Foreign nationals whose visa for Vietnam is about to expire can extend their temporary stay without going to the Immigration Department themselves: the application can be filed online by the sponsoring agency or organisation, and the result can be received by post. This article explains how to extend a visa by post or online, which documents to prepare and what to watch out for so you don’t overstay.
Ways to extend a visa for foreign nationals
| Submission method | Who submits | Receiving the result |
|---|---|---|
| In person at the Immigration Department or the Immigration Office of the Provincial Police | The sponsoring agency, organisation or individual | In person or by post |
| Online visa extension on the Ministry of Public Security public service portal | A sponsoring agency or organisation with an account | By post (public postal service) or in person |
| Through a service provider such as Info Travel | We prepare the file; the sponsor signs | Door-to-door delivery |
Foreign nationals cannot file an extension application in their own name; they must be sponsored by an agency, an organisation or a relative who is a Vietnamese citizen.
How does a visa extension by post work?
- Step 1: the sponsor prepares and submits the file (in person or online) and chooses to receive the result via the postal service.
- Step 2: pay the government fee and delivery charge as instructed.
- Step 3: the post office delivers the passport with the extension to the registered address.
This option is convenient for people living in distant provinces, but you need to apply early because of the extra delivery time. Do not send your passport by post when your visa has only a few days left.
Visa extension documents
- Application form for a visa / extension of temporary stay (form NA5), confirmed by the sponsor.
- Original valid passport, with the current visa or entry stamp.
- Documents proving the purpose of stay: work permit, investment certificate, proof of family relationship, etc.
- For organisations sponsoring for the first time: registration of seal and signature specimens.
More details: visa extension documents · visa extension service for foreigners · visa run or visa extension.
Processing time and tips
- Processing usually takes about 5 working days, not including delivery time.
- Submit the application at least 7–10 days before your visa expires.
- Tourist visas and e-visas usually cannot be extended; to stay longer, a sponsor must apply for a new visa, or you must leave and re-enter the country.
- Once you have overstayed, the visa can no longer be extended; the violation must be dealt with first. See what to do if you overstay your visa in Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions
Can a visa be extended online?
Yes, if the sponsor has an account on the Ministry of Public Security public service portal. Individual foreign nationals cannot apply online for themselves.
Where do I apply for a visa extension for a foreigner in Ho Chi Minh City?
At the Immigration Office of Ho Chi Minh City Police, at the Immigration Department’s office in Ho Chi Minh City, or online. Info Travel handles full-service visa extensions in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and the provinces.
Info Travel – Solution for all visa problems
Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822 – Hotline: +84903782118
Email: congthongtinvisa@gmail.com
