

• Identity Card of the Family Member: A photocopy of the identity card or passport of the family member assuring your accommodation will also need to be submitted. It proves their relationship with you and further strengthens your application for the extension of your visa.