While you are inside Vietnam, extending an e-visa is not possible. According to the portal, e-visas are granted to foreigners who intend to enter Vietnam, and not to people who are already present in the country.
If you are already in Vietnam, or you are about to arrive and want to know how to gain extra time, this guide is written for you. It is an independent guide for travellers, and not a government page. Whenever you need something binding, consult the government portal at evisa.gov.vn/faq. We do not submit applications, collect fees or grant visas; our role is to explain the rules as published.
Is it possible for you to prolong your stay while inside Vietnam?
Staying longer from within the country is not an option, whether you hold an e-visa or arrived visa-free. As the Immigration Department’s e-visa notices set out, an e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and may be single or multiple entry. Travellers from eligible countries receive 45 days of visa-free entry: citizens of the UK, Germany, France, Japan and South Korea qualify under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP (in force 15 March 2025 – 14 March 2028), while Polish, Dutch and Czech citizens qualify under Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP (in force 15 August 2025 – 14 August 2028, for tourism purposes).
One route exists that does not amount to an extension. According to the portal, e-visa holders in Vietnam may have the option of applying for a new visa, provided a Vietnamese authority, organisation or individual invites or guarantees them. What you receive is a brand-new visa rather than extra time on the existing one.
How to get a new visa while already in Vietnam
Which path suits you depends on your ability to arrange a Vietnamese sponsor.
Option A: a new visa through a local sponsor
Should an authority, organisation or individual in Vietnam invite or guarantee you, you could qualify to apply for a new visa in line with the Law on Foreigners’ Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence.
Option B: leave and apply for a new e-visa
Once you have left Vietnam, apply for a fresh e-visa through evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.gov.vn:
Pay the fee
25 USD for single entry or 50 USD for multiple entry
Allow processing time
Normally 3 working days, up to 15 when checks are required
Arrive through a designated gate
Applications may be submitted up to one year ahead of your planned return
Vietnam visa extension: common mistakes
- Submitting an e-visa application online while you are still in Vietnam. It is not offered to people already here.
- Remaining past your permitted stay while chasing a new visa. Overstaying is against the law and may create difficulties at exit; unless a sponsor has already secured your new visa, leave before your permitted stay ends.
- Failing to make your temporary residence declaration. Give your first address, then report every move through your accommodation manager.
- Omitting previous violations from the form. That by itself can result in your e-visa being refused.
- Counting on a refund. No refund is given, even when the visa is denied.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for a Vietnam visa extension online while still in the country?
No. E-visas are intended for foreigners who wish to enter Vietnam, not for those already residing here.
What occurs if my e-visa runs out before I depart Vietnam?
You would be overstaying, which is unlawful and may lead to problems at exit. Where a sponsor is able to invite or guarantee you, a new visa is the lawful route. If not, leave before your permitted stay comes to an end.
Is it possible to obtain a new e-visa without leaving Vietnam?
No. A new e-visa can be requested only after you have departed Vietnam, after which you re-enter through a designated international border gate.
What is the cost of a new Vietnam e-visa?
The cost is 25 USD for single entry or 50 USD for multiple entry. No refund is available, even if your application is turned down.
After I leave, what is the duration of e-visa processing?
As a rule, 3 working days once the fee has been paid and your details are complete. Where verification is required, allow 3 to 15 working days.
Do I have to leave through the same border gate that I entered through?
No. You are still required to use an international border gate designated by the government and listed on the portal.
Sources and verification
- Vietnam National e-Visa Portal (Immigration Department): charges, 90-day validity, processing times, terms stating that fees are not refundable
- Vietnam National e-Visa Portal – FAQs: who is eligible to apply, applying after departure, border gates, residence declarations
- Viet Nam Immigration Department – e-Visa application form: the entry point for the government application
- Government of Viet Nam online newspaper – Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP: 45-day visa exemption covering 12 countries
- Government of Viet Nam online newspaper – Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP: 45-day exemption granted under the Tourism Stimulus Program
- Government of Viet Nam e-newspaper – Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP: e-visas available to every country and territory as of 15 August 2023
- Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam: details on visa exemptions
