Vietnam Visa Overstay Under 15 Days: Consulting & Paying the Airport Fine

Foreigners who overstay their Vietnam visa by 1 to 15 days (under 16 days) face a fine of VND 500,000–2,000,000 under Article 21 of Decree 282/2025/NĐ-CP. For short overstays with a straightforward case, the fine can usually be handled right at the airport border gate on departure: immigration officers make a violation record, you pay the fine and then board your flight. Info Travel advises you in advance on whether you can go straight to the airport, what documents and cash to bring, when to arrive at the airport, and supports you if any issue arises. Message us on WhatsApp +84327828822 with a photo of your passport data page and entry stamp for immediate advice.

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What is a visa overstay in Vietnam?

A visa overstay (overstaying your permitted stay) happens when a foreigner remains in Vietnam after their permitted stay expires, even by just 1 day. The expiry date is shown on your visa, e-visa, entry stamp (for visa-exempt visitors, e.g. 45 days), visa exemption certificate or temporary residence card. Many travelers overstay because they mix up dates, their flight is cancelled or delayed, they fall ill and are hospitalized, or they assume a 90-day visa counts from the issue date rather than the validity shown on the visa.

Fines for overstaying a visa by under 16 days

Days overstayed	Fine (Article 21, Decree 282/2025/NĐ-CP)
Under 16 days (1–15 days)	VND 500,000–2,000,000
16 days or more	From VND 5,000,000, rising to VND 30,000,000–40,000,000; possible deportation

Decree 282/2025/NĐ-CP took effect on 15 December 2025, replacing Decree 144/2021/NĐ-CP. The exact fine within the range is decided by the competent officer, depending on mitigating or aggravating circumstances. If you have overstayed by 16 days or more, see our consulting service for paying visa overstay fines over 15 days.

Paying the overstay fine at the airport: when it works and when it doesn’t

For short overstays, many travelers settle the matter directly at the exit immigration counter of an international airport (Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc…). This works when:

The overstay is under 16 days.
You are leaving on your booked flight and do not need to stay in Vietnam any longer.
Your passport is intact and there are no other violations (illegal work, lost passport, ongoing investigation, unpaid fines for previous violations…).
Your temporary residence was properly registered throughout your stay in Vietnam.

Do not go straight to the airport if: you have overstayed by 16 days or more, you have lost your passport or been issued a new one, you need to stay longer to work or await an extension, or your residence information is unclear. These cases must first be handled at the provincial Immigration Office or the Immigration Department. In addition, how each case is handled at the border gate is decided by the immigration officers case by case, so always allow extra time.

Tips for paying an overstay fine at the airport

Arrive early: at least 3–4 hours before an international flight, as making the violation record and paying the fine takes extra time.
Bring cash in VND covering the maximum fine of the range (VND 2,000,000) and keep the receipt/penalty decision.
Prepare your documents: passport, printed visa/e-visa, flight ticket, hotel or accommodation confirmation; if you overstayed for reasons beyond your control, bring supporting evidence (hospital papers, flight cancellation notice).
Explain honestly to the immigration officer and sign the record as instructed.
Change your ticket early if needed: once you know you have overstayed, avoid booking a flight with a tight schedule.

Want to stay in Vietnam? Settle it at the immigration office

If you have overstayed by under 16 days but are not ready to leave Vietnam, you need to visit the immigration authority to pay the fine, then apply for a visa extension or a new visa (if eligible and sponsored by an agency or organization). Info Travel helps prepare the documents and explanation and handles the follow-up procedures.

Info Travel’s consulting service for visa overstays under 15 days

Accurate calculation of your overstay days based on your visa, entry stamp and temporary residence card.
Advice on how to proceed: pay the fine at the airport on departure, or settle it first at the immigration office.
Preparation of documents and explanation letters (if you overstayed for reasons beyond your control) and step-by-step guidance at the airport.
Support if you want to stay: paying the fine, visa extension, a new visa or a temporary residence card.
English-speaking support, fast same-day service in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and other provinces.

Fines are paid directly to the competent authority according to the penalty decision, with an official receipt. Info Travel only charges a fee for consulting and document support – message us on WhatsApp +84327828822 for a quote. See also: what to do if you overstay your visa in Vietnam and exit procedures for foreigners.

Frequently asked questions

Will I be fined for overstaying by 1–2 days?

Yes. Overstaying even by 1 day is a violation and falls into the under-16-day fine range: VND 500,000–2,000,000.

Will an overstay of under 16 days get me banned from re-entering?

This level of violation is usually punished with a fine only. However, the violation is recorded and may be taken into account when you next apply for a visa, so do not let it happen again.

What if a cancelled flight caused my overstay?

Keep the airline’s cancellation or delay notice and present it when dealing with the competent authority; it may be considered when deciding the fine.