How to extend tourist visa
VGP – The Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to the questions on tourist visa extension raised by a foreign tourist named Anat Sever in an email dated August 25, 2014.
Question:
I have a travel visa type C1 that expired at the 03/09/2014.
How can I extend the visa?
From which city can I do it? (for example- Ha Noi or other cities?
How long before the visa expire should I submit you my passport and how?
How long does this process take?
What is the price for extending the visa directly (with no travel agency)?
Answer:
The Joint Circular No. 04/2002/TTLT-BCA-BNG dated January 29, 2002 providing detailed regulations and guidance on the implementation of the Ordinance on Entry, Exit and Residence of Foreigners in Viet Nam:
A) Foreigners applying for extension of their temporary residence certificates, or having their visas provided, supplemented or adjusted have to work with immigration agencies through the agencies, organizations and individuals that gave them a letter of guarantee or an invitation.
Agencies, organizations and individuals that provide a guarantee or a letter of invitation for foreigners have to send written requests together with their guests' passports to the Viet Nam Immigration Department [under the Ministry of Public Security] or the [provincial-level] immigration offices.
When foreigners apply for an extension in temporary residence to deal with their private business, they can directly submit the application at the Viet Nam Immigration Department or the immigration offices.
B) Foreigners who wish to change their temporary residence purposes in Viet Nam have to process required procedures with the immigration agencies via their guaranteed or inviting agencies, organizations and individuals.
The agencies, organizations and individuals that offer a guarantee to the conversion of temporary residence purposes have to send a written request together with their guests' passports to the Viet Nam Immigration Department or the immigration offices.
The request settlement will take five working days. When foreigners are approved to change the temporary residence purposes, they will receive certificates issued by the Viet Nam Immigration Department or the Immigration Offices.
According to Circular No.190/2012/TT-BTC dated November 09, 2012 of the Ministry of Finance amending and supplementing Circular No.66/2009/TT-BTC stipulating the regime on collection, remittance, management and use of fees on passports, visas and papers on entry, exit, transit and residence in Viet Nam, one-time visa extension costs US$45.
