Exit Procedures for Foreigners Leaving Vietnam

Leaving Vietnam is normally just passport control. Three situations make it complicated, and all three are avoidable.

1. Your status has expired

An expired visa or residence card must be settled before you reach the airport: the penalty procedure is handled at the Immigration Department, not at the gate. Fines run from 500,000 to 10,000,000 VND depending on the days — see overstay penalties. Arriving at departure with an overstay means a missed flight in most cases.

2. Your passport is lost

Report the loss to the local police, obtain a replacement or emergency travel document from your embassy, then apply to the Immigration Department for an exit permit matching the new document. Allow several working days.

3. Exit suspension

Exit can be suspended where there are unresolved criminal, civil, tax or administrative obligations. If you suspect this applies — for example an ongoing labour or tax dispute — check before booking, not at the counter.

Residence card holders

You leave and re-enter on the card itself while it is valid; no exit formality is needed. If the card expires while you are abroad, you need a new entry document to come back — see approval letters.

Company staff leaving for good

Return the residence card, close the work permit with the labour authority and file the departure with the sponsor. Leaving a card active against a company you no longer work for creates liability for both sides — see the HR guide.