Table of Contents
A comprehensive guide to understanding immigration fines in Vietnam in 2026, including penalties for overstaying, working without a permit, and losing your passport.
Understanding Vietnam Immigration Fines in 2026
Vietnam's immigration regulations are strictly enforced to maintain national security and administrative order. As of 2026, penalties for violating immigration codes—such as overstaying a visa, working without proper authorization, or failing to register temporary residence—range from monetary administrative fines to forced deportation and entry bans. Whether entering via an eVisa or a visa exemption, foreign nationals are expected to adhere to these statutes strictly. Ignorance of legal requirements does not negate liability.
1. Visa Overstay Penalties
Overstaying is a primary immigration violation. The imposed fines are strictly correlated with the duration of the overstay. In accordance with updated government regulations under Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, administrative fines for individuals overstaying are structured as follows:
- Under 16 days: Fine of 500,000 to 2,000,000 VND.
- 16 to under 30 days: Fine of 5,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND.
- 30 to under 60 days: Fine of 10,000,000 to 15,000,000 VND.
- 60 to under 90 days: Fine of 15,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND.
- 90 to under 180 days: Fine of 20,000,000 to 25,000,000 VND.
- 180 days to under 1 year: Fine of 25,000,000 to 30,000,000 VND.
- 1 year or more: Fine of 30,000,000 to 40,000,000 VND, accompanied by forced deportation.
Severe overstays not only incur substantial financial penalties but also carry a high probability of an entry ban (blacklisting) from Vietnam for a period of 1 to 5 years.
2. Unauthorized Employment Violations
Foreign nationals are prohibited from engaging in income-generating activities on a tourist visa (including the standard eVisa). Individuals discovered working without a valid work permit and appropriate visa category face stringent punitive measures.
- Administrative fine for employees: 15,000,000 to 25,000,000 VND.
- Immediate deportation from Vietnam.
- Employers found illegally hiring foreign workers are subject to substantial corporate fines ranging from 30,000,000 to 75,000,000 VND.
3. Failure to Register Temporary Residence
Vietnamese law dictates that all foreign nationals must register their temporary residence within 24 hours of arrival at any accommodation. While commercial establishments (hotels, guesthouses) perform this automatically, individuals residing in private apartments or private residences must ensure the landlord registers them online. Failure to register can result in administrative fines ranging from 500,000 to 2,000,000 VND.
4. Lost Passport and Visa Protocols
Losing a passport in Vietnam requires immediate administrative action. The loss must be reported promptly to the ward police station possessing jurisdiction over the area where the loss occurred. Failure to report a lost or damaged passport or visa is a violation subject to a fine of 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 VND. Following the police report, individuals must contact their respective diplomatic mission for a replacement passport and subsequently apply to the Vietnam Immigration Department for an exit visa.
Maintain secure digital backups of the passport data page, the approved eVisa, and the entry stamp to expedite replacement procedures.
Remittance of Immigration Fines
Immigration fines cannot be settled in cash directly with immigration officers at airport departure gates. Violators must report to a central Immigration Department office, receive an official penalty decision, and remit the fine at a designated state treasury or authorized bank. Only upon completion of this process is an exit visa issued. This procedure requires multiple working days, necessitating travel itinerary adjustments.
Compliance and Prevention
Strict adherence to legal frameworks is the optimal method to prevent penalties. Foreign nationals must continuously monitor visa validity dates. Individuals requiring extended stays should verify current visa requirements and initiate applications for a new eVisa prior to existing visa expiration. Consult the comprehensive eVisa guide for further regulatory details.