Table of Contents
Information on the penalties for overstaying a Vietnam visa in 2026, including administrative fines, deportation procedures, and instructions for resolving immigration status.
Overstaying a Visa in Vietnam (2026 Regulations)
Overstaying a visa in Vietnam is an administrative violation of immigration law. Since the implementation of updated e-Visa regulations in August 2023, the Vietnam Immigration Department strictly enforces visa validity periods. An overstay occurs when an individual remains in Vietnam past the date specified on their visa or entry stamp.
Administrative Fines for Visa Overstay (Decree 144/2021/ND-CP)
Financial penalties for overstaying are determined by the duration of the violation. Under current regulations (Decree 144/2021/ND-CP), administrative fines are assessed as follows:
| Days Overstayed | Administrative Fine (VND) | USD Equivalent (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 16 days | 500,000 - 2,000,000 VND | $20 - $80 |
| 16 to 29 days | 3,000,000 - 5,000,000 VND | $120 - $200 |
| 30 to 59 days | 5,000,000 - 10,000,000 VND | $200 - $400 |
| 60 to 89 days | 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND | $400 - $600 |
| 90 days or more | 15,000,000 - 20,000,000 VND | $600 - $800 |
Fines are assessed by Immigration Officers. Payment must be made in Vietnamese Dong (VND) before an exit clearance is granted.
Additional Legal Consequences
In addition to financial penalties, overstaying may result in further administrative actions:
- Deportation: Individuals may be subject to forced removal from Vietnam.
- Entry Ban: Individuals may be placed on a blacklist, prohibiting re-entry to Vietnam for a period of 1 to 10 years, depending on the severity of the violation.
- Detention: In severe cases, individuals may be held in administrative detention pending the resolution of their immigration status.
- Future Visa Processing: A record of immigration violations will affect future visa applications and may lead to a visa denial.
Procedures for Resolving an Overstay
If a visa has expired, individuals must address their status with immigration authorities before attempting to depart.
- Short Overstays (1-2 days): Individuals should arrive at the airport departure terminal early, report to the immigration counter, declare the overstay, and pay the required fine.
- Longer Overstays: Individuals must present themselves to the Vietnam Immigration Department headquarters in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City to process an exit visa. The administrative fine must be paid before an exit stamp is issued.
Do not use unauthorized third-party services that offer illegal visa extensions or backdated exit stamps. The use of fraudulent documents is a criminal offense under Vietnamese law.
Maintaining Legal Status
To comply with immigration laws, visitors should adhere to the following practices:
- Verify the exit date on the entry stamp immediately upon arrival.
- Monitor the visa expiration date.
- If a longer stay is required, individuals must exit Vietnam and apply for a new e-Visa via the National Web Portal on Immigration prior to returning.
- Review guidance on common e-Visa mistakes for further information.