Many foreign visitors to Vietnam have ended up staying longer than their original plans, and it’s easy to see why. The country is filled with so many interesting sights and the cost of living is so cheap. Not only that, Vietnamese foods are delicious and cheap. So even if you stay in the country for several months, you do not have to worry about going beyond your travel budget.

But before you decide to extend your stay in Vietnam, you need to first think about your visa. Remember, your visa is only valid for a certain period. If you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam, then you should extend your visa as well.

But what happens to those who are not holding a visa since they are qualified for a visa-free entry into the country? In this case, your best option is to apply for a visa renewal. Here’s what you need to know about this.

What Is A Visa Renewal?

Visa renewal is the process of renewing your Vietnam visa by issuing a new visa. Unlike the visa extension where the validity of your visa will be extended, the visa renewal will give you a new visa, which is why it’s a great option for those who are not holding any visa at all.

Applying for a visa renewal is like applying for a new visa. You will be asked to choose the type of visa that you want, such as single entry or multiple entries. If you want, you can also choose between the 30-day and 60-day validity. Because a new visa will be issued, you can expect to pay more for the processing fees of a visa renewal. Nevertheless, it’s a great option for foreign visitors who wanted to renew their Vietnam visas without having to exit the country.

Where to Get a Visa Renewal?

The Vietnam visa renewal is such a great option. But where can you apply for a visa renewal in Vietnam? You can get a visa renewal directly from the Immigration Department of Vietnam or through a travel agent.

👉 Immigration Department of Vietnam

You can get a visa renewal directly from the Immigration Department of Vietnam. You will be asked to fill out the application form, just like applying for a new visa. Then you need to submit your passport and other documents that Vietnam Immigration will require. It’s a good idea to call them in advance to ask what requirements are needed.

There are many Immigration Offices all over Vietnam. It is best to go to the office that’s close to your area. Make sure you bring your passport with you when you go to Vietnam Immigration. When you arrive at the office, you will be asked to fill out an application form. Fill out the form completely and choose the type of visa that you want. It could take up to a week for Vietnam Immigration to process your request. Once it’s available, a new visa will be attached to your passport.

👉 Through a Travel Agent 

If you do not want to deal with the Vietnam Immigration Department directly, you can hire a travel agent that can process the visa renewal on your behalf. The agent will be able to facilitate the visa renewal so you do not need to visit the office personally. All you will do is to give the requirements and fill out the application form.

The biggest advantage of hiring an agent for your visa renewal is convenience. You do not need to go to the Immigration Office yourself. Some agents have a website where you can send in the scanned copy of your documents. If they need the actual copy, they can arrange for someone to pick up the requirements from your place, which is very convenient. Since they are experts in the processing of Vietnam visas, they can deal with any issues that you could face when getting your Vietnam visa renewed.

How Long Will It Take for your Vietnam Visa to Be Renewed?

The usual processing time for visa renewal is 3 – 7 business days. Sometimes, it could take up to ten working days. If there are no issues, you could get your visa renewed within a week. But then again, this will also depend on some factors. Sometimes, Vietnam Immigration will ask you to submit additional documents before they can proceed with the visa renewal. Make sure to submit these requirements as soon as you can so as not to delay your visa renewal.

If you need your visa to be renewed as soon as possible, you can ask a travel agent to expedite the process. You will be charged additional fees for this, but it is highly recommended if your visa is due to expire in only a few days. Remember, the penalty fees for overstaying are very expensive.