Do You Need an Exit Visa to Leave Vietnam? Costs & What Happens if You Overstay

Last update: Sunday August 24, 2025

If you're preparing to leave Vietnam, you may be wondering whether you need an exit visa Vietnam requires. While most travelers with a valid visa can exit the country without issue, certain situations do require an exit visa from immigration authorities.

When Is an Exit Visa Required?

The travel document that the Vietnam Immigration Department issues to permit its holder to depart Vietnam is known as an Exit Vietnam visa. Typically, an exit visa for Vietnam is only good for 15 days after it is issued.

An exit visa is necessary in the following cases:

• You have overstayed your visa

• You lost your passport

• Your visa or temporary residence has expired

• You're resolving legal or immigration issues in Vietnam

• Babies born in Vietnam who hold foreign citizenship

If you fall into any of these categories, you will need to file an exit visa application before you can legally leave the country.

Exit Visa Application Process

You must go to a Vietnam Immigration Office in a city like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City to start the exit visa application process. Typical prerequisites consist of:

• A current passport or, in the event of its loss, a police report

• Completed application for an exit visa 

• Evidence that you live or stay in Vietnam

• A documented justification for any overstay

• A confirmed flight reservation or itinerary

• If you wish to apply for an exit visa for your baby, you will need to submit the child’s birth certificate, the NA5 visa application form, and the parents’ original passports along with valid visas, temporary residence cards, or work permits

Applying early is crucial, especially if your travel date is approaching, as processing typically takes a few working days.

For example, to report the incident (such as a lost or stolen passport), you should first go to the closest police station. The police will provide an official statement after you file the report, which is necessary to move forward with getting your exit visa and a replacement travel document.

Next, pay a visit to the embassy or consulate of your nation in Vietnam.

What Happens if You Overstay?

Overstaying your visa in Vietnam can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Delays at immigration checkpoints

• Possible denial of departure until resolved

• Restrictions on future travel to Vietnam

The authorities may ask you to fulfil specific requirements before allowing you to depart Vietnam. It is strongly advised that you take care of any visa-related concerns well in advance of when you plan to depart.

We can assess your circumstances and offer the necessary advice if there is a chance that you might overstay your visa.

Need Help?

If you're currently in Vietnam and unsure about your visa status or need assistance with an exit visa application, we’re here to help. For fast, professional support with overstay visa cases, please contact us here.

Whether you need a fast visa, airport fast track, private car, or eSIM, Vietnam-Immi.org is here 24/7 to support your trip.

Whatsapp: +84379522522

Hotline: +84.379.522.522

Email: sales@vietnam-immi.org