Your e-visa is about to expire while you’re still in Vietnam — can you get an “e-visa extension”? The straight answer: Vietnamese law does NOT provide any procedure for “extending an electronic visa”. An expired e-visa simply loses its validity. This article sets out the three lawful alternatives and the fine schedule for overstaying.
1. There is no “e-visa extension” procedure
Current law contains no provision for extending an electronic visa. Once an e-visa expires, it loses all validity — it cannot be “topped up” by another 30 or 90 days. Some service websites advertising “e-visa extensions” are spreading incorrect information; foreigners should be cautious.
The legal reason: the temporary residence extension procedure (Article 35 of Law 47/2014) requires an inviting/guaranteeing entity to file — whereas an e-visa is applied for by the foreigner personally through the electronic system, with no guaranteeing entity. The extension mechanism therefore does not apply to self-applied e-visa holders.
2. Three lawful alternatives
Option 1 — Convert purpose (no exit required)
If you already hold a work permit or a work-permit-exemption certificate (under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP), an e-visa entrant may have their visa converted and be issued a new visa with the appropriate symbol and validity (LD1/LD2) under Article 7.4.d and 7.5, following Article 19 procedures.
Option 2 — A new guaranteeing entity
If an agency, organisation or individual in Vietnam agrees to invite and guarantee you (falling under Article 7.4.a, b or c) → apply for a new visa or temporary residence extension through that guaranteeing entity (Articles 19 / 35).
Option 3 — Exit and apply for a new e-visa
Exit Vietnam before the e-visa expires, then apply for a new electronic visa through the electronic transaction system.
3. Staying past expiry = overstaying: the fines
Remaining in Vietnam after your e-visa expires without completing a lawful procedure constitutes overstaying, punishable under Article 21 of Decree 282/2025/ND-CP:
- Overstay under 16 days: fine of VND 500,000 – 2,000,000;
- Overstay 16 days to under 30 days: fine of VND 5,000,000 – 10,000,000;
- Overstay 30 days to under 60 days: fine of VND 10,000,000 – 15,000,000;
- Overstay 60 days to under 90 days: fine of VND 15,000,000 – 20,000,000;
- Overstay 90 days to under 180 days: fine of VND 20,000,000 – 25,000,000;
- Overstay 180 days to under 1 year: fine of VND 25,000,000 – 30,000,000;
- Overstay 1 year or more: fine of VND 30,000,000 – 40,000,000.
Serious cases may face compulsory exit (Article 30 of Law 47/2014) or deportation (Decree 59/2026/ND-CP) — two distinct sanctions — and may affect future entries (Article 21 of Law 47/2014 on cases of denied entry).
4. Recommendation
Complete any conversion or extension procedure BEFORE your e-visa expires. Do not let it expire first and deal with it afterwards — the longer the overstay, the higher the fine and the greater the risk of compulsory exit or deportation.
Applicable legal framework (in force at the time of writing)
- Law 47/2014/QH13 (VBHN 62/VBHN-VPQH) — Articles 7.4.d, 7.5, 19, 21, 30, 35.
- Decree 282/2025/ND-CP — replaces Decree 144/2021/ND-CP (expired, no longer applicable).
- Decree 59/2026/ND-CP (deportation) — replaces Decree 142/2021/ND-CP (expired).
- Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (work permits) — replaces Decree 152/2020/ND-CP (expired).
Frequently asked questions
Can an e-visa be extended by 30 more days?
No. The law provides no e-visa extension procedure; an expired e-visa loses its validity.
I’m in Vietnam on an e-visa and got a job — what should I do?
With a work permit (or exemption confirmation), you can convert and be issued a new LD1/LD2 visa without exiting (Article 7.4.d).
What is the fine for overstaying an e-visa by 20 days?
Under Article 21 of Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, overstaying 16 days to under 30 days is fined VND 5,000,000 to 10,000,000.
Related articles: Can a tourist visa (DL) be converted to a work visa in Vietnam? · Which border gates can foreigners enter Vietnam with an e-visa?
Sources
- Articles 7, 19, 21, 30, 35 — Law 47/2014/QH13 (VBHN 62/VBHN-VPQH).
- Article 21, Decree 282/2025/ND-CP of the Government.
- Decrees 59/2026/ND-CP and 219/2025/ND-CP of the Government.
For reference only — not legal advice. This content was quality-checked by the AI Legal Council and has not been reviewed by a human lawyer.
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