Information for U.S. Citizens on Visas for Vietnam by U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam

adminVS April 19, 2020

SOURCE: U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam

Information for U.S. Citizens on Visas for Vietnam

U.S. Embassy Hanoi and Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City – American Citizen Services (ACS )
Information for U.S. Citizens on Visas for Vietnam
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the Government of Vietnam has issued a number of visa and entry restrictions, which are subject to change at any time. U.S. citizens should be aware of the following measures taken by the Government of Vietnam:
The Government of Vietnam has suspended the issuance of visas for foreigners entering Vietnam effective March 18 until further notice.
As of March 22, the Government of Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners into Vietnam, including people with a Vietnamese visa exemption certificate.
Due to the extension of a nationwide maximum social distancing directive by Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Vietnamese immigration offices are closed until April 22.
U.S. citizens are advised to follow visa and heath regulations imposed by Vietnamese authorities during their time in Vietnam, and are reminded of the U.S. Department of State’s recent Level 4 Global Health Alert.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. I am a U.S. citizen in Vietnam. My visa has expired or is about to expire. What should I do?
The Vietnamese government has told the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General that foreigners who have work visas or other sponsored, non-tourist visas must work with their sponsors to extend their work permit and request visa extensions.
U.S. citizens on tourist visas who have overstayed and/or need extensions should work with Vietnamese immigration authorities and follow the proper procedures to resolve immigration-related issues. U.S. citizens may contact a tourist agency that can sponsor foreigners seeking to extend their visas for Vietnam without having to depart and re-enter Vietnam.
U.S. citizens in quarantine who are unable to exit Vietnam before their tourist visa expires may pay a fee upon departure at the airport. In certain cases, the Vietnamese Department of Immigration may waive the administrative fee for overstays that do not exceed 10 days for reasons beyond an individual’s control. The individual must be able to present proof of those circumstances to the immigration authorities. If you have been in quarantine and booked a flight, we may be able to issue a supporting letter. To request assistance from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General, please use the form here.
2. I’ve heard immigration offices are closed and I cannot extend my visa until these offices re-open. What happens to my visa during the closure of immigration offices?
The Vietnamese Immigration Department has closed all immigration offices and suspended visa services through April 22 in response to the Vietnamese government’s extension of social distancing guidelines. The closure of immigration offices is subject to potential extension by Vietnamese authorities. U.S. citizens who remain in Vietnam and require a visa extension should work with their sponsors and/or proceed to the nearest immigration office on April 23 to request extension services. Vietnamese immigration authorities have informed us that U.S. citizens with visas that expire during the closure will not be considered overstays for the period of April 1-22. If your visa expires during the closure of immigration offices and you wish to depart Vietnam back to the United States, you should proceed to the departure airport and be processed for exit without paying an administrative penalty.
3. I entered Vietnam on a tourist visa that has expired, or will soon expire, and I am interested in staying in Vietnam. Can the U.S. Embassy or Consulate sponsor my visa extension?
The U.S. Embassy Hanoi and Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City cannot sponsor U.S. citizens in visa matters. U.S. citizens are responsible for directly addressing immigration-related problems with Vietnamese immigration authorities, such as overstaying a visa, visa extensions, visa renewals, and new visa applications. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General cannot ask local authorities to give individual U.S. citizens special treatment or exempt them from local laws.
4. My visa expired as a direct result of the COVID-19 situation and was beyond my control. What can the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General do to support my visa extension request?
In certain cases, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General may be able to provide U.S. citizens with a letter in support of a tourist visa extension or exit visa if their intended stay in Vietnam has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. U.S. citizens interested in requesting this letter can submit an inquiry here. Please provide detailed information about your situation, including your full name, date of birth, U.S. passport number, and the date of expiration of your Vietnamese visa. This is a temporary measure that will only be in effect during times of heightened travel difficulties due to limited international flight availability and entry and exit restrictions in response to COVID-19.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General cannot confirm whether this letter will result in a visa extension being granted by local authorities when their offices reopen. The decision whether to grant a visa extension rests solely with the Vietnamese authorities reviewing an application. In cases where Vietnamese authorities decide not to grant a visa extension, there is nothing else the U.S. Embassy and Consulate can do. U.S. citizens must comply with the decision.
5. What are some suggested travel and visa agencies that can assist me with my visa extension request?
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General cannot recommend specific travel and visa agents. We recommend U.S. citizens refer to the list of accredited agents provided by the Vietnam Tourism Administration website for more information.
6. Where can I find information on Vietnamese immigration and visa regulations?
U.S. citizens may consult the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security’s national web portal on immigration for information. The English version of the website can be accessed here. The website of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States also offers information on visa applications for Vietnam (available in Vietnamese and English).
7. How can I remain informed of other important updates related to regulations implemented by the Government of Vietnam during the COVID-19 situation that might impact U.S. citizens?
We recommend U.S. citizens check the Embassy’s COVID-19 page daily for information, and register or update their information in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
For Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Hanoi
From outside Vietnam: +84-24-3850-5000
From the U.S.: 011-84-24-3850-5000
From landline within Hanoi: 3850-5000
From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 024-3850-5000
Submit an Inquiry Form
U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City
From outside Vietnam: +84-28-3520-4200
From the U.S.: 011-84-28-3520-4200
From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 028-3520-4200
Submit an Inquiry Form
Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444